“ART THAT MOVES US”
The mission for the Gallery at MOTO is to house, present, promote, and enjoy art with a mechanical theme.
That could be painting, photography, sculpture, any mixed media that contains or is conceptually relevant to automobiles, motorcycles, boats, airplanes— basically anything with a motor. We refer to these objects as industrial pieces of “Art That Moves Us”.
“LIGHT, COLOR, MOOD”
Automobile Advertising Illustration
By Charles Schridde
A celebrated commercial illustrator, Schridde’s work appeared in many of the major publications of his time, including LIFE magazine and The Saturday Evening Post. He is most notable for his illustrations for Motorola’s television campaign in the 60’s and he also Illustrated automobiles for the big three for their advertising and catalogues.
In the mid 60’s when photography became the new medium for advertising, he became one of the first and top automotive photographers in Detroit, producing ads and catalogues again for Ford, GM and Chrysler.
THE GALLERY at MOTO is proud to feature some of Charle Schridde’s most stunning commercial paintings. Each one expresses those traits the artist strived for in all his work: Light, Color and Mood. They are also symbols of a bygone era when the automobile, status and life intermingled.
This collection is on loan from his daughter Mel Schridde and we thank her for her generosity.
"I paint. I love to paint. I get caught up in the moment and paint what I feel about a place.
The smells. The light. The excitement I feel.
I'm trying to catch the mood.
I get excited. I paint without thinking. Instinctually.
I'm exhausted when finished."
— Charles Schridde
(04-30-1926 - 05-15-2011)
What is MOTO?
MOTO is a social club and coffee roastery. The club is based in a historic aerospace office and production facility in Ferndale, Michigan, which has been thoughtfully refurbished into the unique space it is today. While rooted in motorcycle and car culture, MOTO welcomes and is home to a diverse community of riders, makers, artists, and enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship, design, and culture.
More than just a social club, the space also houses a curated art gallery, new public café space, and event venue— regularly hosting gatherings, workshops, and community events. MOTO is home to a growing membership community and opens its doors to the public every Sunday for its weekly Cars & Coffee open house. The MOTO Makers Market extends this spirit by bringing together creative vendors and the broader community in a collaborative, design-driven environment.