Photo Courtesy of Bergamot Station
Amidst rows of bony warehouses in Santa Monica’s east side you’ll find Southern California’s largest art gallery complex and cultural center, Bergamot Station. Spanning eight acres and boasting 600,000 visitors a year, the center includes 30 galleries, a cafe, three architecture studios, the Los Angeles Ballet and pre-press studio Tamburello Productions.
The Bergamot Station served as a stop on the Red Line Trolley from 1875 to 1953, running between Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Pier. It takes its name from a once-rampant mint variety, bergamot. Since 1953 the warehouse space has served as a celery packing plant, and factories producing ice and water heaters. After the city scrapped plans to convert it into a light rail stop, Bergamot Station opened in 1994 as an arts center developed by Wayne Blank. It has since become one of the premier art destinations in the Los Angeles area.
Each gallery is individually owned, running the gamut of styles and mediums. From traditional, to folk, contemporary to lowbrow the scene at Bergamot is a constantly morphing experience. Frequent opening receptions offer extended gallery viewing hours, complimentary drinks, opportunities to meet the artists and lively crowds of all ages.
Copro Nason Gallery, host to some of the station’s most prestigious, modern and lowbrow artists, is a modest two-room space nestled into a cozy back corner. Over 40 artists will be taking part in the Hi-Fructose Group Exhibition opening July 12. Big names like Amy Sol, Jeff Soto, Ray Caesar, Oksana Badrak, Lola and more will complement a feature installation by Camilla d’Errico. The exhibit will run until August 2.
Another group show, ‘Environments’ will be opening the same night, just up the way at the 18th Street Arts Center. The center is a non-profit organization offering residencies, workshops and regular exhibitions. Throughout the summer, they’ll be hosting free workshops for high school students every Saturday from 10a.m. to 1p.m. Attendees will create mixed-media codex books while exploring drawing, painting, collage, graffiti, photography, print-making and stenciling. Students are welcome at any single or all workshops at no cost.
Come in the daytime to peruse the galleries and sip espresso at Bergamot Cafe or come for an evening reception to mingle with the lively scene of artists and visitors. Consult the station or gallery website for specific openings and more information on the center and its offerings. Most galleries close on Sunday. For more information visit www.bergamotstation.com
