The Arts
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.
Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky's Oldest Outdoor Theater
Pioneer Playhouse in Danville is a state historic landmark and oldest outdoor theatre in Kentucky. Founded by Col. Eben C. Henson in 1950, the sixty-one year theatre was built out of recycled materials and historic items that date back centuries. Once known as the "King of Summerstock" a young John Travolta, Jim Varney and Lee Majors all got their starts there. For ten weeks out of the summer, the theatre offers pre-show dinners and old-fashioned ice cream treats, followed by Broadway-style comedies, performed under the stars. Open Tues. - Sat., June 11-Aug. 2
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 among 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 the 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.
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.