Cheech and Chong Star’s Art Collection on Display in Colorado

When you think of the name Cheech Marin, you typically think of the hilarious character in the numerous Cheech and Chong films, comedy albums from the pair or even his character played alongside Don Johnson in 'Nash Bridges.' However, Richard "Cheech" Marin is also extremely passionate about collecting art, a hobby he's enjoyed for many years, and currently has some of the art from his collection on display right here in Colorado.

The exhibit, known as "Papel Chicano Dos: Works on Paper from the Collection of Cheech Marin" has been on tour since 2016, and can be currently viewed at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College from now until June 26th, 2021.

Cheech has been collecting art for over 30 years, a passion that began at a very young age. Marin and his cousins grew up in a blue-collar Los Angeles community where they urged each other to pursue different academic subjects, of which Marin chose art.

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Over the past 30+ years, Marin has collected roughly 700 pieces of art and at one point, was urged to share his collection with the public rather than just enjoying the pieces at his home or storing them away, a suggestion that piqued his interest to begin putting together a traveling exhibit.

Today, Marin's art collection has been displayed in more than 55 museums and galleries across the globe.

Because of the popularity of Marin's traveling art exhibit, he is now in the works of creating The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry, a 64,420-square-foot facility in Riverside California which will be affectionately known as "The Cheech."

However, Coloradans can check out Marin's art exhibit at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College in Colorado Springs from now until June 26th.

[PBS News Hour]