“I guess I consider myself a dot connector for the most part. Just working with a bunch of great musicians and artists and collaborators. I guess [a] curator, designer, [I’m] not really an artist anymore, but just kind of working with a bunch of amazing artists.”
Adler first started his art career as an illustrator in Iowa, but found himself being called back to the West Coast shortly after. Now, in an industry among thousands of other aspiring illustrators and artists, Adler had to set himself apart from the rest–and he did just that.
With over 25 years of experience in the art industry, Charles Adler has co-curated, self-curated, installed, designed, and photographed for dozens of galleries, festivals, live auctions, fundraising events, touring art shows, commercial buildings, and apparel brands. Adler is "passionate about giving the artist and artwork the space to understand its intention and overall vibe while also creating an enriching artistic experience for the audience.”
Getting To Know Adler
“I've always loved art. I've always been inspired by art.” - Charles Adler
His passions and inspirations for work are graphic design, curating, history and surfing. Specializing in surf and skateboard culture, Adler creates each collection within either museums or galleries that are displayed through visual and audio presentation, creating an all-around immersive atmosphere. Adler has worked with brands such as Quicksilver for many years and has done full-scale research on the brand's history, product design, promotional materials, media, and personal agendas– all aiding his voyage in the art world. He is a die-hard surf enthusiast, emulating his love of surfing throughout his art.
“I've loved surfing since I was a little kid. I was introduced to it by a cousin many, many years ago, actually, on a trip to California. It was interesting to see that people made a living making art based around surf and skate culture. And I think that was kind of an amazing draw. It was ingrained pretty early and hard to get away from.”
Collaborations & Design
Adler has done graphic design, installation, and apparel collaborations with WRENSILVA x JVH, Surfrider Experience x JVH, Roxy, Quicksilver, and Roxy Skateboards. He’s also designed and created logos for Roxy, Max Corp, Quicksilver, and other popular surfboard and skateboard brands. His logos and designs have been featured in stores, on products, on digital platforms, and on city billboard signs.
Photography
Through lenses of Polaroid, Pinhole, Box, Disposable, 35mm, SLR, and iPhone, Adler's photography brings another layer to the world within the photo. Capturing bold colors along with concise depth angles of the subject, his photography has a sense of familiarity. Adler photographs everyday objects, activities, and people, such as surfboards and cars, the local streets, surfers, campers, and musicians. It allows the audience to relate to the photos, even if they've never experienced anything of what the photo consists of. Rustic and unique, Adler gains a sense of the environment within and brings that out into the audience's environment.
The Harbour Surfboard show is a tribute to the shop’s 60 year history and the board maker who changed the surfing industry, all showcased through photography, surfboards and other special event merchandise. The Hottest Hundred Yards is a bi-coastal touring celebration of the 80s era Echo Beach, a location in Huntington Beach that molded surfing trends and movements in the surfing world. Another Huntington Beach show – The Californians – was an exhibit curated in 2018 by Charles Adler and his friend, Alex Weinstein, that showcased 17 California based artists, highlighting the “love affair each individual has with the Golden State.” In each of these exhibits, Adler brought a taste of art that revolutionized the design element in how art is curated.
Arguably his largest, most significantly curated show was in collaboration with Ohana Festival and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. In both ‘21 and ‘22, Adler’s “The Cove Gallery” created an atmosphere that brought the history of skate, surfing, music and the local areas to life.
The Cove Gallery At Ohana Festival
Set in Doheny State Park, the 2021 and 2022 Cove Gallery has been home to a wonderful art gallery curated and installed by Adler himself. Displaying pieces from a variety of artists, these works were hand-picked and placed into the design by Adler. Displayed adjacent to the Storyteller's Stage, the exhibit brings together photography, painting, sculptures, and illustrations. Festivalgoers had the wonderful chance to walk around and absorb Adler's artistic intentions while listening to live music.
“Anytime I do a show, especially with something in Doheny, I want to bring the history of the area. So a lot of early Doheny, a lot of the surfers and pioneers of that area.”
Adler becomes connected to the land around him and grows an appreciation for its resources, whether that’s the surf culture, music or the landscape. His full understanding of the environment surrounding the event, gives him a better view of what should be placed within the exhibit in order to get the best, meaningful reaction.
The 2021 Ohana Festival featured artwork that enhanced Adler's love for surf and board. Adler showed the festivalgoers his passions while supporting and raising money for the many organizations in attendance that weekend. Expressed through the different art mediums, the onlooker got an inside glimpse into his admiration for the culture. This exhibition paired a variety of abstract art mediums with a clear depiction of the surfer or skater punk rock aesthetic.
“I want everybody to be involved and excited. I want somebody that's 14 years old to be just as excited as maybe somebody that's 70 years old. [I want them to say] ‘I wore those shoes, I rode that ramp, I listened to that band.’ Just how many ways can you make a connection and tell a story that just really gets absorbed by so many different people and cultures?”
In 2022, The Cove Gallery was a tribute to Eddie Vedder and Vitalogy Foundation. With over 150 pieces of art, this gallery showcased all mediums and delivered an overwhelming amount of foot traffic. “After growing up seeing those guys from such an early age and I guess being a fan, to actually work alongside Eddie and help raise money for the Vitalogy Foundation and just to be asked to be a part of that.” - Charles Adler
Vedder had the chance to walk through the exhibit both years and set time aside to look through all the displayed artwork. Unfortunately this year [2022] he attended the gallery during peak hours and eventually had to cut his time short due to being crowded by festival goers. Vedder has shown Adler great respect and appreciation over the years and has even purchased pieces from his gallery at the Ohana Festival.
The natural landscapes, paired with rock band propaganda and street art, matched the essence of Pearl Jam and their Vitalogy Foundation beautifully. Raising awareness for this foundation was the main focus, and Adler succeeded in doing so. “Ultimately, everybody that was in those non-profit booths is where the Vitalogy Foundation goes back to. So to me, it's kind of like a continued family or brotherhood of that.” - Charles Adler. All the funds raised at the festival and through Adlers gallery goes back to the Vitalogy Foundation, then are dispersed among the local and national organizations and foundations – such as Surfrider, Doheny State Park, California State Parks and Surfers Healing.
Adler has created a warm and welcoming culture throughout all his exhibits and galleries. He develops a deep connection to the land, the people, and the purpose of the art – bringing a greater understanding and in turn allowing creativity to flourish. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Adler, will express their strong love, gratitude, and amazement for not only his work but also for his good heart.
Key Takeaways
Viewers can attend exhibits and events, such as The Alchemy Works or Ohana Festival, to get an in-person look and understanding of Adler's creations.
His bold and positively invasive photography and matching aesthetic paintings allow the viewer to get a greater sense of the overall vibe of not only the one art piece but the whole exhibition.
To find out more information about upcoming events or to get in contact with Adler, his website and social media pages are available.
“I guess I consider myself a dot connector for the most part. Just working with a bunch of great musicians and artists and collaborators. I guess [a] curator, designer, [I’m] not really an artist anymore, but just kind of working with a bunch of amazing artists.”
Adler first started his art career as an illustrator in Iowa, but found himself being called back to the West Coast shortly after. Now, in an industry among thousands of other aspiring illustrators and artists, Adler had to set himself apart from the rest–and he did just that.
With over 25 years of experience in the art industry, Charles Adler has co-curated, self-curated, installed, designed, and photographed for dozens of galleries, festivals, live auctions, fundraising events, touring art shows, commercial buildings, and apparel brands. Adler is "passionate about giving the artist and artwork the space to understand its intention and overall vibe while also creating an enriching artistic experience for the audience.”
“I guess I consider myself a dot connector for the most part. Just working with a bunch of great musicians and artists and collaborators. I guess [a] curator, designer, [I’m] not really an artist anymore, but just kind of working with a bunch of amazing artists.”
Adler first started his art career as an illustrator in Iowa, but found himself being called back to the West Coast shortly after. Now, in an industry among thousands of other aspiring illustrators and artists, Adler had to set himself apart from the rest–and he did just that.
With over 25 years of experience in the art industry, Charles Adler has co-curated, self-curated, installed, designed, and photographed for dozens of galleries, festivals, live auctions, fundraising events, touring art shows, commercial buildings, and apparel brands. Adler is "passionate about giving the artist and artwork the space to understand its intention and overall vibe while also creating an enriching artistic experience for the audience.”
Getting To Know Adler
“I've always loved art. I've always been inspired by art.” - Charles Adler
His passions and inspirations for work are graphic design, curating, history and surfing. Specializing in surf and skateboard culture, Adler creates each collection within either museums or galleries that are displayed through visual and audio presentation, creating an all-around immersive atmosphere. Adler has worked with brands such as Quicksilver for many years and has done full-scale research on the brand's history, product design, promotional materials, media, and personal agendas– all aiding his voyage in the art world. He is a die-hard surf enthusiast, emulating his love of surfing throughout his art.
“I've loved surfing since I was a little kid. I was introduced to it by a cousin many, many years ago, actually, on a trip to California. It was interesting to see that people made a living making art based around surf and skate culture. And I think that was kind of an amazing draw. It was ingrained pretty early and hard to get away from.”
Collaborations & Design
Adler has done graphic design, installation, and apparel collaborations with WRENSILVA x JVH, Surfrider Experience x JVH, Roxy, Quicksilver, and Roxy Skateboards. He’s also designed and created logos for Roxy, Max Corp, Quicksilver, and other popular surfboard and skateboard brands. His logos and designs have been featured in stores, on products, on digital platforms, and on city billboard signs.
Photography
Through lenses of Polaroid, Pinhole, Box, Disposable, 35mm, SLR, and iPhone, Adler's photography brings another layer to the world within the photo. Capturing bold colors along with concise depth angles of the subject, his photography has a sense of familiarity. Adler photographs everyday objects, activities, and people, such as surfboards and cars, the local streets, surfers, campers, and musicians. It allows the audience to relate to the photos, even if they've never experienced anything of what the photo consists of. Rustic and unique, Adler gains a sense of the environment within and brings that out into the audience's environment.
The Harbour Surfboard show is a tribute to the shop’s 60 year history and the board maker who changed the surfing industry, all showcased through photography, surfboards and other special event merchandise. The Hottest Hundred Yards is a bi-coastal touring celebration of the 80s era Echo Beach, a location in Huntington Beach that molded surfing trends and movements in the surfing world. Another Huntington Beach show – The Californians – was an exhibit curated in 2018 by Charles Adler and his friend, Alex Weinstein, that showcased 17 California based artists, highlighting the “love affair each individual has with the Golden State.” In each of these exhibits, Adler brought a taste of art that revolutionized the design element in how art is curated.
Arguably his largest, most significantly curated show was in collaboration with Ohana Festival and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. In both ‘21 and ‘22, Adler’s “The Cove Gallery” created an atmosphere that brought the history of skate, surfing, music and the local areas to life.
The Cove Gallery At Ohana Festival
Set in Doheny State Park, the 2021 and 2022 Cove Gallery has been home to a wonderful art gallery curated and installed by Adler himself. Displaying pieces from a variety of artists, these works were hand-picked and placed into the design by Adler. Displayed adjacent to the Storyteller's Stage, the exhibit brings together photography, painting, sculptures, and illustrations. Festivalgoers had the wonderful chance to walk around and absorb Adler's artistic intentions while listening to live music.
“Anytime I do a show, especially with something in Doheny, I want to bring the history of the area. So a lot of early Doheny, a lot of the surfers and pioneers of that area.”
Adler becomes connected to the land around him and grows an appreciation for its resources, whether that’s the surf culture, music or the landscape. His full understanding of the environment surrounding the event, gives him a better view of what should be placed within the exhibit in order to get the best, meaningful reaction.
The 2021 Ohana Festival featured artwork that enhanced Adler's love for surf and board. Adler showed the festivalgoers his passions while supporting and raising money for the many organizations in attendance that weekend. Expressed through the different art mediums, the onlooker got an inside glimpse into his admiration for the culture. This exhibition paired a variety of abstract art mediums with a clear depiction of the surfer or skater punk rock aesthetic.
“I want everybody to be involved and excited. I want somebody that's 14 years old to be just as excited as maybe somebody that's 70 years old. [I want them to say] ‘I wore those shoes, I rode that ramp, I listened to that band.’ Just how many ways can you make a connection and tell a story that just really gets absorbed by so many different people and cultures?”
In 2022, The Cove Gallery was a tribute to Eddie Vedder and Vitalogy Foundation. With over 150 pieces of art, this gallery showcased all mediums and delivered an overwhelming amount of foot traffic. “After growing up seeing those guys from such an early age and I guess being a fan, to actually work alongside Eddie and help raise money for the Vitalogy Foundation and just to be asked to be a part of that.” - Charles Adler
Vedder had the chance to walk through the exhibit both years and set time aside to look through all the displayed artwork. Unfortunately this year [2022] he attended the gallery during peak hours and eventually had to cut his time short due to being crowded by festival goers. Vedder has shown Adler great respect and appreciation over the years and has even purchased pieces from his gallery at the Ohana Festival.
The natural landscapes, paired with rock band propaganda and street art, matched the essence of Pearl Jam and their Vitalogy Foundation beautifully. Raising awareness for this foundation was the main focus, and Adler succeeded in doing so. “Ultimately, everybody that was in those non-profit booths is where the Vitalogy Foundation goes back to. So to me, it's kind of like a continued family or brotherhood of that.” - Charles Adler. All the funds raised at the festival and through Adlers gallery goes back to the Vitalogy Foundation, then are dispersed among the local and national organizations and foundations – such as Surfrider, Doheny State Park, California State Parks and Surfers Healing.
Adler has created a warm and welcoming culture throughout all his exhibits and galleries. He develops a deep connection to the land, the people, and the purpose of the art – bringing a greater understanding and in turn allowing creativity to flourish. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Adler, will express their strong love, gratitude, and amazement for not only his work but also for his good heart.
Key Takeaways
Viewers can attend exhibits and events, such as The Alchemy Works or Ohana Festival, to get an in-person look and understanding of Adler's creations.
His bold and positively invasive photography and matching aesthetic paintings allow the viewer to get a greater sense of the overall vibe of not only the one art piece but the whole exhibition.
To find out more information about upcoming events or to get in contact with Adler, his website and social media pages are available.
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