Gaston County Museum of Art & History

Gaston County Museum of Art & History Collect. Preserve. Educate.

This summer, step inside the world of some of history’s most iconic artists. 🎬🎨The Summer Art Film Series kicks off on M...
05/29/2026

This summer, step inside the world of some of history’s most iconic artists. 🎬🎨

The Summer Art Film Series kicks off on Monday, June 8 with Caravaggio - a stunning exploration of the brilliant and controversial Baroque master whose dramatic use of light, realism, and emotion forever changed the art world.

Presented by the Gaston County Museum of Art & History and the Gaston County Public Library, this free film screening dives into the mystery, genius, and legacy of one of art history’s most captivating figures through breathtaking cinematography and expert storytelling from Exhibition on Screen.

📅 Monday, June 8
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Gaston County Public Library – Main Branch
🎟 FREE Admission | Intended for Adult Audiences

Light refreshments will be provided by the Museum and generously sponsored by Facet Foundry, LLC.

Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious to learn more about the man behind some of the world’s most recognizable paintings, this is a night you won’t want to miss. ✨

Learn more: https://www.gastoncountymuseum.org/discover/summer-art-film-series

Two years in the making! From the very first conversations about telling this story, to planning, to opening day, to our...
05/28/2026

Two years in the making! From the very first conversations about telling this story, to planning, to opening day, to our staff sneaking out for celebratory “research” milkshakes in honor of Tony’s, this exhibit has been a true labor of love.

“The Old-Fashioned Way: The Tony’s Ice Cream Story” has given us the chance to celebrate not just a beloved local institution, but the family, history, and memories woven into generations of life in Gaston County.

And now, we’re in the final stretch.

🍦 It's your last chance to see the exhibit before it closes on May 30 at the Gaston County Museum.

If you’ve been meaning to visit, consider this your reminder! Come take one more walk through the story, and maybe even share your own Tony’s memory with us before it’s gone.

Learn more: https://www.gastoncountymuseum.org/discover/the-old-fashioned-way

✨ This year marks 50 years of the Gaston County Museum, and we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the community that con...
05/27/2026

✨ This year marks 50 years of the Gaston County Museum, and we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the community that continues to support, encourage, and believe in our work.

Every membership, renewal, donation, volunteer hour, visit, share, and word of encouragement helps make the Museum what it is today - a place where art, history, storytelling, and community come together. Your support allows us to create meaningful exhibitions, educational programs, events, and experiences that connect people across Gaston County.

To celebrate this milestone year, we’ll be hosting a special Members Cocktail Reception on Thursday, June 25 at 5 PM in the Historic Dallas Courthouse to recognize our volunteers, Board of Trustees, and all of the people who help make this Museum possible. 🥂

Not a member yet? There’s still time to join and celebrate with us! Membership directly supports the Museum’s mission while helping preserve and share the stories of Gaston County for future generations. 💛 Click the link to join today: https://www.gastoncountymuseum.org/join/donate

05/23/2026

Join us at the Gaston County Museum for a hands-on pine needle basketry workshop exploring Southern and African craft traditions through weaving, storytelling, and creativity, led by artist Shakeeka Brooks! 🧺✨

📅 Tuesday, June 16
🕛 12–4 PM
💵 $75 per person
🎨 All supplies provided

This special workshop is part of our American Traditions Craft Series and also connects to Shakeeka Brooks’ beautiful work currently on display at the Museum. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!

https://www.gastoncountymuseum.org/discover/american-traditions-basketry

Many of you have probably met Museum Guide Kent Hester while visiting the Gaston County Museum, welcoming guests with a ...
05/22/2026

Many of you have probably met Museum Guide Kent Hester while visiting the Gaston County Museum, welcoming guests with a smile and sharing stories throughout the galleries. But Kent is much more than a friendly face at the front desk!

A graduate of NC State's College of Textiles, Kent spent 30 years at his alma mater serving as Director of Student Services for the College before retiring. Today, he continues sharing his passion for local history and Gaston County’s textile heritage through tours, lectures, and educational programs on behalf of the Museum.

Last month, Kent spoke as part of Covenant Village’s Lifelong Learning & Enrichment Series, where he also had the chance to reconnect with someone very special - his junior high history teacher, Bonnie Reidy! 📚✨ And the story doesn’t end there. Kent will be returning this month for Part 2 of the series.

We’re incredibly grateful for passionate historians like Kent who help keep Gaston County’s stories alive and continue inspiring curiosity and learning throughout our community. 💛

As the school year comes to a close, we’ve loved seeing our community celebrate graduates of all ages: from preschool mi...
05/21/2026

As the school year comes to a close, we’ve loved seeing our community celebrate graduates of all ages: from preschool milestones to high school seniors preparing for their next chapter. 🎓✨

Education has always been at the heart of the Gaston County Museum, and today’s flashback takes us back to some of the earliest student visitors to the historic Hoffman Hotel after it became home to the Museum. For generations, school field trips have been part of how local students connected with the art, history, and stories of Gaston County, sparking curiosity, learning, and maybe even a few favorite memories along the way.

Do you remember visiting the Museum on a school field trip? 👀

We’d love to hear your memories, favorite exhibits, or stories in the comments!

Open Figure Drawing returns to the Gaston County Museum on May 20! ✏️🎨 Whether you’re a seasoned artist, just getting st...
05/19/2026

Open Figure Drawing returns to the Gaston County Museum on May 20! ✏️🎨

Whether you’re a seasoned artist, just getting started, or simply looking for a creative way to spend your evening, our Open Call Figure Drawing Session is a welcoming space to practice observational drawing, experiment with new techniques, and connect with fellow creatives in the community.

📅 Tuesday, May 20
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
👥 Ages 13+ welcome

Bring your favorite drawing materials and join us for a relaxed evening of creativity and artistic exploration in one of Gaston County’s most inspiring historic spaces.

We’ve loved seeing the excitement around our growing figure drawing programming - including the recent sellout of our upcoming Undrawing Workshop - and we’re excited to continue creating opportunities for artists of all skill levels to gather, learn, and create together.

Come draw with us! ✨ Register: https://www.gastoncountymuseum.org/discover/gaston-draws-the-figure-series

Happy International Museum Day from the Gaston County Museum! ✨Today, we’re celebrating the best way we know how - by ro...
05/18/2026

Happy International Museum Day from the Gaston County Museum! ✨

Today, we’re celebrating the best way we know how - by rolling up our sleeves and giving the Museum a little extra love from top to bottom! While we spend the day dusting, organizing, preserving, and probably uncovering a few unexpected treasures along the way, we wanted to share a few snapshots of the people behind the scenes doing what we love most: connecting our community through art, history, and storytelling. 💛

International Museum Day is also a reminder that museums are truly community spaces - built not just by staff, but by the members, volunteers, donors, visitors, supporters, and storytellers who continue to believe in the importance of preserving and sharing local history.

Thank you for helping us fulfill our mission to inspire curiosity and connection by weaving together the art and history of Gaston County. We’re so grateful to be part of this community, and we couldn’t do it without you!

From horse power to horsepower! 🐴➡️⚡ When construction began on the Daniel Stowe Carriage House at the Gaston County Mus...
05/14/2026

From horse power to horsepower! 🐴➡️⚡

When construction began on the Daniel Stowe Carriage House at the Gaston County Museum in 1991, excitement was building around a permanent home for North Carolina’s largest private collection of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs. These beautifully crafted vehicles once represented the height of transportation technology, carrying families, goods, and communities across the region long before highways and gas stations existed.

Who could have imagined that just a few decades later, the conversation around transportation would shift from horses to electric vehicles and charging stations?

One of our favorite things about history is seeing how quickly the world changes and how each generation redefines innovation in its own way. This summer, stop by the Museum to explore the Carriage House and experience the evolution of transportation firsthand.

🎬✨ Travel through the world of art without leaving Gaston County.The Gaston County Public Library, Gaston County Museum,...
05/13/2026

🎬✨ Travel through the world of art without leaving Gaston County.

The Gaston County Public Library, Gaston County Museum, and Seventh Art Productions are proud to present the Exhibition on Screen Film Series, a free summer series exploring the lives, work, and lasting impact of some of history’s most influential artists.

Each film offers a cinematic deep dive into legendary artists and major exhibitions from around the world, bringing art history to life through stunning visuals, expert insight, and behind-the-scenes storytelling.

🎨 2026 Film Lineup:

📅 Monday, June 8 - Caravaggio
A powerful exploration of the brilliant and controversial Baroque master whose dramatic works forever changed the art world.

📅 Monday, July 6 - Frida Kahlo
An intimate look at the iconic artist, her enduring legacy, and the global phenomenon of “Fridamania.”

📅 Monday, August 3 - Turner & Constable
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of two groundbreaking painters who transformed landscape art forever.

✨ All programs are FREE and intended for adult audiences.
🍿 Light refreshments generously provided by the Gaston County Museum of Art and History.

Join us this summer for an inspiring series celebrating art, storytelling, and the creative lives that continue to shape culture today.

Address

131 W Main Street
Dallas, NC
28034

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

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