Charles R. Crossley is a native of Southwest Mississippi, where he exhibited an interest in art at an early age.  His early childhood years had a positive influence on his appreciation for the beauty of the land and the African American culture.  Joining the U.S. Navy at age seventeen gave Crossley an opportunity to see many areas, both national and international.  After being discharged, he returned to San Diego where he attended and graduated from the Coronado School of Fine Arts in Coronado, California.  He earned both a B.A. and the equivalent of a masters degree in fine and commercial arts.  Crossley furthered his studies at San Diego State University and the University of California.

In 1971, Mr. Crossley joined the faculty of the San Diego Community College District, where he taught as an adjunct instructor for nineteen years.  His interest as an artist and a teacher has equal appreciation and importance.  Crossley's return to Mississippi in 1992 has had a positive influence on his work.  He has had the opportunity to teach art in the primary and secondary education level (K-12) while working on and developing his own artistic achievements.  Crossley sees that his return to Mississippi has been a time of rediscovery for his creative spirit, and of reconnecting to the land and music.

Mr. Crossley's style enhanced his spirit in a 3,500 square foot studio located in the downtown area of McComb, Mississippi.  His philosophy is that art communicates a universal and enlightening message between the artist and the viewer.  His bold style of multi-mixed media has given him the opportunity to explore the mystery in his work.  Crossley's work relates to images of African American life, both past and present.  His work also enhances many other subjects; he has shown that abstract expressionism comes in different forms.

Mr. Crossley's work can be seen in various festivals and galleries throughout the United States.