Strange Event at RAFFMA is Source for New Exhibit by Joe Gutierrez - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Strange Event at RAFFMA is Source for New Exhibit

By Joe Gutierrez, Community Writer
October 15, 2014 at 02:36pm. Views: 87

The mysterious fall of an ancient funeral mask from its display case is the inspiration for creative reactions to the event in a group exhibit of contemporary art. The exhibition will be held at the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art at Cal State San Bernardino. “The Mysterious Burial Mask: Information and Evidence” began being on display Oct. 8 and will continue through Oct. 25 in RAFFMA’s The Dutton Family Gallery. A reception for the exhibition will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Artists for the show include Sophia Allison, Matthew Blair, Sapira Cheuk, Paul Evans, Kio Griffith, Micol Hebron, Siobhan Hebron, Tiernan Hebron, Jorge Mujica, A.E. Van Fleet and HK Zamani. This exhibition, conceived and curated by CSUSB M.F.A. student Andrew K. Thompson, was inspired by a strange occurrence that took place at RAFFMA on April 23, 2009. On that day, during an exhibition installation, between 2:45 and 3:02 p.m., the funerary mask mysteriously slid across the bottom of its display case, rolled over and fell face down on the floor. The vitrine that typically covered the mask was removed at that moment for cleaning. Video surveillance of the event shows staff members and volunteers putting final touches on the exhibition, a few hours before its opening. Activities were routine at best and there was no movement close to the mask. After the event, the museum staff conducted a series of tests, including checking for seismic activity to see if that could unlock the enigma, but each test proved inconclusive. Conservators have since repaired the mask. The incident has never been explained. Thompson relayed the story -- along with the small amount of information and evidence available about the strange occurrence -- to the curated group of artists and invited them to devise a creative response to the event. The exhibition will include the burial mask displayed alongside the contemporary artworks. General admission to the museum is free. Suggested donation is $5. Parking at Cal State San Bernardino is $5 per vehicle. The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and is closed Friday and Sunday.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 445

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 508

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 425

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 281

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 453

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 606

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 587

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 631

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 435

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 377

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 640

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 317

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->