If you’ve ever wished you could step into a storybook of American history, artist Dan Nance is the ultimate tour guide. A painter, diorama builder and animated storyteller, Nance has made a career out of turning history into an experience.
“My wife says I’m leading a Peter Pan life,” he laughs. “I’m always drawn toward storytelling. Saturday morning cartoons, movies like Star Wars, Gremlins, Back to the Future … and I’m a major Disney fan. That activated all my imagination. That was all I wanted to do—create things and make an experience for somebody.”
His love of storytelling and history evolved into a career painting vivid scenes from America’s past. A practice that began with creating dioramas in his garage apartment has found a new home in the former Sushi Guru space in SouthPark.
“Is it a gallery? A museum? A meeting spot?” he asks. “Yes. It's all of those things.”
As America celebrates its 250th birthday this month, we caught up with Nance to get a behind-the-scenes look at his work and hear his playful take on what he enjoys about capturing history.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PERIODS OF HISTORY?
All of them! I painted scenes from the Civil War for 12 years straight. After that, I crossed over to Native Americans. Then I went international and painted Napoleon. Don’t be pigeonholed into one thing.
HOW DID THE DIORAMAS ORIGINATE?
It kicked in during Covid when we were all at home. I was finished with commissions, and to fill the time, I invested in making 3D scenes.
HOW DO YOU BUILD THEM?
I work with epoxy resin, and I like to get into clay. Found objects are fun. The terrain is styrofoam with glue and grass. The mountain range is from a fishtank. The waterfall is shredded ziplock bags. The soldiers are pre-done pieces that I order. None of them are glued down. It’s all breakdownable.
IF YOU COULD EAVESDROP ON ONE MOMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The wigwam where the Native Americans were wondering what settlers were coming over on the Mayflower. I’d love to hear the conversations in their huts that night. Or maybe in a room at NASA, watching the “Hidden Figures” ladies getting the astronauts safely to the moon and back.
WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE IS THE HARDEST TO CAPTURE AND WHY?
Painting historical figures is a touchy subject. It’s a hero to one person and a villain to another. I’ve painted Washington and Robert E. Lee many times. The whole mission is to paint someone honestly.
WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE WOULD BE THE WORST STUDIO ASSISTANT?
Napoleon would be a crappy assistant because he couldn’t reach many things. He might actually be the perfect size to set up dioramas, though. But you don’t know what’s under that hat. He might be stealing from me.
HOW WOULD YOU CAPTURE THE QUEEN CITY IN A SINGLE SCENE?
I’ve actually helped create it with Charlotte Center City Partners. We did the Battle of Charlotte sign on South Tryon Street and the Charlotte Liberty Walk with pavers that take you to Revolutionary War sites around town.
HOW WILL YOU COMMEMORATE THE UNITED STATES SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL?
My update for the 250th celebration will be a new original painting commemorating the second time North Carolina proved itself first in freedom with the signing of the Halifax Resolves on April 12, 1776.
"His love of storytelling and history evolved into a career painting vivid scenes from America’s past."
"Painting historical figures is a touchy subject. It’s a hero to one person and a villain to another."
THIS OR THAT?
TEA WITH GEORGE WASHINGTON OR BEER WITH BENJAMIN FRANKLIN? Tea with Washington, beer with Sam Adams, red wine with Franklin in France—and maybe we’ll let Jefferson come over. I’d have a nightcap of brandy with everyone who signed the Meck Dec. And maybe a mint julep or two with Abigail Adams.
PORTRAIT SITTING WITH ABRAHAM LINCOLN OR BATTLEFIELD SKETCHING WITH ULYSSES S. GRANT? Battlefield!
PAINT THE BOSTON TEA PARTY OR THE CLEANUP THE NEXT MORNING? I’d rather paint it than clean it up.
A FAMOUS MOMENT OR A FORGOTTEN ONE? A forgotten moment to bring to life.
PAINT IN SILENCE OR WITH MUSIC BLASTING? Music, music, music!
PRECISION OR ENERGY? Energy.