TORRANCE, CALIF.- Artistic risk-takers, innovators and art lovers from around the world will gather in Torrance, California Aug. 7-9 for Tryst, an alternative to the established commercial art scene. The international fair and conference, now in its fourth year, invites experimentation, provides a support system for artist-run spaces and collectives and offers opportunities to purchase original artworks.

Organized by the Torrance Art Museum in partnership with the City of Torrance, the free event will include performances and discussions about partnerships and programs for artists. Dozens of participants from California will join those from across the U.S. and international locations, including Vienna; São Paulo; Bogota, Columbia; Berlin and Athens, Greece. Tryst is the largest international art fair for artist-run spaces in the world.


Installation at Tryst International Art Fair, which will take place Aug. 7-9 at Del Amo Crossing, 21535 Hawthorne Blvd., in Torrance, California. Image courtesy of Tryst.

“Tryst is both an art fair and an international conference addressing the needs and future of global exchange for artist-run spaces, collectives and organizations,” explained Max Presneill, director of the Torrance Art Museum. “Tryst lives up to its name as it brings together art lovers and artists for a brief encounter among a flurry of activities. We encourage everyone to network, exchange ideas, make new friends and plan for a collaborative future together.”

Tryst is dedicated to introducing international artists to new Los Angeles audiences and increasing interactions between artist-run spaces and the general public. To support artist-run spaces and experimental projects, Tryst is free for those looking to buy art and free for the artists, who also keep 100 percent of any sales they make. Visitors can expect to find painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation and more in an informal and enthusiastic environment.

Those eager to add original art to their lives will find a range of prices, according to Presneill. “Prices are across the board but without gallery overhead surcharges! You can pick up works for $100 or $1,000 or $10,000.”


Installation at Tryst International Art Fair, which will take place Aug. 7-9 at Del Amo Crossing, 21535 Hawthorne Blvd., in Torrance, California. Image courtesy of Tryst.

Tryst 2026 will take place at Del Amo Crossing, 21535 Hawthorne Blvd., in Torrance, California, within the greater Los Angeles area. The event will be open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9 from noon to 6 p.m.

Running concurrently in the same space, Nomad provides individual artists based in Southern California an opportunity to present their art. Nomad will feature more than 150 artists.

More information on Tryst is available at https://www.torranceartmuseum.com/tryst-2026


Installation at Nomad, a three-day art pop-up, which will take place Aug. 7-9 at Del Amo Crossing, 21535 Hawthorne Blvd., in Torrance, California. Images courtesy of Nomad.

Torrance Art Museum

Torrance Art Museum, located at 3320 Civic Center Drive in Torrance, California, is the premier visual art space to view contemporary art in the South Bay. The Museum encourages all people to develop and increase their understanding and appreciation for modern and contemporary artwork via a variety of exhibitions offered in its two gallery spaces, as well as educational programs, artist talks, lectures and symposia. Two galleries and a video darkroom exhibition space form the artistic core of the nearly 10,000-square-foot museum. It is a program of the City of Torrance Cultural Services Division of the Community Services Department. Admission is free. Learn more at torranceartmuseum.com