Bergamot Station - great place to see art

By Joy A. Kennelly

Yesterday I took off for Bergamot Station. I wanted to explore that complex during the day since I've normally only gone there for art opening events at night and hadn't seen all of them as a result.  Here's a blurb from the web site to introduce you to this space if you've never been there before:

Bergamot Station is Southern California's largest art gallery complex and cultural center, located on eight acres in the heart of Santa Monica featuring contemporary art galleries, The Santa Monica Museum of Art, architecture and design firms, a cafe, and a frame shop.

I'm so glad I went! I don't care what anyone says, but personally art really restores and refreshes my soul. At one point during a visit to one gallery, Hunsaker/Schlesinger Fine Art, I was moved to tears by the poignancy and simplicity of one painting Lora, the owner, was sharing with me. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the artist or I would tell you.

All the artwork in her gallery is quite stunning and she has excellent taste. She's a delightful woman too and enjoyed sharing her favorite pieces that she keeps in her office for display. She made me laugh because every time I saw a piece I liked in her display book she would say it was in her office. I told her it must be delightful to be surrounded by such beautiful art all day.

If you go to her site, check out these in particular as they're a few of my favorites:

Cindy Craig Isn't that ring just stunning? All her work has such fine detail and is so realistic you think you're looking at a photograph. The Costco painting made me laugh and think of my mom because that's her favorite place to shop. My mom calls it the $100 club because she can't leave there without spending that much money. You really must see these up and close and personal to fully appreciate the work.

Guy Diehl  Is another favorite of mine. I love realistic still life that looks like you could pick up the object right out of the picture.

Christopher Murphy I love this kind of artistry. I think that's why I love Gali, my client's work so much. There's a pathos, yet humor about each of these people that makes you want to know their life stories. Why are they looking like that? What's going on behind the scenes? Who are they?

Robert Ginder I don't know what it is about his work, but I just love it. I know, I say the word love a lot about art, but I do. It just speaks to my soul and shows me something so special and lovely. The fruit, I want to eat. The home, I want to visit. It's so reminiscent of homes I grew up near as a child.

Robert Graham I had the privilege of writing about all the artists of the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels (which I should find to share with you someday.) Robert Graham had designed the huge bronze doors and I actually met him at that time. Here's a little blurb from the web site on his work for this massive project:

"Church doors symbolize a bridge over which we may travel back and forth across the ages on our journey of faith. The great Bronze Doors, situated on the southeast side of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, were designed by the Mexican born, Los Angeles sculptor, Robert Graham. Nearly five years in the making, they were built by some 150 artists.

Graham divided the 30' X 30' space for the South Doors into five, geometrically balanced shapes. First he apportioned the height and width into thirds, and took the top third as the tympanum (ornamental space). The remaining two-third was divided again into thirds, forming the two large, L-shaped doors surrounding two inner doors. He created a door within a door, with four separate parts that operate in various configurations as they open and close.

Though most great doors into cathedrals are full of images of holy men and women and biblical stories from the Old and New Testaments, Graham's doors are different than any Christian worship space in the world. Graham considers that these other doors were "history books and storytelling books," in an age before printing or before general literacy. The need for this depiction is no longer necessary. Rather, he preferred to create images that are 'culturally recognizable.'"

I forgot I had that art writing experience. Now that I remember - it was very cool. It was truly special to be there before the Cathedral opened and hear straight from the artist their reasonings for why they created what they had, the materials and work that went into it. There are some amazing artist's work at the Cathedral.

I know the church has a lot of bad press going on about it right now, but you can not say that Catholics don't know how to build amazing cathedrals. I believe our Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is truly one of our finest architectural and artistic location in the downtown area even though often overshadowed by Gehry's Disney Hall. They're two completely different styles and appeal to different people. I happen to love architecture and admire the handiwork of all styles though.

I encourage you to take a trip downtown one day soon and see all the intricate tapestries hanging on the walls, the beautiful fountain as you enter with words of life spilling out of the water (if I remember correctly), the wonderful sculptures in the garden and inside, the olive trees planted in the courtyard, and the amazing altar hand-crafted by an artisan. The beauty of this place alone will humble your soul and bring peace to your mind.

Try to go when it's quiet though to fully get the whole experience. I have to sigh just remembering it. I really must find what I wrote about it because it will really give you a taste of it if you've never gone. But I digress. Where was I? Oh yes, Bergamot Station and Hunsaker/Schlesinger.

Hunsaker/Schlesinger Gallery Owner, Lora has launched the careers of numerous well-known artists by virtue of appearing in her gallery. Her work has such depth and range I enjoyed spending time getting to know her and her taste. I highly, highly recommend making her gallery one of your must see galleries when you plan your visit. Tell her I sent you...:)

Currently hanging are two new artists with two very different styles - Michael Brunswick and Kathrin Burmester. I believe she's planning to have an art opening soon so give her a call to get on her mailing list or schedule an appointment: 310 828-1133.

What I love about Bergamot is that there is such a variety of work you are never bored. I've traveled all over the world with my family and alone and we always visited museums everywhere we went. I've been to the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum, and numerous museums all across the U.S. and especially New York. I LOVE ART! What can I say?

I had to visit the Santa Monica Museum of Art because an artist friend works there, but unfortunately she wasn't there. They have an interesting collection of feminist artists under the title Identity Theft which makes me think they might be open to considering my artist client, Gali Rotstein's work too. Who knows?:) I think I've seen of the artist's work on display at other local museums as well.

Tarryn Teresa's Gallery has very erotic images on display, but they're so artistic it's not offensive at all. I love artwork that tips the edge a little. Colleen Mulligan's artwork was really lovely and definitely worth a visit too. Very unusual which I liked. Better hurry though, the exhibit ends August 11.

Frank Pictures Gallery was enjoyable because they're showing a Latina artist so you see a completely different perspective than usual. Very interesting objects too. Definitely worth a visit.

Ikon Ltd Gallery is very powerful. You almost feel like your senses are assaulted by the contemporary art visuals it is so strong. I think I've seen some of their works displayed somewhere in the Downtown Art Scene. I used to have an artist friend who would invite me all the time and since we stopped hanging out I haven't gone as often, but now I think I am going to.

William Turner Gallery has Michel Tabori on display and it was very peaceful to look at these large-scale mixed media and resin on canvas pieces.  Very geometrical and modern, yet soothing in some way.

Frank Lloyd Gallery is very high-end and not open to any new artists. It was interesting and varied work. If you have an extra $96,000 lying around, then definitely go visit them.

Bobbie Greenfield Gallery This one is also very high-end. If you want to see Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebaud, Robert Longo (one of my ABSOLUTE favorite artists) or other famous modern artists, then definitely visit this one. My artist client, Gali, grew up surrounded by such artists since her father is a well-respected collector of modern art. It was fun for me to see Wayne Thiebaud's work up close and personal since she said he influences her style. I find her work very reminiscent of Robert Longo personally.

Rosamund Felsen Gallery I think they like to make political statements because the show I went to years ago was all about the war in Ireland. That was a great art opening and I vividly remember the paintings on display even though it was years ago. Currently hanging is what seems to be African art. Renee Petropoulos calls her exhibit Social Arrangements which offered an auditory experience too. Very interesting.

What would a visit to Bergamot be without a visit to Shoshana Wayne's Gallery? Very interesting, unusual artwork by Terri Friedman is hanging there. I loved the variety of some of the other artists as well. Very unusual and interesting as I've said before. Highly recommend a visit. Extremely high end and lovely.

What I found interesting is that there's an architecture firm located on the premises too called, Pugh-Scarpa.  Although very environmentally friendly, they're much bigger than just being "green." Check out the web site for more information. Very cool work/art environment with interesting wood sculptures on display.

Craig Krull Gallery has Robin Mitchell hanging, but hurry because that exhibit ends August 9. I think all the artists there will be switched over soon so keep an eye out for their next art opening. They seem to be very high-end too. At least the attitude of the desk attendant would dictate it, but the other woman working there seemed very nice. I just don't understand snobby people. Never have. Never will.

Track 16 Gallery is very commercial in style, but a lot of fun to visit. It's one of the more celebrity-oriented galleries as far as I can tell and had a very funny intro statement from Eric Idle I believe about Glen Wexler's Private Life of Cows collection. Dennis Hopper curated Paul Joyce's Hollywoodland and the other artist, Gail Greenfield Randall, is seemingly there without any celebrity endorsement - she has very detailed cases filled with seemingly disparate objects on display together which somehow come together as one.

Wide variety of styles and expressions at this gallery, but again, hurry and visit since this exhibit closes August 4, 2007.

Another more commercial gallery where I've attended art openings before is James Gray Gallery. This is a huge gallery space with lots of interesting spaces to showcase your work. I ended up having a very long conversation with the gallery director, Heidi, who is extremely knowledgeable and sharp. She said that oftentimes work doesn't even get seen at her art openings before it's sold.

I liked the variety in style and genre of her gallery. She's having an art opening this Saturday night so pop by and tell her I say hi. It's always a good time. I think the last one I went to Dennis Hopper was there, but I can't really remember. She does have a database of 5,000 names though and really markets the artists who come through.

I'm interested in working with some Santa Ynez artists and think this might be a great space for them to consider. We'll see.

Ruth Barhofner Gallery had some of the more interesting almost Asian inspired art that I've seen in a long time. Check out Carrie Leeb's Migration exhibit here.

I think it would be so fun to become an art consultant for an interior designer to help them find just the right piece for someone's home. I think I have a pretty good eye on what is good and would love to help artists in this way. Who knows? Stranger things have happened. Can't you see it now?

Patricia Faure's Gallery has sculpture too which I liked to see. Check it out -you have time with this one as it's up till August 25.

Epoxy Box Gallery is big on eco art this exhibit and everything is very fun to look at because it's so whimsical and unusual. Here's the title of this exhibit "The 100% Dolphin-free Earth Friendly Shrink Your Carbon Footprint Color Me Green Energy Efficient Sustainable Art Show." Isn't that cute?

Her in-gallery store also has quite a collection of unusual jewelry and home decorative items which again, are very unusual. Of course, the chunky turquoise necklace I just loved was $950. What can I say? I have expensive taste.

Fig Gallery is another multi-room location with different series hanging in every room. Notice the Asian themed art? Very colorful and eclectic. Sorry if I'm repeating my adjectives too much. I haven't acquired the "appropriate" art lingo as of yet. I just know I like what I like and that's that. If it moves me, then it's good. Not to say this moved me, but still...

I look at art from two perspectives. The marketing side since that's my background, but also the emotional side because I find that if art moves me, then it will move others as well and it's generally very valuable. Gali's work really spoke to me which is one of the main reasons I agreed to work with her. Plus, she's such a warm, giving, amazing woman.

Yesterday she gave me this wonderful Cole Haan satchel to carry all my packages around with. Who does things like that any more? I want more people who are giving and loving in my life. As a result, I'm going to work on being more giving and loving too. Here that boys? There's a whole lot of love flooding your way.

In any case, I hope you enjoyed this little art tour of all the current exhibits going on at Bergamot. I think there's a few galleries I missed since they're hanging new installations. If you're from out-of-state (and even if you're from in-state!) and interested in modern, contemporary art at its finest, then this is one location you MUST visit. I can't recommend it enough.

There's always fun art openings, amazing art, interesting people, and a cool vibe just by virtue that you're visiting Santa Monica. Totally different people, totally different culture, totally different life and style.

I love the variety that Southern California offers all over Los Angeles. Take a trip. Take a ride. Take an escape into an art world that will ease your mind, soothe your spirit and lift your art experience into a whole new realm.

That's all. I just felt my regular readers deserved to read something other than this silly situation at the beach. There's a whole wide world beyond the beach mentality. I'm so glad I'm part of the world at large.

Take care and enjoy this glorious sunshine! Next review - the Melrose and La Brea art scene. Stay tuned.