Our mission is to inspire community cohesiveness and facilitate impactful education through the advancement of art and history in the Dan River Region.
Sign up for a painting or pottery class at DMFAH! We also offer yoga and meditation classes.
You can rent the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for weddings, family reunions, and other special events.
Camilla Williams generously donated her personal effects to the Danville Museum. Come visit our permanent exhibit about her life today!
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is thrilled to announce that Art on the Lawn will be a two-day event this year, taking place on September 20th and 21st, 2025. This expansion provides even more opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts alike to engage in a vibrant celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. With a diverse array of artworks ranging from painting and photography to sculpture and mixed media, this year’s event promises to be an inspiring and enriching experience for all attendees. The event is not ticketed and is open to the public, promoting the highest level of community involvement.
This year we are also excited to enhance our artists’ experiences by hosting a catered Artist Reception on Saturday evening. This private event will feature the awards ceremony for the event and offer invaluable networking opportunities, allowing artists to connect with one another as well as with prominent art organizations from the area.
Day One: Saturday September 20th, 2025
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 21st, 2025
Open to the Public: 10:00AM-2:00PM
“Tear” Down: 2:00PM-4:00PM
Fees Due: Upon Accepting Invitation
Displays
Fee
$85 fee includes:
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.