The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is located on the historic Main Street in downtown Danville, VA, between Holbrook & Sutherlin Avenues, featuring permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and history and art programs. We also hold art classes in the Swanson Studio, located behind the museum. We offer exhibits, self-guided and group tours, and events year round!
Hours
Tues-Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: Noon – 5 PM
Closed Mondays and Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Admission
Adults: $12
Seniors: $10
Military (active/retired): $10
Students ages 7-17: $5
Children 6 and under: free
Student Groups of 10 or More:
$5 per student and instructors are free
Tour the Italian Villa style mansion built in 1859 that was home to Major William T. Sutherlin and family. The Sutherlin House Tour is available to all and we offer self-guided tours to visitors.
The Camilla Williams exhibition highlights the relationship this New York City Opera diva had with her hometown, Danville, and explores the difficult path to frame in a racially divided South during the Civil Rights protests.
This exhibit explores the role of Danville and its citizens during the Civil War.
This exhibit walks you through the evolution of the Danville Civil Rights demonstrations that began peacefully late in May 1963 when local civil rights leaders organized demonstrations, sit-ins, and marches to protest segregation in all spheres, but especially in municipal government, employment, and public facilities.
The Hall of Fame was established by the Danville Museum in 1974 to recognize and honor citizens of the area whose achievements have been outstanding.
If you have a group that would want a guided tour for any exhibit at the museum, please contact us today!
Enjoy a one-hour walking tour of Millionaires’ Row and learn “The Secrets Inside” the Victorian mansions surrounding the Museum (DMFAH). Return to the DMFAH and tour recreated rooms inside the 1858 Sutherlin mansion, view a Civil War exhibit, a Civil Rights exhibit and two art galleries. Visit the gift shop for a souvenir. All transactions are cash. Call Joyce Wilburn at 434.770.1974 to schedule a tour.
The following education opportunities and classes are available at the Museum:
Dates: May 31st, June 7th, and June 14th
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Swanson Studio (Located behind the museum on McGruder’s Alley)
Class Description: Join us for oil painting at the intermediate level, taught by artist Geraldine O’Brien. Participants will paint a variety of subjects, including landscapes, still lifes, florals, and more, with the objective of getting outdoors and painting the scenery: plein air! The instructor will touch on introductory drawing and suggest some fun homework to help advance progress. Soon, participants will be creating original art from their own “resource file.”
Costs: $180 per student for three classes. Museum Members get 5% discount. Cost does not include materials. No cancellation or refunds.
Supplies: Supplies must be purchased before the first class. Please contact Cathy Eggleston at 434-793-5644 for the List of Supplies.
Students will also need paper towels, a jar with lid, a sketchbook or drawing paper, a pencil, a ruler or yardstick, and a palette knife.
About the instructor: Geraldine O’Brien, a professional artist with over 30 years of experience, has studied art in various locations across the US and Europe. Her work has been displayed in galleries from New York to Los Angeles. More information on Geraldine O’Brien.
Registration: Contact Cathy Eggleston at 434-793-5644 to register and pay.
Beginners one-day oil painting workshop with artist Geraldine O’Brien
Dates: June 7th
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Swanson Studio
Description: Join us at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for Crumpets ‘n Tea and oil painting. This class is a great opportunity for beginners to try oil painting!
Participants will receive an introduction to the basic principles of creating a beautiful piece of art to take home and enjoy, while sipping on a lovely cup of tea and nibbling on delicious pastries.
Geraldine O’Brien will guide participants in starting their journey into oil painting. This is a great event to invite a friend or two. Space is limited, so sign up early.
Supplies: The instructor will provide all materials.
Costs: $60 per student for a 2-hour workshop.
Registration: Contact Cathy Eggleston at 434-793-5644 to register and pay.
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History offers engaging summer camps each year. Led by professional artists, the camps provide children and teens with enriching and creative experiences. This summer, DMFAH will be offering 3 summer art camps. To register or make payments, please contact Cathy Eggleston at 434-793-5644 or cathy@danvillemuseum.org
1.Illustration Camp for Young Creatives
Ages 7-12 years
Dates: June 2nd – 6th, 2025
Times: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $85 per student; supplies will be provided.
This Illustration Camp, designed for ages 7 to 12, focuses on both artistic expression and skill development. Young creatives will refine their abilities in figure drawing, perspective, and character design while collaborating with like-minded peers. By the end of the camp, students will have completed a series of illustrations that tell compelling stories. The program concludes with final presentations, where students will showcase their work to friends and family. Instructor: Sarah Hawkins.
2. Doodles and Oodles of Art Summer Camp
Ages: 4 – 6 years
Dates: June 17 – 20, 2025
Times: 10 a.m. – 12 noon
Costs: $25 per child, $10 for each extra child per family
Children will explore four elements of art, color, shape, line and texture, through favorite children’s book illustrators. We’ll draw lines like Dr. Seuss, use shape, texture and color like Eric Carle and enjoy colors like George Rodrigue. Students will be engaged in hands-on experimentation, art projects, movement, games and activities and even make a snack each day. Instructor Karan Johnston has been teaching art to children and students for over 25 years, including DMFAH’s Art Smart Program.
3. Children’s Art Workshop with Linda Gourley
Ages 7- 12 years
Dates: July 15th -18th, 2025
Time: 10 am to 12 pm each day
Costs: $50 per child, $25 for each extra child per family
This 4-day art camp is taught by local artist Linda Gourley. Students will learn sketching, painting with watercolors, and making collage prints.
Dates: Mondays, Tuesday, and Wednesdays 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Location: Swanson Studios at the Danville Museum of Fine Art & History at 965 Main Street Danville, VA
Cost: $105 for non-museum members and $95.00 for museum members.
Class Description: Forms In Clay is designed for beginners to advanced students. The Swanson Studio is equipped for hand-building and wheel throwing and utilizes an electric kiln for firing. The class includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing.
About the Instructor: Jonathan Scollo studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design and later graduated from the University of South Carolina in Art Education.
His pottery and art has been showcased in many art exhibits across the region.
Mr. Scollo teaches pottery classes at Averett University and at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. He co-owns and manages the Awards & Trophy Shop in Danville with his wife Beverly, who is also an artist.
Registration: Please contact the museum at 434-793-5644, or Mr. Scollo at 434-792-5355 for more information and to register.
Dates: Mondays, 5-6 p.m.
Location: Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
Costs: $10 per class. Pay through Eventbrite using the “Get Started” button below or at the door.
Supplies: pillows, blankets, yoga mats.
Class Description: If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, you might try meditation, a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can help you relax deeply, calm your mind, and restore your calm and inner peace.
About the Instructor: Melissa Laverack is a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Certified Trainer and Instructor with over 24 years of experience.
Registration: “Get Started” button below.
Dates: Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Location: Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
Cost: $10 per person per class. Pay through Eventbrite using the “Get Started” button below or at the door.
Supplies: Students should bring a towel, water, and a yoga mat.
Class Description: Find balance and peace with yoga instructor, Sherri Tuck, as she guides students through a 60-minute series of standing and seated asanas (yoga poses) designed to build flexibility, stamina and strength while being mindful of the breath. Focus will be placed on alignment and self-awareness throughout the class.
Modifications will be offered to make the class accessible to all skill levels. Class will end with a Savasana or final relaxation pose to allow for post-practice reflection.
Registration: “Get started” button below.
Dates: 2024-2025 School Year
Ages: pre-K
Art Smart is an art class taught by Karan Johnston and Sue Shelton in conjunction with the Danville/Pittsylvania County Headstart Programs. Please contact Cathy Eggleston, Museum Events and Volunteer Coordinator, for more information at 434-793-5644 or cathy@danvillemuseum.org.
Hours:
Tuesday – Friday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Phone: (434)-793-5644
Email: info@danvillemuseum.org
Adults: $12
Seniors: $10
Military (active or retired): $10
Ages 7-17: $5
Age 6 and under: Free
Student groups of 10 or more: $5 per student, and instructors free
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Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Accessibility Statement
© 2024 All rights reserved.
Submit your religious or spiritual art and artifacts for the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History’s December exhibition. The form is open until November 7, 2024, at 4:00 PM, and selected contributors will be notified via email.
There will be no yoga or meditation classes this weekend.
