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

Bergamot’s Renaissance

Saturday, July 21, Bergamot was a flurry of sights and sounds as the third annual Summer Celebration brought together artists, art lovers, foodies, and Santa Monica residents. Organized by Diana McNeill, the event has grown over the years as artists have made use of the art space with performances, lectures, and pop-ups. The Summer Celebration is one of several complex-wide events hosted throughout the year, this year included dance, music, and a Biergarten.

Photos: Michael Ray.

“We were so thrilled by our visitor’s engagement with the exhibitions this year. Countless guests commented on the artworks being exhibited and showed true interest in our arts programming. Other notable highlights were the Peruvian and Bollywood dancers and singers, a photo booth with fun props and costumes, cocktail lounges and a special theater performance,” McNeill said. In previous years, People’s Park was the hub for musical performances, however, this year the music was relocated.

“We debuted our first ever Biergarten at the Bergamot Café, which was definitely the most popular special event (outside of our exhibitions and artist talks). The live music, brats on the grill and craft brews from Santa Monica Brew Works was a winning combination,” McNeill explained.

Brother and sister duo Daniel and Sarah Pappas (The Hot Potatoes), as well as the Friends of the Venice Symphony Orchestra (VSO) returned to perform for attendees.

“This year felt like the most seamless event to date,” McNeill added. “I believe that’s partly due to experience, but I was also supported by our management, Worthe Real Estate Group and I’m very grateful to them.”

Inside the galleries, various art talks were hosted throughout the afternoon. Executive Director William J. Sheehy of the Latin American Masters gallery spoke extensively about the detail within Francisco Toledo’s numerous etchings.

“We try to separate ourselves, but we’re not separate, it’s all part of the same life-force, it’s all connected; underneath everything else that [Toledo is] doing with these incredible lines, it is always about connecting the world,” Sheehy said of the 1970 etching titled “Vaca”.

Sheehy explained that that the artist used a wide variety of materials in his prints, sculptures and ceramics including gold, mica, silver. In addition to the “Vaca” (cow), works by Toledo included a crocodile as well as monkeys.

While some galleries, such as Building Bridges Art Exchange, the Peter Fetterman Gallery and Skidmore Contemporary Art hosted art talks, other curators used the Summer Celebration as an outreach platform for coming events. Santa Monica Auctions hosted a preview of their fall auction along with a cocktail longue. Robert Berman told The Mirror, “We sort of scampered to put together our next big auction, which is going to be held October 7.” Berman began business in Santa Monica back in 1979 and has exhibited artists such as Keith Haring and Raymond Pettibon.

“I’ll be honest with you, [there are] a lot more people coming now, everybody thought that Bergamot was totally over but it looks like we’re having a rebirth,” Berman said.

Saturday, September 8, will be Bergamot’s next complex-wide event, the Fall Open.

 

For more information: www.visitbergamot.com

<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...