Something special but virtually hidden exists here in SoCal, and it’s a reminder that visual art, despite the occasional headline-grabbing event, is essentially an underground activity operating on the margins of our society. The Pete and Susan Barrett Art Gallery of Santa Monica College is the little-known gem in this parallel universe and what’s most astonishing is its prime location on the west side. Relocated in 2000 to a larger and superbly proportioned space on one of the college’s satellite campuses, it boasts a very respectable and diverse exhibition history, yet enjoys only a limited following in the local art community.

How does one explain the neglect of an important venue that is located on an easy-access college campus with ample free parking? Unfortunately, the gallery is eclipsed by a larger and more visible edifice: the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, which was constructed subsequent to the move and has become the centerpiece of what is now known as the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The Broad Stage is the work of California architect Renzo Zecchetto, who also designed the impeccable interior space of the Barrett Gallery. The similar names of the two venues may be contributing to the secretive nature of the latter.

Marian Winsyrg, the gallery director.

Gallery director Marian Winsyrg, who works hand-in-hand with her capable assistant Brennan Wheeler, is no shrinking violet. She’s engaging, energetic and above all determined to raise the profile of the Barrett. To this end she agreed to an interview, which took place in the gallery late last year during the holidays. The first thing we did was tour the current show, an eye-popping survey of the large-format geometric abstractions by veteran painter Scot Heywood. Expertly installed, the work seemed predestined for the pristine spaces of this 2,600-square-foot gallery. After that, Winsyrg brought out an armful of catalogs of past shows for me to peruse. She dutifully commented on each one with the enthusiasm of a true
devotée. A partial list of the noteworthy exhibitions she has presided over includes a Martha Alf retrospective, a show of Sam Francis prints, the never-before-seen wood sculptures of Gwen Merrill, a comprehensive show of Santa Monica artists, a select show of prominent area abstract painters, a wide-ranging presentation of African-American art and artifacts, the colorful and playful sculpture of Peter Shire, a show of Cuban-born artists, a digital art show, and a survey of contemporary aboriginal paintings from Australia.

When I asked her why the gallery was moved from the art department building on the main campus, she said: “We needed more classrooms in the department. I became the director at the old gallery in 1999 and we had some wonderful shows there. Although nicely designed, it was quite small. I believe it had existed in some form for about 20 years prior to the move. It was nice over there because of all the art students coming in.” To get them to visit the Barrett, Winsyrg has initiated a lecture series to shed light on what’s being shown in the new space. “I schedule them during class time so they can come. It’s all about the students.” The itinerary at the new location is a mix of “outside” exhibitions and those devoted to the art students of the college’s mentor program, with an occasional art faculty show thrown in. In addition, she manages to fit a number of collaborations with other LA schools and galleries into the schedule. Three shows of five-to-six-week duration dedicated to the student body happen during the spring semester and an equal number of curated shows take place in the fall. The hope is to broaden the agenda to include summer shows as well.

One thing that would immediately bring attention to the gallery is a sign. A strategically placed marquee would be seen daily by motorists using the major thoroughfare that borders the site. So why not give us a sign? “It’s a matter of money and priorities,” Winsyrg says. The building where we are now is still a work in progress. “There are plans for another wing to provide new practice studios, so maybe when that’s finished there will be a sign.” Meanwhile, the Barrett Art Gallery can be found at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and 11th Street. Access is easy and, it bears repeating, there’s ample free parking.  

Santa Monica College • Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery
Located in the Santa Monica Performing Arts Center; 1310 11th Street at Santa Monica Blvd., Room 101
Tel. (310) 434 3434 or visit: www.visualartsource.com​
Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Friday
(noon–5 p.m.) & Saturday (11 a.m.–4 p.m.)

Photos by Jack Chipman