Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of the most frequesntly ask questions. If you have additional questions please contact us.

1. What does d’ART mean?

d’ART is an acronym, born from the formal name of Dockside Art Review of Tidewater.

2. Can I rent the d’ART Center?

Yes you can rent the d’ART Center for special events! From a mix and mingle cocktail reception to a sit down catered dinner, your guests will be able to flow through an environment that is unique and pleasingly connected to the visual arts. The classroom space and lighting provides amicable flexibility for many uses. Mini-conferences, board meetings, brainstorm sessions, award lunches, you name it- our staff can assist you in creating an event that is sure to make a lasting impression. Download our Event Form and call 757-625-4211 for availability.

3. How do I get to the d’ART Center?

The d’ART Center is conveniently located in downtown Norfolk in the historic Selden Arcade. We relocated from our College Place location in June 2005. The d’ART Center at the Selden is within walking distance to the Waterside Shops, Nauticus and MacArthur Center. We are located at 208 East Main Street with an entrance to the Selden Arcade located on Main Street between d’Egg Restaurant and Starbucks and on Plume Street next Yorgo’s. The City of Norfolk’s Waterside and Main Street Garages offer parking for our patrons. Please click on our Directions for personal door to door direction to the d’ART Center.

4. How can I become a d’ART Center Artist!

Several times each year we invite area artists to present 4 pieces of original pieces of artwork for review by a panel of jurors. Accepted artists are then welcome to participate in invitational art exhibits, rent gallery space and rent studio space, when available. Interested? Complete a Jury Request Form and Stop by the d’ART Center. We’ll invite you to the next d’ART Jury Day.

5. What is a d’ART Associate Artist?

When an Artist has juried into the d’ART Center, and resident art studio space in not available they can rent wall space in the d’ART Associate Gallery. The artist’s work is for sale to the d’ART Center’s patrons, maximizing exposure. Associate Artists are invited to participate in d’ART Center events and exhibitions.

6. Can I sell my work at the d’ART Center?

Every holiday season the d’ART Center transforms the Main Art Gallery in to a whimsical Holiday Gift shop, just brimming with unique, handmade fine art and craft gift ideas. We invite area artists to participate – give us a call for details.

7. Can I join the d’ART Center?

Yes, membership to the d’ART Center is strongly encouraged. We offer a Palette of Patrons so you can support the d’ART Center on many levels. Patron benefit from discounted class tuition and invitations to all d’ART events. See our Palette of Patrons for additional information.

8. Can I volunteer at d’ART?

Absolutely. We love our volunteers, their tireless support is invaluable to a non-profit art center. Group Tours, Mailings, Art Openings, Holiday Gift Shop, d’ART Camp, Art Auctions – our volunteers do it all! Love Art ~ become a d’ART Volunteer. Please complete a Volunteer Information form and give us a call.

9. Why should I buy original artwork?

Art appreciates in value! In 1986, the first pieces of artwork sold at the original College Place d’ART Center location were by Ken Wright. Ken sold a portfolio piece for $30 and a large framed original for $230 during the first week the center was open – a $4,000 value in 2006.

10. Do I need experience to take Art Classes?

No, the d’ART’s Adult and Children’s art classes and workshops are designed to accommodate beginning and intermediate art students. Small class size provides time for one on one direction to create a personalized experience. See a complete listing of our current Art Classes .

11. Can I register at d’ART for my wedding?

Rings, Photos, Registry, Tableware, and Gifts for brides, bridesmaids and all! d’ART Center jewelers can and will create individualized engagement and wedding rings to suit every taste and budget. We have resident photographers who will take bridal and wedding photos; a Calligrapher to hand write and address the invitations; Potters who can create special tableware and a huge range of wedding gifts for the bride and the bridal party. AND the d’ART Center is a perfect place to hold a party, reception and wedding.

12. Can I host a Birthday Party at d’ART?

d'ART Center offers an artistic fun environment for your next Birthday Party in our art classroom. You can decorate, bring food and work with a d’ART professional artist to create a unique take-home project for your guests. Download our Birthday Party Form for more information.