In 1997 David Davis, a local patron and collector, had decided to look for a place to open a photography gallery when he was told about a building that was for sale at 494 Commercial Street. On inspection he saw the potential for something much bigger and decided to expand his idea to make the new community arts center he named The Schoolhouse Center. One of the galleries, The Driskel Gallery, was named in memory of David's friend Kevin Driskel, who died of complications from AIDS on April 4, 1997. On May 26, 2007 Mr. Davis also named the building’s restored bell tower after Kevin.  

The new Schoolhouse Gallery is a regeneration of the galleries that have operated at the Center since 1998. Since taking ownership in January of 2006, longtime Schoolhouse Director Mike Carroll has refined and simplified the gallery, sharpening the focus on quality painting, printmaking and photography reconfiguring the space to a more open and modern look. There is now an adjunct Design Store where fine objects are sold along with small works from gallery artists. Design services are available through the gallery to individuals and industry professionals. Our staff is dedicated to providing expert guidance and individual attention to the beginning and established collector, as well as working with museum, corporate and other art professionals in the presentation and sale of works of art.

The Schoolhouse Gallery programs exhibitions that change every 3-4 weeks in the summer season while continually representing a roster of some of the finest talent from the Outer Cape and selected urban markets.