what is IT ?
A casual contemporary art gallery in the center of coastal California.
The Cruise Control Cambria gallery showcases California artists of all disciplines in its new concept space located at 1075 Main Street. Allowing for one artist at a time to inhabit the main room with an immersive installation every six weeks is that compliments each individual's body of work. In addition, select works from prior and upcoming shows are also on view at the Gallery.
The Cruise Control gallery is here for everyone, and always available for viewing appointments and special events.
Current HOURS:
BY APPOINTMENT (you do not have to buy anything)
Come in, hang out, and enjoy.
CURATOR BIO
Charles Smith founded the Cruise Control Contemporary gallery in November of 2021. The space focuses on solo shows for California artists of all disciplines and is equidistant from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. The physical central coast location draws on the attention and attraction of the larger art markets while retaining the freedom to play and celebrate the best of overlooked and underserved California artists. After managing private large scale commissions in New York and assisting a prominent art advisor the move to a more manageable and accessible space was a natural reaction to the heightened outside influence and the shuttering of mid tier Los Angeles art spaces in the post pandemic landscape.
He studied under Micol Hebron as an undergrad and received a masters degree in creative writing for film, taking a storytelling approach to the artists and shows he curates.
His clients are now the people directly collecting works simply to enjoy them and anyone else who comes in the door just to take in a show.
A NOTE
I took a job with the USPS when I relocated to Cambria with my family. As a rural carrier I got to drive the old creek roads dodging cattle as well as up and down the the mouth to Big Sur watching the light find its way home.
I worked pretty inefficiently, and would gaze at the landscapes and stop to talk to people instead of doing my job. Because of this, I got to see people’s hidden works of art hiding in their garage/studios. Some of which I will be showing here.
I am opening this space for our daughter. She gives me the inspiration to fill her life with creative people and their work. I really didn’t have a choice!
Knock on the door if you’re passing through, I might be in the back.
Thank you,
-Charlie