Community Service
Destination: Art was expressly founded to bring art and beauty to our community. We work hand-in-hand with local business members and city/county government officials to help the community prosper, in most cases on a pro bono basis. We have decorated Christmas trees with handmade ornaments to assist Torrance Memorial Hospital, held a special event for healthcare workers during the pandemic, led and participated in local art walks, etc. When other local area art groups lacked space to meet or to hold a show— especially during the pandemic— we opened our doors to them for a nominal fee. Destination: Art has established a program consisting of art workshops for young adults on the spectrum and other developmental disabilities, in tandem with the Autism Society of Los Angeles.
Creative Conversations
A series of talks led by business people in the community who have successfully allowed their love and enthusiasm for what they do to naturally express creativity in their lives and careers. Learn more here.
ART FOR everyone
A series of sessions providing an opportunity for people in the community who think that they are not creative or artistic to be touched by the process of creating small works of art while learning some basic design principles.
Friends of Destination Art
In conjunction with the Autism Society of Los Angeles, we offer a series of classes to create an inclusive environment for young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities to make connections through art experiences. Learn more here.
Readers Choice Award
Destination: Art was voted the South Bay’s favorite art gallery in 2021 and 2022 by readers of two local papers, the Daily Breeze and The Beach Reporter.
Experimental Artists of the South Bay
Destination: Art provides meeting space and hosts various events for smaller groups in the area that do not have their own space to meet and show their artwork, such as EASB, Torrance Artists Guild (2021), Pacific Arts Group (2022), and South Bay Watercolor Society (2022)
Kids for Kids
In 2018 DA artists volunteered their time to paint 2-foot tall resin goats that were then sponsored/auctioned off to raise funds for Torrance Volunteer Center. Dave Wolfram and Margaret Lindsey recruited artists, while 20 individual and business sponsors agreed to donate $1000 each to adopt a goat of their choice. The remainder were auctioned for from $250 to $425 each.
Artwalk on Cabrillo
Art galleries, retail establishments, and restaurants teamed up for a fine art walking tour of Torrance’s first commercial district. Artists were paired with 16 retail establishments, where the public could see artists at work, engage in conversation, and then step inside participating merchants’ locations, all within a few blocks in this distinctive area of Torrance. The Art Walk was hosted by and began at Destination: Art, where art lovers, visitors, and the curious could pick up a map.
Art 2 Go
Destination: Art held Art 2 Go events in 2016, 2017, and 2018. These shows were well-attended by local art collectors and Christmas shoppers, who could buy unsigned, unframed original art created by DA artists for $75 (8x10) or $100 (12x12). After a painting was purchased the artist would be revealed and sign their artwork. Framers were standing by to complete the process, if desired. All of the paintings sold were packaged in pizza boxes emblazoned with our logo and event signature.
Masterpieces with a Holiday Twist
In 2015 local groups vied to make fabulous Christmas trees to benefit Torrance Memorial Hospital. Our tree was festooned with handmade ornaments and small versions of famous paintings themed especially for Christmas such as this one, a take on Vermeer’s masterpiece. The ornamented trees were auctioned off, with all proceeds going to TMH.
Paint N Pour Parties
Destination: Art hosts private parties for birthdays and other special occasions in our gallery, where guests can relax with a glass of wine or cup of coffee and a snack while taking part in a painting class led by a DA artist.
Torrance Excellence in Arts Awards
In 2022 Destination: Art nominated Joe Mancuso for the Doctor Tom Rische Arts Education Awards. Due to Joe’s excellent teaching ability and expertise in the medium of soft pastel, Joe received the award at a reception in October. In 2019, Destination: Art received the Excellence in Arts Award for Visual Design as an organization. The award was received by then President David Wolfram.