February art highlights include the erotica show at Salem on the Edge, the opening of Nancy Eng at Level 2 and the Salem Reads exhibit in the Art Hall @ Salem Public Library plus continued exhibition of self-taught artists at Hallie Ford Museum of Art,  and so much more! 

HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART

Hallie Ford Museum, 700 State Street and is open 12 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost to explore is free for children, students 18+ and educators (with school ID); $8 adults, $5 seniors, and free for everyone on Tuesdays. For more information, visit willamette.edu/arts/hfma, or call 503-370-6855.

Through April 20
Singular Visions: Self-Taught Artists from the Permanent Collection — Over the past two decades, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art has built a small but choice collection of work by self-taught artists. Organized by curator Jonathan Bucci and drawn exclusively from the HFMA permanent collection, the exhibition includes artists who are well known in the contemporary art world, such as James Castle, Louisiana Bendolph, and James Lavadour; important regional artists Gregory Blackstock and Russell Childers; and Midwest and Southern artists Burlon Craig and Royal Robertson among many others. In addition, new acquisitions by contemporary artists working with Living Studios, a Corvallis and Salem studio program for neurodivergent artists, are featured in the exhibition.

While the artists in Singular Visions each bring unique approaches and backgrounds to their work, there are universal traits they all share. The work operates as a reflection of the artists’ reality – the way they see the world, generated from both personal life experiences and the community in which they live and work. Artmaking is a form of communication as artists choose to express themselves and share their personal vision to connect with others.

As the cultural divisions that have led to the othering and separating of many self-taught artists and their work is dissolving, these important artistic voices and their influence are being brought into the larger conversation about contemporary art. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art is very pleased to present this first exhibition focused specifically on this growing area of the museum’s collection. — Jonathan Bucci, The John Olbrantz Curator of Collections and Exhibitions

Through March 30
Willem Volkersz: The View from Here — Organized by the Missoula Art Museum and the South Dakota Art Museum, Willem Volkersz: The View from Here presents a 25-year retrospective exhibition for Volkersz, an internationally-recognized mixed media artist who is known for his neon and paint-by-number installations.

Volkersz is a significant contemporary artist and renowned collector of Folk and self-taught artists. A native of the Netherlands, he immigrated to the United States with his family after WWII and studied art and architecture at the University of Washington before earning an MFA in painting at Mills College in Oakland, CA. After teaching at the Kansas City Art Institute for 18 years, he came to Montana State University-Bozeman in 1986 to direct the School of Art and teach until his retirement in 2001. Volkersz’s work has been featured in 46 solo exhibitions and in over 200 group shows in the U.S., Canada, England, Scotland, China, and Taiwan. He is the recipient of many awards, including a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award, grants from the Mellon Foundation and Gottlieb Foundation, and a 2020 Montana Governor’s Arts Award. He’s been a visiting artist and lecturer at almost 100 institutions in the U.S., Canada, Europe and China.

Related Events —

All-Abilities Art Workshop with Living Studios — Make art, meet artists and learn more about Living Studios, an arts program that supports members of Salem’s neurodivergent community through two essential platforms: a facilitated studio space and social advocacy projects, each enabling and inspiring creative and innovative community outcomes. Facilitated by Jill R Baker, Living Studios artist-in-residence and art faculty at Linn-Benton Community College, and Salem-based artist, Paul Meuse, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 28 (and Saturday, March 2), in the Maribeth Collins lobby at Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Free.

Lecture — Artist, advocate, and Living Studios Director Bruce Burris will discuss his own work and his work with neurodivergent artists. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in a participatory performance by Living Studios artist Pierre Pyke. Unfold Your Book, Hold Each Page is a group performance that follows a set of instructions originally enacted in the studio by the artist. Participants are invited to follow the process of Pierre’s daily art-making practice. As someone who is mostly non-speaking, Pierre’s performance in movements and actions became his method of instructing others on his distinctive creative rituals, 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, in Paulus Lecture Hall, Willamette University College of Law, 245 Winter St SE. Free.

Free docent-guided Tuesday Gallery Talks focusing on the Singular Visions exhibition, 12:30 p.m. on March 5, 12, 19 (guided by Jonathan Bucci), April 2, 9 and 16. 

LEVEL 2 GALLERY

Level 2 Gallery at the Salem Convention Center is curated by the Oregon Artists Series Foundation. Located on the second floor of the center, it features changing exhibits of work by established and emerging artists of the region. The Gallery is accessible Monday through Friday during regular business hours, during special events or by appointment by calling 503-589-1700. Info: oregonartistsseries.com

Through June 1, 2024
Layered Impressions: Paintings by Nancy Eng — Nancy Eng is a Salem-based artist and business owner whose work is centered on two principal subjects: the landscape and the figure. “My paintings start from photos, sketches and memories, and change is an important aspect of my work. Each piece evolves from its original colors, composition and emotions, flowing through multiple layers to its final form.”

“As an artist born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I draw from the nature surrounding me. This show is exclusively abstract landscapes, created entirely without brushes. I love to use unconventional tools – silicone scrapers, color shapers, spatulas, squeegees, rollers, credit cards, pallet knives and other things to spread layers of paint. These tools allow me to paint loose and abstract impressions.”

Related Events —

Opening Reception — 5 to 7 p.m. February 15, at Level 2 Gallery at Salem Convention Center.

ART HALL @ Salem Public Library

A year-round gallery space under the guidance of the Salem Public Art Commission, the Art Hall at the Salem Public Library features the Salem Reads Art Exhibit each February as part of Salem Reads: One Book, One Community. During the rest of the year, the Oregon Artists Series Foundation will present curated rotating exhibits featuring regional artists.

Through March 3
Salem Reads —  View work created by local artists inspired by The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. Learn more about Salem Reads here.

SALEM ON THE EDGE

From fine art, up-and-coming artists, graffiti muralists and more, Salem on the Edge features work by PNW artists in a variety of media both for purchase and in rotating exhibits. Stop in and visit at 156 Liberty St. NE. Info: salemontheedge.com

Through February 24
The fourth annual Erotica: An Exhibition to Arouse features 49 artworks by 25 artists. This show, which is more focused on the human form than previous years, features work by Miranda Abrams, Paris Barton, Joseph Besch, Jesse Clayton, Maeve Cotter, Eric J. Frey, Rodney Hard, Kate Hillig, Stephan Hinton, Bryan Holbein, Levant Karayalim, Lisa Laser, Andie Maynard, Kent MC, Sue Matsu, Lester Maurer, Will Mitchell, Aimee O’Will, Dennis Portz, Sierra Prior, Melissa Rivers, Marco Serido, T.M.A., CH Wilder and Dylan Zoebelein. 

Related Events —

Opening Reception — Meet the artists, sip mocktails and purchase delectitble chocolates from Truffle Shuffle, 5 to 8 p.m Friday, February 2. 

Pop-Up — Shop Dishy Dudes, erotic ceramics by artist Dennis Portz, 12 to 5 p.m. February 17.

SALEM ART ASSOCIATION

Salem Art Association (SAA) at Bush Barn Art Center & Annex, 600 Mission St. SE. For more information, call 503-581‑2228 or visit salemart.org.

Through February 24
Diffusing Light: The Evolving Landscapes of John Van Dreal — “My artistic style and method, as well as my philosophy about art, are founded in my admiration for Northern European and American realism, Luminism, and Tonalism. As a craftsman, I build surface and texture through layered oil painting combined with thin applications of translucent glazing. I have found that such an approach allows me to capture light as well as render form that has an intrinsic identity and offers the viewer a subtle expression of beauty as it is found in landscape, still life, and figure. I study and report form by concurrently sketching and painting as I move a work forward to completion. Using this method, combined with traditional aesthetic principles, allows me to create contemporary images that are luminous, tonal, evocative and that connect with the viewer on a personal level. By indulging in form and the aesthetic, I attempt to paint the denominators most common to human beings in their search for visual harmony, the beautiful, and sublime. Thus I hope my art offers a connection to good things.”

Through February 25
Dying to Live: Chloe Frydenlund — “My name is Chloe Frydenlund, but I use my childhood nickname, Clover, for my artwork. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I have lived in Salem for the last four years with my husband and two children. I am a self-taught artist, as I went from drawing as a child, to acrylics, and now for the last few years, oil painting, which is my favorite medium, so far. Making art has always been in my nature. It was not until I became a mother that I realized I needed art on a daily basis to start unburying who it is that I really am. I have repeatedly felt called to be a painter throughout my life, as it brings me an immense amount of joy. I believe we are all created to create and I can only hope to inspire others to create what it is that cries out to their soul. I am continually inspired by nature, animals and specifically women and the life/ death/ life cycles we must all go through. I have been overwhelmed with the amount of support that I have received as an artist since moving to the welcoming city of Salem. Art has been hugely helpful in my own life to provide healing, expression, and self-discovery. I strive, through my art, to portray the ideas and concepts that I personally discover about this wild life.”

Through the Artist’s Eye: Debbie Robinson and Deanna White — For 14 years, Debbie and Deanna have toured the local countryside looking for the ‘ideal spot with a view.’ “Excited, we explore the area with our cameras taking photographs and then begin sketching our paintings. We paint the same scene with our chairs turned at different angles to ‘see’ and interpret the beautiful vistas before us. We both approach our work quite differently, and feel this would be an educational journey for the public to experience what each artist ‘sees’, even in the same location. Each individual artist has unique ways of creating a composition and then putting down shapes, textures and colors. We often give each other a ‘fresh perspective’ critique before we pack up for home. Create, joy and repeat.”

Queer Love is an exhibit that centers on the work of queer artists declaring love is for everyone. Enjoy work from artists who are partners, lovers, collaborators, family and friends in this collection that beautifully encompasses the spectrum of queer love in its enclosing, personal, romantic, friendly, caring, communal, sophisticated, banal, simple, pleasurable, individual, complex, complicated, faltering, distinguished, confident, divine, human, redemptive, healthy, holistic, carnal and happy examples. Experience the epitome of Queer Love. Artists include Molly Alloy, Jason Berlin, Scott Bloom, Allynn Carpenter, Michael Espinoza, Liz Asch Greenhill, Sean M. Johnson, Dennis Portz, Numi Rehfield-Griffith, Jessica Rehfield-Griffith, Lottie Winters, Asa Wright and eboni wyatt.

Related Events —

Opening Reception — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. February 2

Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery

See fine art on display in the Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery at Chemeketa Community College where they host six exhibitions by diverse regional and national artists each year. The gallery is located in building 3 on the college campus at 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. For more information, call 503-399-2533.

Through February 9
Howl: The Art and Life of Frank Kowing has about 10% of his existing oeuvre. Frank was a prolific artist, not well known (yet) but as prolific as Rick Bartow. The show is an arrangement with the Chachalu Cultural Center and Museum.

February TBD through March 15
Chemeketa Faculty Art Exhibit

Gallery 444

Gallery 444 is located within Elsinore Framing at 444 Ferry St. SE. Info: 503-581-4642, elsinoregallery.com

February
CTEC Art and Technology Show.

Related Events —

Reception — 5 to 8 p.m. February 2

Cultural Exhibits

WORLD BEAT GALERY

The World Beat Gallery gives local cultural communities a space to share their heritage: the stories told and items exhibited come directly from members of our community. The Gallery is open year-round 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays by appointment at 390 Liberty St SE. Info: salemmulticultural.org