The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) kicks off the spring semester with a dynamic line-up of exhibitions and events. RAFFMA will celebrate two exhibitions at a public reception on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 1-4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

The exhibit, "SEAMS: Work by Francis Almendárez,” invites visitors to explore the diverse works of artist, filmmaker and CSUSB faculty member, Francis Almendárez. Almendárez's pieces, including selections from the ongoing series "Worker Pants" and a reinstallation of "rhythm and (p)leisure," delve into personal history and cultural expression, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. The exhibition, featuring a unique community participation component, will be on display until April 20.

Simultaneously, RAFFMA has unveiled "Unfinished," a student-curated exhibition of 18 original drawings from the museum's collection. Student assistants, Aleah Galvan, Leslie Madrigal, Samuel Marshall, and Khoa Nguyen led the curation, offering visitors a glimpse into the raw, unfiltered creative process. Challenging traditional notions of completion, "Unfinished" includes a studio area where visitors can contribute their own drawings. The exhibit will run until April 20.

In collaboration with the Riverside Art Museum, RAFFMA will host a public lecture by artist Rico Gatson on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. Gatson, a Riverside native now based in Brooklyn, explores the complexities of Black life through his graphic compositions influenced by optical art and Constructivist propaganda. His work will be on display at the Riverside Art Museum until April 7.

This year also marks the launch of a year-long initiative dedicated to revisiting and rediscovering RAFFMA's collection, beginning with a spotlight on Korean ceramics. The Mueller Gallery will exhibit the ceramics collection throughout February and March while ongoing research and documentation efforts are conducted. Visitors are encouraged to view the ceramics and watch the progress.

For more information, visit the RAFFMA website.