Darshan's diverse credentials extend far beyond canvas and brush. His art has included designing and building special effects models for movies, television and commercials. Museum art has also been one of Darshan's lifelong interests. Darshan has worked with a number of museums in various capacitie. Among others he consulted on the planning of the Lake Elsinore (California) Museum and designed, constructed and painted many of the museum's backdrops.
   
  One of Darshan's most interesting "non-beach" art experiences came while living in the Gold Rush country of Northern California. To attract tourism several small towns in the area refashioned their Main Streets with Old West building facades and storefronts. Darshan played an active role in several of these communities. "I especially enjoyed researching the historical signage and then painting storefront banners to look as if they had weathered the elements for a hundred years. With Cruisers I only have to add fifty years of exposure to the elements -- however I have the additional challenge of adding fifty years of wear and tear by mankind behind the wheel!"
    
  In 1990 Darshan's life took a fateful turn. By pure happenstance (known locally as "Maui Magic") he and Steve met and Cruiser Art was born. In many ways Cruiser Art is the culmination of all that has come before -- both my life on the beach and my life as an artist. In every respect it is my proudest work." Darshan adds, "My real gratification comes from knowing I have offered an art form that people find fun and that evokes a very real happy feeling. Cruiser Art is 'feel good' art. Cruiser Art evokes a positive, happy response -- most often an audible 'neat' or 'cool' or sometimes 'awesome!'"