The NVFAA is housed in the Athanaeum, a National Register edifice built in 1852 in classical revival style, by Bank of the Old Dominion. It is located in the heart of Old Town.
The Athenaeum exhibits work created solely by artists living or working in the region and strives to present visitors with a wide variety of excellent art and unique experiences.
The NVFAA is a non-collecting institution, focused on mounting temporary exhibitions of solo, group, and theme-based shows in all visual arts media, throughout the year.