Dan Gardner

Artist Spotlight | The Art of the Ride – Tour de Pier

As part of The Art of the Ride, five local artists were invited to transform stationary spin bikes into one-of-a-kind works of art across Manhattan Beach. Dan Gardner is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends the precision of aerospace engineering with the expressive energy of urban art.

By day, Gardner works as an aerospace engineer. But outside the world of aircraft design, he channels his creativity into murals, mixed-media canvases, and contemporary landscape paintings. His artistic style reflects the intersection of structure and spontaneity.

Gardner's murals draw inspiration from graffiti and aerosol spray techniques, often incorporating elements of surf and skate culture that define Southern California's coastal lifestyle. Bold colors, layered textures, and dynamic movement give his work a sense of depth and motion.

In his studio work, Gardner explores modern landscapes and industrial themes, frequently combining urban structures, natural forms, and coastal imagery through mixed media.

For The Art of the Ride, Gardner brings his unique perspective to the project by transforming a stationary bike into a work that captures the energy and momentum behind the fight against cancer.

Dan's bike will be on display at Love.Life as part of The Art of the Ride, the city-wide public art experience leading up to Tour de Pier 2026.

See even more of the excitement @tourdepier