The exhibit “Through Their Eyes,” which features selections from the Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, will be on display at the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) at Cal State San Bernardino starting Sept. 12 until Dec. 3. An opening reception will be hosted at RAFFMA Saturday, Sept. 10 from 5-7 p.m.

Ernest and June Siva, who are longtime friends and contributors to the university and the community, founded the nonprofit Dorothy Ramon Learning Center in Banning in 2003. The center, which is named after Ernest Siva’s aunt, was created to help preserve and educate people on Southern California’s Native American cultures. The RAFFMA exhibit consists of sculptures and paintings created by local Cahuilla and Serrano artists, including Gerald Clarke and Billy ‘War Soldier’ Soza.

Native American Indian art serves as a tangible representation of their societal perspective, cultures and histories. Native American Indian art is underrepresented in our area and this exhibit serves as a public display of personal, cultural and spiritual perspectives of local artists that are members of Native American nations of Southern California Indian Tribes. By focusing on visibility, we ensure that we lessen the risk of losing certain traditional teachings of culture, languages, history and art.

“Through Their Eyes” is one of three exhibits coming to RAFFMA. The others include “Drive-Thru Nation” and “The Changes You Made May Not Be Saved,” all on display starting Sept. 12.

RSVP to the opening reception at the RAFFMA RSVP webpage.

About the Dorothy Ramon Learning Center
The Dorothy Ramon Learning Center (DRLC) located in Banning, California was established to share Native American cultural knowledge. Although it is not a museum, the center collects artifacts that reflect traditional teachings of cultures, languages, history and art. These cultural identities are alive; through vibrant collaboration with Tribal and other communities, we gain accurate information and nurture what otherwise might be lost. 

Dorothy Ramon was an elder knowledgeable in traditional ways and recognized as the last pure speaker of the Serrano language, that is, the last person who thought and dreamed in Serrano first, before English. In her final years before her passing in 2002, she worked tirelessly with a linguist and helped save the region’s own Serrano language and much cultural knowledge. Her nephew, Ernest H. Siva, is the founding president of the Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, an organization that was established to carry on and expand her work to include all Indian nations of Southern California. Dorothy Ramon symbolizes those Indian Elders, brought up knowing their languages and cultures, who are willing to share this knowledge.

About RAFFMA
The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, houses a collection that includes Egyptian antiquities, ceramics and contemporary art, and hosts 10-12 temporary exhibitions a year. Located at California State University San Bernardino, RAFFMA presents one of the largest public displays of ancient Egyptian art in Southern California.

The museum offers a variety of opportunities providing valuable hands-on work experience and preparation for future museum-related careers for CSUSB students. We are a great location for hosting corporate events, networking events, meetings, social gatherings and K-12 school field trips. When you visit RAFFMA, you find it’s more than a museum – it’s an unforgettable experience.

General admission to the museum is free. Suggested donation is $3. Parking at Cal State San Bernardino is $3-6 per vehicle, depending on duration ($3 on weekends).

RAFFMA Hours
Monday – Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Closed Friday and Sunday

Visit the RAFFMA website for more information.