Danville Museum

of Fine Arts and History

2026 Art on the Lawn

After a wonderful response to last year’s expanded format, Art on the Lawn will once again span two days this year—September 25–26, 2026. Visitors can explore booths featuring artists working in painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more. The event remains free and open to all, inviting the entire community to enjoy a creative weekend together.

Important Dates

Day One: Saturday, September 25th, 2026

Setup: 7:00AM-10:00AM

*Setup must be completed by 10:00AM to be considered for prizes.

Judging Begins: 10:00AM

Open to the Public: 10:00AM-4:00PM

Artist Awards and Networking Reception: 5:30PM-7:00PM

Day Two: Sunday, September 26th, 2026

Open to the Public: TBD

“Tear” Down: TBD

 
Application and Fee Dates:
 
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
Jury in Progress: TBD
Invitations and Denials Sent: TBD
Last Day to accept Invitation: July 31st, 2026
Fees Due: Upon Accepting Invitation
 

Information for Participating Artists

Awards
  • Grand Prize: $1,000
  • Second Prize: $500
  • Third Prize: $250
  • President’s Choice: Honorary
  • Director’s Choice: Honorary

Displays

  • All display/tent areas are 12 ‘x 12’.
  • Artists provide their own display stands, tent canopies, shelves, tables, and chairs.
  • Vendors are kindly asked to bring weighted bags to secure their tents, as there are sprinkler lines present in the museum grounds, which will be turned off during the event.
  • Electricity is not available for individual spaces.

Fee

$TBD, fee includes:

  • Display area for both Saturday and Sunday
  • Judging Cost
  • Access to the Artists’ Awards and Networking Reception on Saturday evening
  • *Artists may pay an additional $40 for another 12′ x 12′ space but are limited to 2 spaces.

Student Scholarships for Art on the Lawn

This year, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is excited to offer scholarships specifically designed to support student artists participating in Art on the Lawn. These scholarships provide an exceptional opportunity for young creatives to showcase their talent without the financial implication. Each scholarship covers the event dues, ensuring participation in both days of the festival and the exclusive artist reception. Additionally, recipients will be provided with essential display equipment, including a tent, table, tablecloth, and two chairs, allowing them to exhibit their work. This initiative aims to foster a nurturing environment for emerging artists to flourish and engage with the local art community. If you’re interested in being considered for this opportunity, please remember to upload a picture of your student ID with your application and check the box to indicate your interest.

Eligibility

• Clay – Art objects, either functional or decorative of clay, made by shaping and then firing. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, the artist must sign each piece.

• Fiber – Decorative work created from fiber

• Glass – Glass works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or crafted by glass blowing, molding or casting. Works may be etched or engraved.

•Graphics/Drawing/Printmaking – Works on paper using pencil, crayon, ink, charcoal, pastels and a variety of other marking media. Original works created using traditional printmaking methods including screen-printing, block, lithograph, serigraph, etc.

• Leather – Bags, books, etc. made of leather and hand cut, sewn, and tooled.

• Metal – Functional or sculptural metal artwork created by forging, twisting and fabricating of various metals.

• Mixed Media (2D & 3D) – Two or three dimensional works that incorporate more than one type of physical material (paint, pencil, watercolor, photography, printmaking or drawing) in their production.

• Painting – Creation of a still life, portrait, landscape, abstract or other image on a flat surface, such as canvas, with watercolors, oil, sticks or acrylic paint.

• Photography – Prints created from the artist’s original negative processed by the artist or under direct supervision of the artist.

• Wood – Furniture and art objects, either functional or decorative, that are hand-tooled or machine-worked, turned or carved.

*All submitted work must be original and created solely by the applicant. Limited edition prints may be showcased. Each print must be numbered and signed. Ineligible work includes, but is not limited to, imports, manufactured goods, molded ceramics, and utilitarian textiles that are not handwoven. Dealers or representatives are not permitted. Any craft studio engaged in mass production will not qualify.

2026 Art on the Lawn Artists' Application

The Application period for 2026 Art on the Lawn has not opened yet, please check back in February 2026.

The DMFAH will be CLOSED January 8th-January 21st for exhibit preparations. We will reopen Thursday, January 22nd.