Tens of thousands of students served
Nationwide shipping of custom art kits
Partnerships with children’s hospitals and mental health organizations
Beloved programs across Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, and Orange County
A movement for “Creative Wellness” in a fast-paced world
For 25 years, The Art Box Academy has sparked imagination and confidence in children throughout Southern California and beyond. Founded by Lauren Dennis-Perelmuter in 2000, the Academy began as a single art center and has grown into a nationally recognized program, combining hands-on classes with creative art kits shipped across the country.
Lauren’s creative journey began in the Bay Area, where she worked as a textile designer and in executive management for high-end designer stores. These experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of daily creativity and a desire to share it with future generations. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she recognized a need for a space dedicated to nurturing children’s artistic expression — and The Art Box Academy was born.
Starting with a storefront location, Lauren quickly realized the impact could be even greater by bringing programs directly into schools. That spirit of innovation continues today, with the Academy offering both on-site classes and nationwide Art Kit programs.
At its heart, The Art Box Academy stands for “Creative Wellness” — empowering kids to build critical thinking, fine motor skills, resilience, and joy through the arts.
We sat down with Lauren to reflect on this remarkable journey.
Q: What do you remember most about the early days of The Art Box Academy?
A big “aha” moment for me was realizing the importance of staying flexible and listening to the needs of the community. When we first opened, we were a small storefront operation, but as the schools began reaching out, I saw an opportunity to expand our programs and bring art into more classrooms.
Q: How has The Art Box Academy evolved over the years?
The evolution has been incredible. Initially, we were all about in-person classes at our storefront, then we pivoted to offer mobile programs at schools. During the pandemic, we responded by creating Art Kits and Activity Boxes, which allowed us to continue reaching children at home. Over the past few years, we’ve combined the best of both worlds — continuing on-site teaching and shipping Art Kits nationwide
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of seeing students grow through art?
Seeing kids gain confidence and discover their own creativity is the most fulfilling part. I’m also constantly inspired when I hear from past students about how the Academy influenced their lives in positive ways — many of them continue to pursue creative paths in college or in their careers.
Q: What role has the Palos Verdes community played in your journey?
The Palos Verdes community has been amazing. From supporting our programs in the local schools to collaborating with businesses like Terranea, we’ve been able to create lasting relationships that truly make a difference in the lives of families here.
Q: What’s next for The Art Box Academy?
We’re excited to keep growing! We’re expanding our reach by working with pediatric hospitals, resorts, and mental health organizations, and continuing to offer our Art Kits to families across the country. We hope to bring the power of creativity to even more kids and families in the years to come.
