Gaston County Museum of Art & History

06/10/2026

We had a roaring good time spending part of our day with our friends at the Gaston County Public Library's Belmont Branch as part of their Summer Reading Program! 📚 🦖

This year's theme, Unearth a Story, invites readers of all ages to dig into new adventures, discover fascinating stories, and explore the world through books. We loved sharing history and stories with so many curious young learners and families.

Summer Reading is one of our favorite community traditions because it reminds us that stories are everywhere... in books, in museums, and in the people and places that make Gaston County special.

The Summer Reading Program runs through August 1 and is free, fun, and open to everyone. Whether you're reading novels, graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines, or e-books, every page is an opportunity to learn something new and spark your imagination.

Be sure to follow the Gaston County Public Library and your local branch to discover all the exciting programs, activities, and events happening throughout the summer. And who knows - you might just spot the Museum at another Summer Reading event soon!

📖 Happy reading, Gaston County! 🦕

06/09/2026

Congrats to our very own Pat Rudisill for receiving the The Lucy Penegar Preservation Advocacy Award, from Preservation Gaston! 🏆️

Pat was the founding board chair for the organization and served as chair for six years, guiding the organization through its establishment as a 501c3, raising funds to purchase the Smyre Pasour House, establishing a revolving fund, and facilitating the adoption of a strategic plan.

We are thankful to have Pat's expertise in historic preservation and her passion for preservation here in Gaston County.

Congratulations, Pat!! 🎉

06/08/2026

Tonight's the night! 🎨

Join us at 6:00 PM at the Gaston County Public Library Main Branch as our Summer Art Film Series kicks off with Caravaggio - a fascinating look at one of history's most brilliant, influential, and controversial artists.

Known for his dramatic use of light, bold realism, and unforgettable masterpieces, Caravaggio changed the course of art history. But who was the man behind the paintings? This stunning documentary explores the clues hidden within his work to uncover the life, and mysterious death, of the Baroque master.

📍 Gaston County Public Library Main Branch - 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
🕕 6:00 PM
🎟 FREE Admission
🍪 Light refreshments provided

And don't forget! We'll also be raffling off a four-pack of tickets to see the Caravaggio exhibition at the Mint Museum! Raffle tickets are just $5 each or 5 for $20, with a prize value of over $100.

Bring a friend and join us for an evening of art, storytelling, and discovery. We can't wait to see you there!

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

06/05/2026

Coming Soon: The Turnings: A Cycle of American Time by Emily Andress ⏳🎨

What if history moved not in a straight line, but in seasons?

Beginning June 24, the Gaston County Museum of Art & History will present The Turnings, a powerful new exhibition by local artist and gallery owner Emily Andress. Through four monumental paintings, Andress explores recurring cycles in American history - moments of growth, awakening, unraveling, and crisis that echo across generations.

🌱 Spring: The High
☀️ Summer: The Awakening
🍂 Autumn: The Unraveling
❄️ Winter: The Crisis

Rich with symbolism, emotion, and layered meaning, these works invite viewers to reflect on the patterns that shape our shared story. Rather than offering answers, The Turnings asks us to consider history's contradictions, repetitions, and consequences - and what they might reveal about the present moment.

As the seasons move forward, they also return.

What part of American history will you discover in The Turnings?

https://www.gastoncountymuseum.org/discover/coming-soon-the-turnings-by-emily-andress

06/04/2026

Did you know there was a time when you couldn't visit the Historic Jail in Dallas? 🔒

In the early 1990s, the Gaston County Museum received an incredible gift when local preservation champions Lucy and Richard Penegar donated the Old Dallas Jail to the Museum. Built in 1848, the jail housed Gaston County inmates until the county seat moved to Gastonia in 1911. Over the years, the building served many purposes - including apartments, a store, and even restaurants, but its fascinating history was never forgotten.

At the time of the donation, Museum Director Alan Waufle joked that he and the Museum Trustees were "going to jail" as they took ownership of the building and began exploring plans to restore it closer to its original appearance. The goal was simple: preserve an important piece of Gaston County history and make it accessible to the public.

We're grateful to the Penegars and the many supporters who believed that preserving our historic places matters. After all, some stories are just too important to lock away. 🔑

06/03/2026

Summer is shaping up to be a creative one at the Museum!

Our American Traditional Craft Series continues with two opportunities to learn from talented North Carolina artists while exploring craft traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Pine Needle Basketry with Shakeeka Brooks
📅 June 16 | 12:00–4:00 PM
💲 $75 per person
Learn the art of pine needle basket weaving in this hands-on workshop led by exhibiting artist Shakeeka Brooks. Using longleaf pine needles and simple tools, participants will create a basket rooted in Southern and African craft traditions.

Coming Soon: Hand-Built Pottery with Serra Shuford of Rising Sun Pottery
📅 July 21 | 6:00–8:00 PM
💲 $40 per person
Join potter Serra Shuford for an introduction to hand-built pottery techniques and create your own unique ceramic piece. Registration details will be announced soon!

These workshops are part of the Museum's ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the art, traditions, and stories that shape our region. Whether you're trying something new or building on existing skills, there's a place for you at the table.

Register for Pine Needle Basketry now at the link below and keep an eye on our page for registration details Hand-Built Pottery, as well as additional workshops coming later this summer! ✨

https://www.gastoncountymuseum.org/learn/events

06/01/2026

SAVE THE DATE!!

Black & White Gala | Masquerade Ball
Thursday, November 5th, 2026
6:30pm
Gaston Country Club, 3700 Country Club Drive, Gastonia NC 28056

Step into an unforgettable evening of elegance, music and celebration at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History's Black & White Gala | A Masquerade Ball. Enjoy live entertainment, cocktails, great food and immersive moments - all in support of the museum's 50-year legacy inspiring curiosity and connection.

Join us for a night of purpose, celebration and impact, to lay the foundation for the next 50 years.

Black and white attire encouraged.

Tickets go on sale August 3rd for museum members and August 17th for non-members.

Collect. Preserve. Educate.

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

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

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