October 9, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Auctions To Take Final Bow This Weekend:

The MTA will forever change the face of Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica. On Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, Santa Monica Auctions is destined to take its final bow as it holds a blowout final auction in its current space.

The proposed MTA plan will demolish the C building, which is currently home to Track 16, The Robert Berman Gallery, and Santa Monica Auctions.

Gallery owner Robert Berman said he was sad to lose this longtime space.

“We knew it was coming, but thought it would not happen for quite some time,” Berman said. “We were shocked quite frankly when we were told that we had to be out by August.”

For the past 18 years, art lovers and collectors have grown accustomed to the Santa Monica Auctions’ annual event, which is run by Robert Berman.

This yearly outdoor live auction has become a fixture in the now ever popular Bergamot Station Arts Center, providing an exclusive low cost alternative to acquiring collectible works by renowned artists.

Showcasing mid-career and established Los Angeles artists of all mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, multiples and prints, Santa Monica Auctions has been independently owned and operated for 26 years.

Notable collectors and art lovers alike are anticipating this farewell outdoor live auction, taking place just steps from the doomed C building.

Photographer and director Michael Grecco said he has attended this LA “art happening” for the past six years.

“I love the auction because of the eclectic mix of art and photography,” Grecco said.

Another annual attendee and collector who is disappointed the auction is disappearing is Aldis Browne of Aldis Browne Fine Arts, Inc.

“Robert Berman’s Santa Monica Auctions are carved out of the European tradition wherein a knowledgeable dealer reflects his taste and expertise in every sale he mounts,” Browne said.

Several hundred people are expected to attend this historic final auction on Saturday, June 9 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 10 at 1 p.m.

Renowned works such as a 1970’s silkscreen by Andy Warhol of Mick Jagger (signed by both) will be included in this year’s auction.

Another highlight is the very rare complete set of five hand pulled four-color silkscreens by rock icon David Bowie. Also included are works by Ed Kienholz, David Hockney, Raymond Pettibon, Pablo Picasso and more.

Live-internet bidding will be available at www.liveauctioneers.com, as well as on an electronic catalogue.

The preview is currently on display at Gallery C2. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There will be a late night preview on Friday, June 8 until 9 p.m.

Grecco, like many others, is saddened by the demise of this annual live auction.

“The space and the entire environment is so special,” he said.

When asked if he has his eye on anything in particular this year, he laughs and replies, “Of course, but I’m not going to tell you.”

For more information, contact Santa Monica Auctions at info@smauctions.com or 310.315.1937.

Santa Monica Auctions is located at Bergamot Station Arts Center at 2525 Michigan Ave. C2, Santa Monica.

Gallery C2 in Bergamot Station Arts Center is currently housing a preview of the auction. The continually updated online catalogue may be viewed at www.smauctions.com.

Related Posts

Film Review: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

FILM REVIEWMISSION IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONERated PG-13163 MinutesReleased July 11th The story in this “Mission: Impossible” chapter, “Dead...

Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

July 5, 2023

July 5, 2023

FILM REVIEWINDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINYRated PG-13154 MinutesReleased June 30th The director of Indiana Jones and the Dial...

Film Review: Past Lives

June 27, 2023

June 27, 2023

FILM REVIEWPAST LIVESRated PG-13105 MinutesLimited Releases June 2nd and June 9th, Full Release June 23rd The Korean concept of “In...

Film Review: Sanctuary

June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

FILM REVIEWSANCTUARYRated R96 MinutesReleased May 19th In my humble estimation, this is one of the best movies of the year....

Film Review: The Little Mermaid

June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

FILM REVIEWTHE LITTLE MERMAIDRated PG135 MinutesReleased May 26th With today’s technological developments, a live-action The Little Mermaid is not only...

A Riveting Revival of the Pulitzer Prize-Winning “A Soldier’s Play” Now Playing At The Ahmanson Theatre

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

On Stage With… Murder mysteries, whether cinematic or theatrical, are one of the most popular subjects. The list is quite...

Film Review: Chevalier

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

By Kathryn Boole  RATED PG-13107 MinutesReleased April 21, 2023 Chevalier is based on the true story of a historical figure...

Ballet at the Broad Stage Memorial Weekend – Meet the Talent!

May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica returns to the Broad Stage with special guest artists kicking off Friday May 26th with...

Elizabeth McGovern Lights Up The Stage in “Ava – The Secret Conversations”

April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023

Play About Legendary Screen Star Runs Until May 14 At The Geffen Playhouse By Beverly Cohn Ava Gardner, born Ava...

Unconventional Art Festival “The Other Art Fair” Returns to Santa Monica This Weekend

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

140 independent artists, immersive installations, performances, DJs, and a fully stocked bar await visitors at Barker Hangar The Other Art...

Samohi Theatre’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” Takes the Stage in Santa Monica

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

Shows will take place at Barnum Hall on March 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 3...

Film Review: “Marlow”

February 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

FILM REVIEW“MARLOWE”Rated R109 MinutesReleased February 15th “Marlowe” is a beautifully shot period piece that takes place in the late 1930’s....

Film Review: All Quite on the Western Front

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

I have never been a soldier at war, although I have close friends and relatives who have been. Universally they...

SMC Emeritus Concert Band to Hold Free Concert This Weekend at the Broad Stage

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

Concert February 26 will feature musical selections with an outdoor theme Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Concert Band, under the baton...