For over 35 years, the D’Art center has been a pillar of the local arts community. The organization has transformed and moved a few times, but it remains true to its purpose of connecting artists and their communities. In 1986, d’Art opened its doors on College Place in downtown Norfolk with working artist studios and found homes at Selden Arcade and the Neon District. 

This spring marked an important milestone for d’Art as they moved into their ‘forever’ home. Their custom-built space in the newly renovated Atlantic Permanent building is situated conveniently between the Chrysler campus and the NEON District’s Granby Corridor. The mid-century building has restored a former bank space for d’Art Center but will also be home to apartments in the same building. The biggest gem? The former bank vault turned into an exhibition space. 

As much as the new space transforms the look and feel of the d’Art Center, its most significant impact will be in its increased capacity. The center now has ten studios for resident artists, where they can have dedicated working space. Currently, there’s more wall space for the associate artists to display their work and potentially make sales. Classrooms, workshops, and a kiln room have opened up the calendar to considerably more educational opportunities. There’s a full catering kitchen on-site, so the future of events with d’Art has changed dramatically as well. The exhibit space is now large enough to attract national juried exhibitions. A gift shop is in the works, so visitors will be able to take a slice of d’Art home. 

The future of d’Art is looking bright and bountiful, but not everything is changing. There won’t be an increase in building staff since they’ll have more volunteer capacity. There will still be space for public school students and other youth groups to come by. And, of course, at the center of everything, the artist remains the center’s focus. d’Art is well poised to continue its substantial support for artists from across the community for years to come.  

Yeah, this is all cool and great for artists, but will the average local be able to jump in on the action? The answer is a definite yes. There are a multitude of classes that somebody with any amount of art knowledge or skills can enroll in. And you don’t have to take those classes as a 101 level class to embark on your journey to becoming a serious artist. You can take those just for fun. Plus, you’re welcome to join in on the thrill of exhibits and events as they happen too. d’Art is on a path to be home to more than just artists. It’s home to everyone in the community who’s interested in the arts. 

Happening soon:

Portrayed: A National Juried Exhibition of Self Portraits

Opening Reception: July 1st 2021, 5:30 – 7:30pm

Exhibition Open: 7/1/21 – 7/25/21

Virginia Glass Guild 33rd Juried Members Exhibition

Opening Reception: August 5th 2021, 5:30 – 7:30

Exhibition Open: 7/31/21 – 8/22/21

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery. Go Hokies!

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