A “More Collegial” Art Fair Is Coming to LA
The new Santa Monica Post Office fair, named for its location in a 1938 Art Deco building, promises camaraderie and affordability.
by Matt Stromberg Subscribe to our newsletter
Or Sign in to an existing accountPrivacy Policy
Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account.
An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link.
“With the much talked about growth of the LA art scene and a number of new, emerging galleries opening (of which we are one), there is a need for a smaller scale and more intimate fair in the city,” said Tabitha Steinberg, co-founder of Ehrlich Steinberg. This sentiment is not unique to LA, as evidenced by two new upstart fairs in New York last year, That ’70s Show and Esther.
Charles Smith, who founded Cruise Control Contemporary gallery in Cambria, a village on California’s central coast, in 2021, noted a certain serendipity in the fair’s location, especially poignant given his previous job as a mail carrier.
“The kind of ‘too big to fail’ attitude of the postal system maybe in some ways mirrors contemporary fair culture,” he told Hyperallergic.
Sharp made clear that Santa Monica Post Office is indeed a commercial endeavor, though one where he hopes the low cost of entry, open floor plan, and no-frills approach will allow for a greater sense of experimentation and exchange to develop.
“I’m looking forward to just connecting and relating with others that care about what I care about,” Smith said. “It’s that simple for me.”
We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce.
Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you, ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism.
If you can, please join us as a member today.Millions rely on Hyperallergicfor free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading.
Become a member