> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Beauty behind Bergamot’s walls - URL: https://www.smdp.com/beauty-behind-bergamots-walls/ - Published: 2006-10-06T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T21:31:50.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: Events, Pier, #archive-import *By LORI BARTLETT Special to the Daily Press* The simple, rustic exterior of Bergamot Station oftentimes belies what’s inside — a complex maze of vibrant art galleries containing everything from high-end works to sculptures to home décor. The eight-acre station was built in 1875 to serve as a stop for the Red Line trolley system, which brought passengers from LA to the Santa Monica Pier. For the past eight years, in its current incarnation, Bergamot serves as host to a bevy of cultural events, attracting nearly 600,000 fine art fans each year. With 30-plus galleries at Bergamot, visitors can view and purchase an eclectic mix of art by simply walking from door to door within a campus that comprises Southern California’s largest art gallery complex, in terms of collected galleries. Within its move-able walls are pieces from nearly every medium, from simple pencil drawings to powerful photographs to modern, interpretive sculptures. They are all on display, from local artists to major names in the art community. The industrial exterior fades to mere background as visitors soon find themselves surrounded by a rush of rich colors, textures and sculptural elements once inside Bergamot’s galleries. Each gallery is independent, though the collective is supportive of one another, with most gallery showings lasting a few months before being replaced by another opening. Fans of sketch-style art should visit First Independent Gallery’s current showing from artist Ray Brown called “Drawings.”The show is filled with black-and-white works featuring strong visuals focusing on the mouth, hands and eyes. The current show runs until Oct. 7 at FIG, located in G-6 unit of the complex. Track 16 is the largest gallery in Bergamot, currently running two shows. The first, titled “MFA WMDs: Selections from LA Art Schools,” runs until Oct. 13 and features the work of artists studying in Masters of Fine Arts programs at various local schools, including UCLA, USC, CalArts, Art Center, Claremont Graduate School, Cal State Long Beach and Otis. The show is a mixture of mediums and ideas from these emerging artists. Running concurrently at Track 16 is the provocatively titled “I’d Love to Turn You On: Works from the ’60s and ’70s.” The works from this show focus on original ideas and tend to stray from traditional gallery style artwork. Bruce Davidson’s stunning photography series, titled “Subway,” is currently showing at the Rose Gallery, in section G-5 of Bergamot. Over 40 dye-transfer prints depicting various scenes from the New York subway system in the 1980s will be on display through Oct. 28. The Gallery of Functional Art, in E-3, is showing the sculptural work of Gordon Chandler. The show that runs through Nov. 5 features works composed of scrap metal. GFA’s director, Lois Lambert, said Chandler found beauty in kimonos and fashioned oil drums into artwork in the style of the Japanese dress. GFA not only has the gallery side featuring Chandler’s work, but also a store containing the works of various artists on consignment. The store has a unique take on home décor with the likes of a chandelier made of plates and silverware, and a chair made of glass jars. For the contemporary art lover, Ikon Gallery, in G-4, features works from well-known artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean- Michel Basquiat and Ed Ruscha. Owner/director Kay Richards often tries to coordinate Ikon’s showings to events at other local museums, including the Santa Monica Museum of Art, also located in Bergamot. Whether the works are realistic or impressionist, be them whimsical or thought-provoking, there is plenty of art within the walls of Bergamot that warrants attention. Art lovers with deep pockets will surely indulge in the high prices of some pieces. For the cash-strapped enthusiasts, the free admission lets everyone absorb these unusual works of modern art. Visitors can even take time to reflect at the Bergamot Station Café. Bergamot Station is located at 2525 Michigan Ave. Both admission and parking are free. The Santa Monica Museum of Art suggests a $3 donation. Call (310) 453-7535 for more information, or visit the Web site at www. bergamotstation.com. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/100606-15_01.jpg) (Clockwise from top left) (1) Bergamot Station industrial exterior is a change from the many works of art inside. (Photo: Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/100606-15_02.jpg) (Clockwise from top left) (1) Bergamot Station industrial exterior is a change from the many works of art inside. (Photo: Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/100606-15_03.jpg) (Clockwise from top left) (1) Bergamot Station industrial exterior is a change from the many works of art inside. (Photo: Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press) *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 6, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/100606.pdf?ref=smdp.com)