February 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Auctions Stands Up For Paul Conrad’s ‘Chain Reaction’:

Santa Monica gallery owner Robert Berman knows what it’s like to stand up for a cause. After almost 19 years, he is being forced out of his longtime space at Bergamot Station at 2525 Michigan Avenue due to the Expo Line’s route through Santa Monica. At time of press, a final court date is scheduled for today, Nov. 7 – just weeks before his imminent eviction on Nov. 30.

The family of Paul Conrad, the late artist and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist, has been fighting a battle of their own with the City of Santa Monica.

“Chain Reaction” is a 26-foot tall mushroom cloud sculpture located next to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

Due to years of deterioration from the weather, this “statement of peace” was deemed dangerous to the public in 2011 and a fence was built around it to keep people a safe distance from it.

This controversial sculpture is in need of renovation if it is to continue to exist. The City has left the family and supporters with the job of raising the funds to keep it standing. Although recently receiving landmark status, it’s still in danger of being torn down by the city if sufficient funds are not raised.

Robert Berman has joined forces with the family of Paul Conrad to help raise funds for restoration of the sculpture.

Best known for creating and running the Santa Monica Auctions, Robert Berman is a prominent figure in the Los Angeles art scene. He established the Santa Monica Auctions back in 1984 and has continued to offer rare works of art by both established and mid-career and artists.

The art consists of all mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, multiples, and prints. The lot list for this final auction includes works by Andy Warhol, Paul Conrad, Christo, Weegee, John Altoon, Ed Moses, Shirin Neshat, Raymond Pettibon and more.

Santa Monica Auctions will hold its final event after almost 19 years. “The Last Goodbuy,” a live public art auction of modern and contemporary art will take place on Nov. 11.

Robert Berman has agreed to auction two Paul Conrad works: a bronze sculpture of Martin Luther King and a hand autographed Conrad cartoon. One hundred percent of the Hammer price will go to the restoration fund.

According to David Conrad, “Since receiving landmark status, Melvyn Green and Associates determined that the sculpture was structurally sound and is compliant with current building standards.”

In addition to receiving help from art supporters such as Robert Berman, the family is currently approaching large donors and art foundations.

Conrad continues, “The city is responsible for preservation of the Chain Reaction since it is a landmark of their possession. But as a gesture of goodwill, the Conrad family and the community is in the process of raising the money to restore the sculpture.”

The Santa Monica Auctions final event takes place at 12 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. Live-internet bidding and an electronic catalogue will be available to accommodate last-minute consignments.

The auction will be held outside the C2 Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica. Track 16 will also be having a moving sale on the same day.

A preview will be on view at the C2 Gallery, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 10 until 9 p.m.

For more information, visit www.smauctions.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Film Review: Love Hurts

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

FILM/ REVIEWLOVE HURTSRated R83 MinutesReleased February 7th Valentine’s Day is written all over this movie. Love Hurts seems to be...

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...