HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART

Featuring works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, a diverse collection of traditional European, American, and Asian art, and antique artifacts. The galleries are closed on Sunday and Monday. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors (55+). Children and students (0-17) and students (18+ with ID) are admitted for free, and Tuesday is a free day. 

April 11 through May 9, 2026

Surface Tension — Each spring, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art features the work of senior studio art majors at Willamette University. Characterized by a wide variety of styles and approaches, the exhibition includes work in a range of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art. This year’s exhibition includes among the largest group of graduating seniors in recent memory.

Exhibition-Related Events

Students will have an opportunity to talk about their artwork in a series of free gallery talks during the month of April in the Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery beginning at 12 p.m. The schedule of gallery talks and students is listed below:

• Tuesday, April 14 — Juaren Bongadillo, Fenn Corsello, Solveig Hammon, and Jonah McKrola
• Thursday, April 16 — Rowan Bennett, William Cooper, Lea Garcia Horenstein, Miranda Jones, and Samantha Lang
• Tuesday, April 21 — Sieren Ureño-Clayton, Aissatou Coyle, Beau Johnston, Elliott Mackey, and Greta Reiter
• Thursday, April 23 — Peyton Gardner, Henry Jensen, Christina Kroker, and Sabella Pisicolli
• Tuesday, April 28 — Henry Dobesh, Lea Le, Ella Rice, and Megan Rimmer

Through June 20, 2026

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts Biennial highlights a selection of contemporary prints created over the past two years at the renowned printmaking atelier on the Umatilla Reservation. Founded in 1992 by artist James Lavadour, Crow’s Shadow has grown into one of the nation’s premier print studios, fostering artistic opportunity and cultural exchange for Native and non-Native artists alike. 

SALEM ART ASSOCIATION

The Salem Art Association (SAA) aims to actively engage the community in the appreciation of the arts through contemporary art exhibits and events, and arts education for youth and adults. Bush Barn Art Center & Annex, 600 Mission St SE | 503-581‑2228, salemart.org

Through April 26, 2026

Art Teachers Showcase | After Hours highlights the creative work of regional art teachers and educators, celebrating their dedication to nurturing young artists in our community and fostering creativity. These teachers exemplify how art remains a powerful tool for expression throughout a lifetime. Curated by Katie Gilmour and featuring artists Morgan Amerson, Autumn Breitwieser, Lacey Curlin, Michelle Dickson, Thomas Douglas, Katie Gilmour, Melissa Hawes, Alycia Helbling, Jennifer Joy Loop, Bryn Pettigrew, Jesús Santillanes, Shoki Tanabe, and Chelsea Tradewell. 

SAA Represented Artists — Discover work by the artists represented by the Salem Art Association, each bringing a distinct perspective and creative voice to the space. The Gift Gallery features even more original pieces, making it easy to find something meaningful for any art lover…or for yourself. 

2026 Young Artists’ Showcase features artwork by hundreds of students in K to 12. 

Naomi Halpern — View the work created by Naomi during her March artist residency, where she explored balance, responsibility, and care using fiber, ink, and light. Reception: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 3

SALEM ON THE EDGE

From fine art by established and up-and-coming artists to graffiti artists, Salem on the Edge features work by PNW artists in a variety of media for purchase. Shows change each month. 156 Liberty St NE | salemontheedge.com

April

What the River Holds is a new series of large-scale paintings by Salem artist Monte Shelton. 

Working in oil on large-scale canvas, Shelton descends beneath the surface of Oregon’s waterways to find light, movement, and life, including the endangered salmon that have defined the region’s ecology and identity for millennia. The paintings glow from within, as if the river itself is the source. For an artist whose practice has long explored light as a living force stored within natural forms, the riverbed proves a natural and urgent subject.

Free Related Event

• Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 3

STEFANI ART GALLERY

Showcasing modern, contemporary, and abstract art from local and internationally recognized artists. We offer original artworks, fine art photographs, and limited-edition prints for collectors at every level. Art should be accessible to all, and we’re here to help you find the perfect pieces for your space. 305 Court St NE | stefaniartgallery.com

April 1 through 30, 2026
One Year in Downtown Salem — One year ago, Stefani Art Gallery opened its doors in downtown Salem with a simple intention: to create a place where art could be encountered with care and lived with over time. This exhibition marks that first chapter. The works presented here come from the artists whose practices have shaped the gallery’s early life. Across painting, photography, and mixed media, each work reflects a shared commitment to craft, discipline, and thoughtful expression. 

Free Related Event

• Reception: Stefani Art Gallery celebrates one year in its downtown home with treats, a raffle, music, artists, and good company. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 3

Gallery 444

Framing shop and art gallery featuring a variety of art, including work by members of Artists in Action. 444 Ferry St SE | elsinoregallery.com

April 3 to 25, 2026

Artists in Action: Spring Reveries is a juried, invitational art show that encourages creativity and community engagement.

Free Related Event

• Reception and Awards Presentation: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 3

Cultural Exhibits

OREGON STATE CAPITOL

View curated exhibits, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 900 Court St NE. https://oregoncapitol.com/

April 5 to 24

VFW #661 Military Uniform Display — Salem is home to a vast and valuable collection of military uniforms. The collection was started more than 30 years ago by H.A. “Mac” MacDonald, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel who served during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

MacDonald was working as a lobbyist for various veterans’ organizations when he was asked if he knew anyone who would be interested in an unwanted military uniform. MacDonald was, and from that single donation grew a collection that today has nearly 2,000 uniforms.

WILLAMETTE HERITAGE CENTER

14 historic structures house permanent and changing exhibits, a research library and archive, a textile learning center, and rentable event spaces over a five-acre campus, which also has retail shops, art galleries, artist studios, and offices. 1313 Mill St SE | 503-585-7012, willametteheritage.org

Through August 1, 2026

Echoes of ‘76: An Exhibit — In 2026, the United States marks its 250th birthday with the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. What did the events of 1776 mean to the people living in the Mid-Willamette Valley? This multi-part, multidisciplinary exhibit will explore how echoes from 1776 continue to be heard in our community.

Explore how we can understand more about who was living in the Mid-Willamette Valley in 1776 through the languages spoken in this area at the time and the place names we continue to use today. Although the revolutionary events of 1776 didn’t happen here, explore the way they have been observed in this community the past 200 years. Make your voice heard and participate in the Wish Wall – sharing your hopes for how words written in the Declaration of Independence in 1776 might ring forward into the future.

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Author: Carlee Wright

Carlee Wright is a community instigator with a grand love for Salem and notably fashionable shoes (Hello, John Fluevog!) who turns waste into wearable art in her "spare" time.