Exploring Fossils: Chesapecten Jeffersonius
Did you know Virginia’s state fossil is the Chesapecten Jeffersonius? In this program you will hold real fossils excavated by one of our educators, learn about the fossilization process, and how fossils help us understand ecosystems and change over time—you will even create your own imprint and take home your own DIY recipe for creating fossils at home!
Program included in general admission!
Do you have what it takes to survive on the open ocean when your ship goes down? Join us for our interactive floor program as we discuss tools and methods that will help you survive adrift on the ocean.
This daily program is included in Nauticus’ general admission.
Did you know 97% of Atlantic Sturgeon spawn in the exact same river they were born in? Would you also be surprised to find out that they navigate their way back to their home rivers by using their sense of smell! Come join us here at Nauticus for “Smell Like A Sturgeon”, an interactive floor program that tests your sense of smell to see if you have what it takes to sniff your way home like the Atlantic Sturgeon.
Smell Like A Sturgeon activity is included in general admission.
Rope making is a chance to learn and create with your hands in an interactive way.
Discover how rope and rope making has been implemented on board ships for hundreds of years and how it impacted economic trade throughout the world’s oceans.
Rope making doesn’t just have to involve producing rope for sailing. Help craft your own colorful rope bracelet using technology our ancestors did as we dive into all these topics while spinning your way through history.
Dive into the fun with us as we explore the world of Bathymetry! Get ready to unleash your inner architect by crafting your very own underwater landscape using building blocks. Then, challenge your friends to see if they can recreate your sea floor masterpiece! Let the oceanic adventure begin!
Program included in general admission!
Learn all about my homegrown succulents and how to design with them. We will create a living masterpiece with vibrant succulents and gorgeous finished pieces of driftwood.
The ticket for the event includes all supplies and step by step succulent care and arranging techniques.
You’ll receive many options of the large mature succulents to use for your arrangement.
Stay for the afternoon or come early to enjoy the atmosphere of the home and gardens on the Lafayette river. The museum will be open to visit after the class.
Truly a magical venue so make sure to bring your camera for the photo ops all around the property.
Registration is on the link attached for The Hermitage Museum and Garden website.
Saturday, September 13th – Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Dual Opening Reception with VIVID, Friday, Spetember 19th, 5:30 – 7:30
The d’Art Center is curating a juried show in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
¡Presente! is an open medium exhibition of artworks that explore a variety of 2D and 3D works that pay homage to hispanic heritage using the freedom of art making. Works my reflect cultural traditions, hispanic history, the vibrant colors & imagery typical of hispanic folk art, and/or the beliefs of Hispanic communities.
This exhibition will take place in our smaller exhibition space, The Vault, to create a more intimate and close up experience for our patrons. The Vault is a historical bank vault within the center, and gives artists an opportunity to exhibit their work in a unique space in the heart of Norfolk Arts District (The NEON District). This will be a competitive call as this intimate space will only be able to accommodate about 20 works
Saturday, August 9th – Saturday, September 6th, 2025
Dual Opening Reception with Flowing & Flying, Thursday, August 14th, 5:30 – 7:30
LENS ERT is an exhibition of photographs taken by Hampton Roads Photographers.
This exhibition will take place in our smaller exhibition space, The Vault, to create a more intimate and theme based experience for our patrons. The d’Art Center is working with the ERT to create more local awareness and understanding of this 10.5 mile trail.
This is a juried exhibition in an intimate space, and it will be juried and curated by d’Art Center Gallery Director, Amanda Bradley. The Best in Show award will be selected by a panel of d’Art Center’s professional working artists and staff.
Saturday, August 9th – Saturday, September 6th, 2025
Opening Reception, Thursday, August 14th, 5:30 – 7:30
Flowing & Flying is an exhibition of artworks that feature waterscapes such as the ocean, lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands, and swamps, and/or the birds that inhabit them.
Artworks may depict just a waterscape, just a waterbird, or both in the same work.
This exhibit is co-curated by d’Art Center Gallery Director, Amanda Bradley, and juror & artist, Sue Mangan.
Saturday, July 5th – Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
Dual Opening Reception with Figment: Friday, July 11th, 5:30 – 7:30
“I can’t imagine a day without painting. I consider it an honor to interpret the landscape around me and I hope that, through my art, I can record scenes for future generations.”
Catherine Hillis defines herself as an artist, teacher, writer, and juror. Working primarily in watercolors, the artist loves the transparency and immediacy of the fluid mark and considers herself to be a watercolor advocate. As for subject matter, it’s always about the light, both figuratively and literally. She finds herself drawn to scenes that are often forgotten and seeks out the intrinsic beauty in the most neglected of places. When the light is just right with a compelling narrative, it’s a painting.
Hillis has won hundreds of awards and travels extensively to paint in national juried plein air events and invitationals and to teach workshops. Her work is found in museums and corporate and private collections around the world. She’s earned 9 signature memberships and is a proud member of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters. A regular contributor to the American Watercolor Weekly Newsletter, her work has been featured in Watercolor Magazine, American Watercolor Weekly, The Art of Watercolour, Fine Art Connoisseur, PleinAir Magazine, the Washington Post and the Splash series.
Hillis maintains a home studio in Locust Grove, VA
