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Arts The Riversider | June/July 2021
Chris Napolitano WORDS: AARON SCHMIDT
Chris Napolitano is a local artist who grew up in Riverside. He attended Victoria Elementar y, Gage Middle School, and Poly High School. After graduation, Chris commuted to Cal State San Bernardino and received a bachelor’s degree in the visual arts and art history. Chris would then go on to obtain a teaching credential and master’s degree in education. A side f rom p aint ing and commis sions , Napolitano is also an educator who teaches studio art, art history, and digital photography at the high school level for the past thirteen years. “As long as I can remember, I’ve loved to draw and paint. Growing up in a small family, I had to f ind a way to keep myself busy. In elementar y school, I’d often practice drawing the graphics and illustrations that I’d find in skateboard magazines. I really enjoyed the work of illustrators like VC Johnson (VCJ), Jim Phillips, and Steve Nazar. Once I got to high school, the art teacher at Poly introduced
me to oil paint and that intensified my passion.” Napolitano’s work can be seen at various businesses and in exhibits throughout downtown Riverside. He’s worked with numerous galleries and venues, including Mind & Mill, RC A A , Cit y Hall, Riverside Ar t Museum, and the Riverside Arts Council. “I love the history, beauty, and culture of Riverside. I have so many amazing memories throughout the entire city. From the smell of the orange blossoms on Dufferin Avenue, to the view from the top of Mt. Rubidoux—it’s a special place that has so much to offer. I also admire the fact that the City of Riverside is so supportive of the arts.”
Images of Chris’ work can also be found on his website: napolitanoart.wixsite.com, and also on his Instagram @chrisnapart
