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Danville has become a center for the arts, offering experiences for all, from professional artist to amateur dabbler or observer. Performance and visual arts opportunities are available for everyone through numerous groups and facilities.
Community Arts Center
Originally a US Post Office erected in 1911, the Beaux Arts style building was purchased by the City of Danville in the ’90s. The effort to establish an arts activity center was spearheaded by an energetic group of volunteers. They directed the use of funds approved by the Danville City Commission and donated by local citizens to organize the project and renovate the building, which features an exhibit hall, classrooms, kitchen, and gift shops. Space is rented for music and art lessons, jam sessions, open painting and drawing group sessions, meetings and private events.
Norton Center for the Arts
The Norton Center for the Arts, on the campus of Centre College, features a 1500-seat performance hall and a 385-seat thrust stage theater. It has brought in such prestigious performers as Leontyne Price, Ella Fitzgerald, James Galway, Lynn Redgrave, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, José Carreras, Hal Holbrook, Itzhak Perlman, and Doc Severinsen. Lecturers have included President Jimmy Carter, Sandra Day O’Conner, and Walter Cronkite. It was also the site of the 2000 Vice-Presidential Debate between Joe Lieberman and Dick Cheney. To date, Danville is the smallest city, and Centre College, the smallest institution, to host a national campaign debate. Like Norton Center events, Centre College student recitals and drama productions, as well as exhibits at the AEGON gallery in the Jones Visual Arts Center, are open to everyone.
The Arts Commission
Under the direction of its board of volunteers, the Arts Commission of Danville/Boyle County is dedicated to actively facilitating arts activities and positive interaction amount individual artists, arts organizations, businesses and institutions, while enhancing the quality of life for our community.
This work is supported by its members and friends. In addition to publishing a free bimonthly calendar of arts events, the group founded the Arts Scholarship Fund to help provide specialized arts experiences to school-aged children whose families do not have the means to develop their talents. Funds for scholarships are raised through a bi-annual Art-full Raffle, made possible by donations of artworks and art-related services from the creative community.
The Arts Commission coordinates an outdoor arts marketplace at free summer concerts held downtown, as well as Gallery Hop Stop events. Local artists display their works in downtown spaces, hosted by local businesses, many of whom provide complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Hop Stops are made possible through a generous grant from the Kentucky Utilities Company.
West T. Hill Community Theatre
Named for its founder, this group presents quality amateur theater productions and holds workshops for adults and children each year. The organization has been active for more than 25 years, offering a variety of theatrical experiences in downtown Danville. Access information about planned productions and tickets at their Website by clicking on the heading above.
Pioneer Playhouse
Pioneer Playhouse in Danville offers high-quality outdoor dinner theater. Founded and built by Eben Henson more than 50 years ago, the repertory company of professional actors performs in six productions each season, from mid-June to late August, Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Pioneer Playhouse has launched the careers of thousands of talented actors, including John Travolta, Lee Majors and Jim Varney. Now part of a non-profit foundation, the one-of-a-kind complex features a campground, a 19th century village, and pieces from the set of Raintree County, an MGM Civil War epic that was filmed in Danville.
Forkland Community Center
Located in the southwestern corner of the county in an area known as the knobland, Forkland is a unique community that cherishes its heritage. Operated by a nonprofit group of Forkland residents, the 12-grade school building is now home to arts and craft festivals, old-fashioned suppers, original dramas and art classes.
Danville / Boyle County Chamber of Commerce
304 S. Fourth Street, Danville KY 40422 859-236-2361
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