Meet Grace Kim

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I see risk as part of life—almost like a game where every decision we make involves some level of uncertainty. Whether it’s a small choice or a big move, there’s always a risk factor. Some people are great at planning and strategizing to minimize risks, while others might just dive in and hope for the best. But no matter what business you’re in, especially if you’re running your own, taking risks is unavoidable.

For me, risk-taking has been a constant since I was 16. I grew up in a very comfortable environment with two loving parents. When I was 16, my parents made the bold decision to immigrate to the United States, hoping to create an even better life for our family. It was a huge risk—moving to a new country with three kids and starting over—but I deeply admire their pioneer spirit, regardless of how things turned out. That experience shaped me and taught me the value of taking bold steps, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Since then, my life has been a series of risks—college decisions, marriage, kids, divorce, career changes, business, etc.—you name it. I truly believe that every significant decision in life comes with risk, but that’s what makes the journey meaningful and rewarding.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I don’t call myself an artist, even though I hold a BFA degree. But my love for fine art has been a constant thread in my life, woven deeply since childhood. I vividly remember the first time I saw Guernica by Picasso at the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. The scale of it, the energy within the room—it stunned me. I had to sit down against the opposite wall, taking it all in. I found myself mesmerized, almost meditating in its presence. That moment was one of many when art stopped me in my tracks and left me in awe.

As a curator, those experiences drive me. My role is to widen perspectives, challenge norms, and find beauty where it may be overlooked. I believe curating is about seeing what others might miss—transforming what feels impossible into something tangible, and turning what seems “ugly” into something profound. Art is deeply personal. The way we interpret it is unique to each of us, just as no two artworks are ever identical. That individuality fascinates me. I’m endlessly drawn to the stories behind an artist’s work—their life, struggles, and triumphs—and I feel an urge to share those narratives, to bring their work to the public and create connections between art and its audience.

My path hasn’t been easy. I believe any career, especially in the arts, demands work ethic and responsibility above all else. While my love for fine art never wavered, life pulled me in different directions at times, particularly during challenging periods like my divorce in 2008. I’ve worn many hats—manager at a doctor’s office, interior design director, and head curator at a private gallery. I didn’t start at the top in any of those roles. I began at the entry level and worked my way up, surprising even myself with how quickly I advanced. Yes, talent plays a role, but I believe 80% of success comes down to dedication and integrity. Those qualities have carried me to where I am today.

Today, I run Toy Bin Art, an alternative gallery concept where I don’t limit myself to a single space. I collaborate with various galleries and venues to curate exhibitions that are thoughtful and dynamic. It’s about adaptability and creativity—using what’s available to bring art into the world. Ultimately, my dream is to open my own gallery, a space without restrictions, where I can freely champion artists and their work. Until then, I’ll continue building bridges between artists and audiences, finding ways to inspire and share the magic of art wherever I can.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Day 1: We’d visit The Broad and the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, both conveniently located near each other downtown. These spots offer an incredible introduction to contemporary art.

Day 2: Next, we’d explore the LA Downtown Arts District, with a stop at Hauser & Wirth —a beautiful several galleries and a great courtyard. It’s a dynamic space that truly captures the creative energy of the city. And 1700 Santa Fe Ave – This few story high building has many known galleries that you can hop many galleries in one building.

If my friend isn’t into art, then here are few things I would take them

Day 3: We’d head to a concert at Disney Hall, known for its stunning architecture and world-class acoustics.

Day 4: A visit to Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. The ocean views are breathtaking, and they have live music in the lobby every Thursday through Saturday. We could relax by the huge fireplace and soak in the coastal vibes.

Day 5: We would also explore the hiking trails around Palos Verdes, where the cliffs meet the sea for spectacular views.

Day 6: A trip to Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar, this is one of my favorite spot to relax and enjoy. It would be perfect for browsing their lush nursery and curated shops. We’d finish the day with a meal at Farmhouse, a charming outdoor restaurant serving farm-to-table dishes.

Food & Drinks: I lean towards healthy, farm-to-table options with a great ambiance, so I’d choose restaurants that reflect that ethos. It’s all about good vibes and fresh flavors!

If we have extra time, we’d take a day trip to Palm Springs (especially in the winter) to enjoy its unique desert charm or head down to San Diego for its laid-back atmosphere and coastal attractions.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can think of two major sources of inspiration and support that deserve recognition in my story. First, I have to credit my faith in God. My faith has been the anchor in my life, guiding me through every step of my journey. It provides me with clarity and direction when things feel uncertain and lifts me up when I’m facing challenges or tough times. Without it, I don’t think I would be where I am today or the person I’ve become. Faith has been my source of strength, hope, and resilience.

The second source of inspiration comes from the artists I work with. Their creativity, dedication, and the emotions they pour into their work deeply move me. Their art not only inspires me personally but also sparks a strong desire in me to share their stories and creations with the world. It’s a privilege to showcase their work and help others experience the beauty, depth, and emotions that I see in it. Both my faith and the artists I collaborate with have been important in shaping who I am and what I do.

Website: https://toybinart.com

Instagram: @curatorgraceykim @toybinart

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/grace-kim-43326649