Santa Monica Auctions

In a region the size of metro Los Angeles, with its population of approximately 14 million people, one would expect to find no shortage of established fine-art auction houses catering to its millionaire moguls and movie stars, but that's not actually the case. The two big guns - Christie's and Sotheby's - no longer conduct fine art sales in SoCal, meaning the field has become all the more accessible for houses like Santa Monica Auctions, which, for the past quarter of a century, has occupied its own well-rooted proprietary niche within the local auction landscape.
Founder/owner Robert Berman says his company stands alone in its area of specialty in Greater LA. "Santa Monica Auctions was established in 1984. It's the only true, independently owned and operated auction house dealing exclusively in contemporary art in Los Angeles," he told Auction Central News. "Because we've built a reputation as specialists over the past 35+ years, we're able to get very good consignments for our sales."
Berman's methods are as modern as the art he sells. The gallery produces its catalog electronically and uses LiveAuctioneers.com as its Internet live-bidding provider. "Because our catalog is electronic, we're able to accept consignments right up to auction day or the day before. It can make a big difference," said Berman. (Note: A printed order of sale is given to those who personally attend Berman's auctions.)
In order to attract such a high caliber of consignments, a gallery must produce results. No one can dispute SMA's ability to do just that.
Asked if there's a secret to his success in achieving consistently buoyant prices for top-notch Contemporary art, Berman replied that earning the trust of consignors is an all-important factor. "The key is to get the prices and reserves low enough that true collectors can't help but bid."
Upcoming Auctions from Santa Monica Auctions
has no upcoming auctions. auctioneer to hear about new auctions.
Bidder Reviews for Santa Monica Auctions (4)
Not enough data
4 Latest Top ReviewsSee All
Anonymous
May 30, 2018
The shippers that they reccommend are ridiculously expensive. They need to include a low cost option on the list of shippers. The lowest wuote on their list was $700 to ship a small painting. The UPS store picked it up amd shipped it for $120.
Anonymous
Jun 28, 2017
SM Auctions should consider accept major credit card payments directly and not charge a 3 % processing fee.
Anonymous
Jun 27, 2017
Excellent auction shopping experience. Love your auction platform & it's easy to use.
Anonymous
May 31, 2018
We did'nt received anything of our won lots until now! It's verry poor.
Past Auctions from Santa Monica Auctions
Search:
24
Date: Descending
Santa_Monica_Auctions Annual Summer Sale 2012
Jun 10, 2012 9:34 PM EDT
Santa_Monica_Auctions Annual Summer Sale 2012
Jun 10, 2012 12:53 AM EDT
Santa Monica Auction's "Double-Dip" Fall Sale
Nov 07, 2010 7:20 PM EST
Santa Monica Auctions Summer Fine Art Auction
Jun 07, 2010 3:20 PM EDT
Santa Monica Auction's 25th Anniversary Sale
Jun 01, 2009 2:20 PM EDT
20th Century Modern and Contemporary Fine Art
Jun 02, 2003 2:20 PM EDT
20th Century Modern and Contemporary Fine Art
Jun 01, 2003 7:20 PM EDT
View:
24
Record Auction Results for Santa Monica Auctions
See AllTOP