Danville Museum

of Fine Arts and History

Danville Museum

of Fine Arts and History


Upcoming Events and Programs

Historical Thinking Skills Teacher Workshop

Join educators from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Humanities, and the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History to engage with historical thinking skills through the project-based learning program Virginia History Day and the education resources of all three institutions.

This free, in-person workshop will be held on Saturday, October 12 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main St, Danville, VA 24541.

Resources for grades 4-12 will be the focus of this event, but educators from all grade levels are encouraged to attend. All Virginia social studies educators, including from homeschools and private schools, are encouraged to attend.

Space is limited to the first 20 registrants, so register today! Participation in the workshop includes:
– Coffee and light breakfast
– $75 stipend
– Certificate of participation for CEU points

This workshop is sponsored in part by National Endowment for the Humanities and Virginia Humanities.  Sign up Here

Opera on the James

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History will host Opera on the James for the third year on October 18th.

Children’s Opera this year is Goldie B. Locks, an operatic version of the story of Goldilocks, based on scenes from operas by W.A. Mozart and J. Offenbach.

Opera on the James, celebrating its 19th Season, is an OPERA AMERICA Level Four Professional Company in Lynchburg, Virginia. The company was created by a group of city leaders and opera lovers to share the power and beauty of live opera with diverse audiences in Central Virginia and beyond. The Board of Directors of Opera on the James and dedicated volunteers are very active in the work of the company.

Friends of the Old West End's HAUNTED HOUSE TOUR

Join the Friends of the Old West End on a walking tour of historic homes in the Old West End Historic District, including the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.  You will hear about the history of houses along Millionaires Row, as well as some of their unexplained occurrences! The tour will also include a visit to the Grove Street Cemetery, where tour takers may catch a glimpse of the cemetery’s inhabitants! 

This tour is not recommended for people with difficulty walking or for children under the age of 12.

More information to come!

Double Exposure: Photographers Emmet Gowin and Glenn Scarboro

Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for a preview and reception of the new photography exhibit DOUBLE EXPOSURE: Photographers Emmet Gowin and Glenn Scarboro.

Emmet Gowin and Glenn Scarboro marked the reopening of the newly renovated Jennings Gallery fifty years ago with its inaugural exhibition, “Two-Man Photography Show.” 

We invite you to celebrate their return and honor fifty years of friendship and artistic endeavors with “Double Exposure.” 

The exhibit will be open to the public September 14th – November 1st. DMFAH will hold a members-only preview and reception on September 6th from 6-8 p.m. To become a member of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, please call 434-793-5644.

Holiday Crafts for Children

Holiday Crafts for Children

Ages 4 to 10

$10 per child and $5 per each extra child per family.

25 spaces available

Contact Cathy Eggleston at cathy@danvillemuseum.org or at 434-793-5644 to register

Let’s have fun making little gingerbread houses for the holidays! We supply the parts and you put it together!

DMFAH's Winter Exhibit

More information to come!

 

 

 

 

 

 

DMFAH's Annual President's Reception

More information to come!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past Events and Programs

Finding Our Ancestral Roots with Virginia Humanities (Part 2)

Join Virginia Humanities’ Community Initiatives at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for “Finding Your Ancestral Roots,” a community genealogy workshop and presentation hosted by Program Associate Karice Luck-Brimmer.

We’re excited to continue our “Finding Your Roots” series as we explore our ancestral roots in the Dan River region. Local and regional historical and genealogical societies, libraries, and museums will come together and share a multitude of resources that will help you discover your family’s history and genealogy. 

During this day of informative mini-presentations, we will raffle off 20 AncestryDNA kits and genealogy consultations! Plus, a food truck will be on site. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is recommended.

DAR Constitution Day Celebration

Mark your calendar to celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 10 am on the Chatham Courthouse steps, and again at 3:30 pm on the front lawn of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History.

All who enjoy the freedoms of citizenship are invited to experience the spark that lit the fires for revolution and independence as Patrick Henry’s fifth Great Grandson, Patrick Henry Jolly reenacts his ancestor’s famous speech to “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death.” 

A special invitation is extended to parents, teachers, and lovers of American history to bring children and students to witness the speech along with a flag presentation and musket salute by the Dan River Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution color guard.

Fourth Fridays on the VERANDA

Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History as we host Fourth Fridays on the Veranda this summer for drinks, food, art, music, and community vibes. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, located within Danville’s Old West End, is a hub for art, history, and culture. Every fourth Friday starting in June, the museum’s veranda will transform into a hub of creativity and connection, with specially curated drinks and delicious bites.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history enthusiast, or just looking for a place to connect with others and have a good time, Fourth Fridays on the Veranda is perfect for all. Cash Bar and Food available.

Open to the Public, Tickets not Required.

Upcoming Fourth Fridays on the Veranda include:

June 28, 2024, 5:30- 8:00 p.m.

July 26, 2024, 5:30- 8:00 p.m.

August 23, 2024, 5:30- 8:00 p.m.

Art on the Lawn 2024 and DMFAH's 50th Anniversary Event

Join us at 975 Main Street, Danville, VA on September 14th for Art on the Lawn- a day filled with art, history, and fun. This year is also the Danville Museum of Fine Art and History’s 50th anniversary. To celebrate the museum’s anniversary, we will have a special exhibit that looks back at the museum’s 50 years of history and looks forward to the next 50 years. 

Art on the Lawn is rated as one of the best-loved and long-standing outdoor festivals in Danville. This in- person event is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local art scene, purchase some great art, and commemorate a special milestone with us through music and food. Food trucks and beer and wine will be available. Musical guest Mama Bri Bri and the Stranger.

We hope to make this year’s Art on the Lawn/50th Anniversary Event the best, so mark your calendars. This event is free and open to the public. Artists interested in having a booth at Art on the Lawn please call 434-793-5644 or click the Artist Entry Form button below. 

Finding Your Cultural Roots (Part 1) Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Celebration

Join Virginia Folklife in Danville for a special day exploring storytelling and the African roots of musical traditions!

For the past year, the artists featured at this event have worked together in Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship teams to learn and teach the cultural traditions of community storytelling, gourd instrument building, and Puerto Rican plena and requinto hand drumming.

Danville’s own Fred Motley and Karen Williamson of Caswell County will share stories they have collected—both on screen in a short film and to the sounds of local musicians. Dena Jennings of Nason will offer two workshops about the history and techniques behind the making of gourd instruments—the precedent to today’s banjo, which is often separated from its African origin story. Maurice Sanabria of Richmond will also be offering workshops on hand drumming traditions of Puerto Rican plena music.

Drop in or stay for the whole event. This group of local and visiting artists will help you discover the roots of modern Virginia traditions. Click Here to register. 

On Saturday, September 21 (11am-2pm), return to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History for Part 2: “Finding Your Ancestral Roots,” a community genealogy workshop and presentation hosted by Danville-based public historian and genealogist Karice Luck-Brimmer, Virginia Humanities Community Initiatives program associate. (See below- More details will be announced soon!)

This event is free and open to the public; registration is recommended. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, see Virginia Humanities. 

Annual Attic SALE!

Come join us at the Danville Museum for our annual Attic Sale in August where you can find unique treasures and vintage items! Danville looks forward to this very popular event featuring a huge number of items including home decor, furniture, albums, kitchenware, books, paintings, frames, one-of-a-kind items and so much more.

The Annual Attic Sale fundraiser will be open to the public, beginning Saturday, August 3rd at 9 a.m. 

A special, members-only “Preview & Sale Reception,” will be held Friday, August 2nd from 5-7 p.m. at the museum.

We will continue to accept donated items May-July during Museum hours (Tuesdays-Fridays, 10-5, Saturdays 12-5, Sundays, 2-5). No clothing or electronics please.

 

DMFAH Hosts the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

DMFAH will host Business After Hours with the Danville, Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce on June 20th. Business After Hours are designed to provide a networking opportunity for chamber members to make new business contacts in a relaxed social setting. There is no cost for Chamber members – It’s included in your membership.  

In partnership with the Danville-Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History will be hosting Business After Hours on June 20th, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the museum, located at 975 Main Street, Danville. Refreshments provided by Crema and Vine and Culture. 

The museum will be sharing information about plans for September in honor of its 50th Anniversary, including a special photography exhibit to be held on September 6th, and Art on the Lawn and a Celebration Party to be held on September 14th. The museum will also be discussing refinements to the organization’s vision for the future, which reflects its commitment to all local audiences and visitors, and how the museum plans to expand its role to be the cultural heart of Danville. 

Museum Meets Margaritaville

Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History at the Danville Community Market on Saturday, June 8, 2024, for an island-themed fundraiser to support the museum’s ongoing programs and events. Indulge in tasty island-themed food, delicious margaritas, and special rum drinks, while you immerse yourself in a tropical paradise right in the heart of Danville. Music by DJ Larry Stamps and food provided by Culture. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that brings together the best of both worlds – museums and Margaritaville! 

Tickets are $45 per person and $50 at the door. Museum members get 5% off.

You’ll have a chance to bid on a 3-night stay in a waterfront condo in Key West, an exclusive Holiday Dinner in the museum’s cupola, or one of many extravagant gift baskets. 

Celebrate the Arts! Danville Public Schools Student Art Exhibit

Join DMFAH on May 24th from 5 – 7 p.m.  as we showcase amazing artwork from Danville Public School students, music by the DPS orchestra, and dance and theater performances. From paintings to sculptures, there will be a wide variety of art on display. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the artistic skills of our community. 

The exhibit opening and reception will be held May 24, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit will continue until June 5th

Guides: Women from the Danville - Pittsylvania County Area History. Exhibit Has Been Extended Until May 12th.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is having a special exhibition on women from the Danville⎼Pittsylvania County area whose accomplishments, dedication, dignity, and talent deeply enriched, and helped grow the region. Some of the women highlighted in the exhibit are well known, but others, and their contributions, are not. DMFAH will also be hosting two evening presentations on women featured in the exhibit. It is anticipated that the exhibit will expand into an annual display to highlight other women, and their contributions, each March. 

Presentation about Lady Astor and Museum Mingle May 5th, 3-5 p.m.

DMFAH will be hosting a presentation on Lady Astor who is one of the women featured in the Guides: Women from Danville – Pittsylvania County Area Exhibit to celebrate Women’s History Month. Joyce Wilburn will give a presentation o