A Guide to the Best of Southern California : CARS : Road Show

If you’re a gearhead who just can’t get enough of all things automotive, or if you’re an art connoisseur interested in a niche within the increasingly specialized world of collecting, then a trip to the Automobile in Art Gallery may be just the thing.

Owner Ricardo Rodriguez, 33, a magazine photographer specializing in automobiles and a correspondent for a Spanish automotive magazine, got the idea while exhibiting his work at other galleries.

“When you label your work as ‘automotive art,’ they don’t take it seriously; many talented artists are forced to exhibit at car shows and other venues,” Rodriguez says.

“My goal is for the general public and the auto enthusiasts to look at automotive art seriously. I’m trying to give these artists a chance to exhibit their works.”

Original art runs the gamut from sculpture to photography to painting; the gallery also offers a large selection of books, miniatures, and new and collectible posters. Prices range from $20 for posters or books to $17,000 for a oil by Nicola Wood titled “ ’60 Chevy.” The inaugural exhibit--featuring the works of Wood, Hector Cademartori, Bill Patterson and Steve Posson--runs through today. Exhibits will change monthly.

And if you love cars but hate to drive, you can always take the trolley into Long Beach. The gallery is about two blocks away from the Blue Line. The Automobile in Art Gallery, 213-B N. Pine Ave., Long Beach; (310) 436-4050.