Warhol, Ruscha, Berman, Rickey Go on the Block

If your art collection lacks that special crown jewel -- or if your art collection consists of only movie posters -- you may want to visit Santa Monica this weekend for a live public art auction.

The auction, which features works from Ed Ruscha, Wallace Berman, George Rickey and Andy Warhol, is set for May 31 at the Robert Berman Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center. It begins at 1 p.m. and is located at 2525 Michigan Ave.

"It's a really fun day," Berman told the Santa Monica Mirror. "If you can't find something you like, you're just not looking hard enough."

Bidding will also be available online, Auction Central News reported:

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.)

Berman told Auction Central News that Warhol's prices are "down a bit, but there's no shortage of buyers." A 1980 screenprint titled Ted Kennedy (pictured) is estimated to sell for between $25,000 and $30,000.

Of course, in this economy, if you can't afford $20,000 for a Warhol, don't worry. You're not completely out of the art fun. A preview party is scheduled at the gallery on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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