Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History

Museum Closed
2025-11-28, 2025-11-27 | Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main St, Danville, VA, 24541, United States

Movies on the Lawn Presents Plan 9 From Outer Space
2025-11-21 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Kick back under the stars as we screen the cult classic Plan 9 from Outer Space. In this so-bad-it’s-good sci-fi tale, extraterrestrials attempt to stop humanity from creating a doomsday weapon that could destroy the universe. Once dubbed “the worst film ever made,” Plan 9 has since earned a devoted following for its campy charm.
Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and your favorite snacks! The museum will have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available to purchase. See you there!
TICKETS

Maud Gatewood: A Sphinx in a Remembered Garden, a presentation by Jim Frakes
2025-11-08 13:00 - 14:00
Join DMFAH on Saturday, November 8th at 1 PM for exploring Gatewood’s transformative time in Vienna (1962–63) and the influential Mint Museum exhibition that followed in Charlotte in 1965. Following her return from Vienna, Gatewood joined the Creative Arts Department at UNC Charlotte, where she played a key role in building the department. She taught at UNCC for nine years before continuing her teaching career at Averett University.
James F. D. Frakes is a Professor of Art History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

More about Jim Frakes: https://coaa.charlotte.edu/people/jim-frakes

The event is free and open to the public.

Halloween Friday on the Lawn
2025-10-31 17:00 - 20:00
Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for a fun time as we hand out candy to all the ghosts and ghouls of Danville! Enjoy hot cider, festive drinks, and frightfully fun snacks. Don’t be too scared to stop by—we’d love to see you!

Paranormal Event (Tentative)
2025-10-24 18:00 - 19:30
Join us as we welcome paranormal investigators present data recovered during recent paranormal investigation of the Sutherlin Mansion.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Eventbrite or at the museum.

Maud Gatewood Exhibit Members-Only Reception
2025-10-03 18:00 - 20:00
Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and Historyfor an exclusive Members-Only Reception and Exhibit Preview celebratingMaud Gatewood: Takeover
Be among the first to view this landmark exhibition highlighting the life and work of Maud Gatewood, one of North Carolina’s most celebrated artists.
Enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community with complimentary beer, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Maud Gatewood Takeover
2025-10-03 - 2025-12-27
Maud Gatewood Takeover
October 4 – December 2025
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is proud to present Maud Gatewood Takeover, a major exhibition opening October 4, 2025, and running through the end of December. Featuring over 200 works by Maud Gatewood—one of North Carolina’s most acclaimed and sought-after painters—the exhibition offers an unprecedented look at the breadth and depth of her artistic legacy.
Schedule
Friday, October 3, 2025, 6 – 8 p.m.: Exhibit Preview and Reception for Museum members and guests only
October 4 – December 28, 2025: Exhibit open to the public during regular museum hours
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 3 p.m.: Presentation on Maud Gatewood by Diane P. Kendrick, Professor of Art, Chair of Averett University Art Department
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 1 p.m.: Presentation on Maud Gatewood by Jim Frakes, Professor of Art History, College of Arts and Architecture, UNC Charlotte
Every Saturday from Oct 4 -Dec 27, 2 -3 p.m.: Showing of Gatewood: Facing the White Canvas Documentary by the Empowerment Project

About Maud Gatewood
A native of Caswell County, Gatewood spent much of her teaching career in Danville and is widely celebrated by art historians, curators, museum directors, and collectors as a defining figure in Southern art.
This expansive exhibit includes works from DMFAH’s own collection, including a rare portfolio of early pieces created during Gatewood’s high school years, when she studied under Carson Davenport at Averett College. In addition, more than 70 works will be on loan from major institutions and Gatewood’s family and friends—many of which have never before been publicly displayed.
Gatewood earned her BA from the Woman’s College in Greensboro (now UNC-Greensboro) in 1954, followed by an MA in painting from Ohio State University in 1955. In 1963, she was awarded a Fulbright to study in Austria with the renowned expressionist Oskar Kokoschka. Returning to North Carolina in 1964, she became the founding head of the Art Department at UNC-Charlotte. In 1975, she returned to Caswell County and joined the faculty at Averett College, where she taught until her retirement in 1997.
Her compositions spanned a wide range of themes, from landscapes and figures to architecture, abstract forms, and patterns. She exhibited widely across the Southeast and received numerous honors, including the American Academy of Arts and Letters award, the 1984 North Carolina Governor’s Award in Fine Arts, and an honorary doctorate from UNC-G in 1999.
Gatewood’s work is held in major public and private collections, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts (Washington, D.C.), North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh), Asheville Art Museum, Weatherspoon Art Museum (Greensboro), Nasher Art Museum at Duke University (Durham), and the Coca-Cola Corporation (Atlanta).
Though she traveled extensively, Gatewood remained deeply engaged with her home state. She was the first woman elected to the Caswell County Board of Commissioners, where she championed human services, economic development, and responsible land use. Her public service included roles with the North Carolina Arts Council, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
Maud Gatewood Takeover celebrates not only a singular artistic voice, but also a life rooted in service, education, and a profound connection to place.

Art on the Lawn
2025-09-20 10:00 - 2025-09-21 16:00
Sept 20: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sept. 21: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
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.
Join DMFAH for two vibrant days of art, live music from local bands, delicious offerings from food trucks, and a variety of activities for children. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, Art on the Lawn is a perfect opportunity to experience the heart of Danville’s creative spirit.
Hosted by the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, Art on the Lawn is one of Danville’s most beloved and longest-running outdoor art festivals. This juried art event celebrates the talent of local and regional artists, offering artists a platform to showcase their work, compete for cash awards, and connect with fellow artists and the broader community.
Artists are encouraged to sign up now for exhibit spaces. Call 434-793-5644 or visit Art on the Lawn – Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History for more information or to access the Artist Entry Form.

Fourth Fridays on the Lawn!
2025-08-22 17:30 - 19:30
Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for Fourth Fridays on the Lawn!
Enjoy live music, specialty drinks, local art, and community fun in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow art and music lovers and celebrate the creative spirit of Danville.
Bring a friend, bring a chair, and join us on the lawn!

Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality Traveling Exhibition from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
2025-08-06 10:00 - 2025-09-13 17:00
Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black EqualityA Traveling Exhibition from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality is a powerful traveling exhibit that traces four centuries of Black history in Virginia through the lives and legacies of individuals who challenged injustice and helped shape the meaning of American democracy. Through their stories of resistance, resilience, and leadership, the exhibit offers critical insights into the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in the United States.
Developed by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC), this traveling exhibition is based on the original Determined exhibition, which was on display in Richmond from June 22, 2019, to March 29, 2020. It was created to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in British North America and to honor the enduring impact of Black Americans in the face of slavery, segregation, and white supremacy.
Determined invites visitors to engage with the historical roots of present-day issues and to reflect on the work still needed to achieve a more just and equitable society. It honors those who have pushed the nation closer to its ideals of liberty and equality for all.
Explore the virtual exhibit: Determined | Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Attic Sale - Sunday
2025-08-03 12:00 - 16:00
You don’t want to miss this year’s Annual Attic Sale, an upscale tagged event for bargain and treasure hunters. Starting July 1st, furniture can be dropped off at the door to the children’s room along McGruder’s Alley during regular museum hours. Please call the museum at 434-793-5644 if you have furniture to donate.
Thursday, July 31st from 5-7 p.m: Members’ Only Preview, Reception and Special Silent Auction
Friday, Aug 1st: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 2nd: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug 3rd: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
*Sunday is the Big Sale Day! 12-2: all items 1/2 price, 2-4: fill a box for $10

Attic Sale - Saturday
2025-08-02 10:00 - 16:00
You don’t want to miss this year’s Annual Attic Sale, an upscale tagged event for bargain and treasure hunters. Starting July 1st: Furniture can be dropped off at the door to the children’s room along McGruder’s Alley during regular museum hours. Please call the museum at 434-793-5644 if you have furniture to donate.
Thursday, July 31st from 5-7 p.m: Members’ Only Preview and Reception
Friday, Aug 1st: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 2nd: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug 3rd: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
*Sunday is the Big Sale Day! 12-2: all items 1/2 price, 2-4: fill a box for $10

Attic Sale - Friday
2025-08-01 10:00 - 16:00
You don’t want to miss this year’s Annual Attic Sale, an upscale tagged event for bargain and treasure hunters.
Starting July 1st, furniture can be dropped off at the door to the children’s room along McGruder’s Alley during regular museum hours. Please call the museum at 434-793-5644 if you have furniture to donate.
Thursday, July 31st from 5-7 p.m: Members’ Only Preview and Reception
Friday, Aug 1st: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 2nd: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug 3rd: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
*Sunday is the Big Sale Day! 12-2: all items 1/2 price, 2-4: fill a box for $10

Attic Sale Members’ Only Preview, Reception, and Special Silent Auction
2025-07-31 17:00 - 19:00
Attic Sale Members’ Only Preview, Reception, and Special Silent Auction
Museum staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and Attic Sale Committee look forward to seeing you on Thursday, July 31st, for the Attic Sale Members’ Only Preview and Special Silent Auction. If you are reading this and not already a member of the DMFAH, we encourage you to join us in supporting our mission and enjoying the Members-Only preview, reception, and Silent Auction as one of the many benefits of membership. Please call or email DMFAH about becoming a member. All proceeds from the silent auction will go to the direct care of DMFAH’s collections. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!
Please donate items for the Attic Sale NOW!

4th Fridays on the Lawn
2025-07-25 17:30 - 19:30

Tuesday Speaker Series with Jay Hayes- Virginia Presidents and the Making of the Nation
2025-07-22 18:00 - 19:00
Join us for a presentation by former Averett University professor Mr. Jay Hayes, as he explores the role of Virginia Presidents in shaping the nation.
Mr. Hayes served as a professor at Averett University for 45 years, specializing in 20th-century United States history, before retiring in 2020. Of those years, 41 were spent serving as a department chair. He was the first Wilbur Clarence Daniel Professor of History and Political Science, a position he held for 27 years.
Mr. Hayes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampden-Sydney College, a Master’s degree from Virginia Tech (VPI), and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. He is the author of three published works: Dan Daniel and the Persistence of Conservatism in Virginia (Mercer University Press), South Carolina and the New Deal (University of South Carolina Press), and The Lamp and the Cross: A History of Averett College (Mercer University Press).
Mr. Hayes is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Danville, the Society of the Cincinnati, and Preservation Virginia (formerly APVA). Mr. Hayes also serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and is Secretary of the Danville Kiwanis Club. Additionally, he is an original member of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Summer Camp - Linda Gourley Art Workshop
2025-07-15 10:00 - 2025-07-18 12:00

Gift Shop Special Price Day
2025-06-22 13:00 - 16:00
The Gift Shop is open 1-4 with 5% off everything.

Summer Camp - Oodles of Doodles
2025-06-17 11:00 - 2025-06-20 14:00
Art classes for young creatives at DMFAH.

Give Me Liberty - Revolutionary War Exhibit VMHC
2025-05-20 08:00 - 2025-07-01 08:30
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Give Me Liberty highlights Virginia’s leading role in the American Revolution. It explores the continental and global forces as well as the actions of both iconic and ordinary people that brought about a model of democratic government that changed the world.
The DMFAH Exhibit includes 12 panels
Source: VHMC
