Summer’s not over yet! Here’s a look at what’s happening in the month ahead —

AUGUST 5

First Friday Art Walk — Head downtown for local art, pop-up events, live music and more. Grab an Art Walk Passport and enter for a chance to win the Art Walk Raffle Basket. The festivities take place from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Salem. Make sure you are signed up to The Playlist for a highlight of what’s happening for the Art Walk.

After the Art Walk, pop by Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Riverfront Park at 8 p.m. for a free, all-ages concert with The Ferenjis, a four-piece funk/fusion band bringing in influences of soul and jazz to the stage to deliver goovin’ tunes that will make you want to dance. Learn more about the First Friday Concert Series here.

Take in a night of comedy with Carl Lee, DJ Kamoflage, and Bay Area sweethearts Ben Kolina, Jesse Hett and Andrew Holmgren. Carl Lee is a nationally touring comedian who has performed with  Gary Owen, John Pinette, Ron White, Bill Bellamy, Earthquake, Lewis Black and MoNique. DJ Kamoflage is paving his path to worldwide recognition talking about the struggles of the nightlife industry, family, pop culture, heritage, music, and current events.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, August 5. Doors open at 7:30 p.m
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 online, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are appreciated but not required.

AUGUST 5 & 19

Craft & Chat — Get crafty at this Casual Drop-In Social for Adults from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, August 5 and 19 at Salem Public Library. The SPL is inviting adults to a series of casual crafty meetups this summer. Connect, create, and relax with other people in an easygoing environment. All supplies for simple crafts will be provided–you just need to bring the conversation! 

AUGUST 6

Explore behind the scenes with a Tour at the Elsinore Theatre. Learn about her history, her artwork, her creation and her current events in this guided tour, which concludes with a performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer – the largest theatre organ in the Pacific Northwest.
When:  1 p.m. Saturday, August 6
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $10. Pay at the door (cash or card) when you arrive. Reserve your spot by calling 503-375-3574

Some artists in the Plein Air Invitational Show at Salem on the Edge will be capturing the beauty of our city, painting en plein air on August 6 in Salem’s Historic downtown and at Riverfront Park. Then, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., the public is invited to come see the paintings they create displayed on the gallery’s “wet wall,” meet the participating artists and take in the plein air paintings of Oregon scenery. All paintings will be available for purchase – treat yourself to a little piece of Salem.

Riverfront Family Fest returns! This free annual health and safety fair geared toward celebrating families in our community takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 6, at Salem’s Riverfront Park. Guests can expect to enjoy helicopter landings, fire trucks, face painting, obstacle courses, and tasty snacks from a variety of local restaurants including Venti’s Café, Willamette Pie Co., Kettle Chips, Starbucks, Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods, and more.

Salem Jeep Fest 2022 is a family-friendly Jeep Show & Shine with trophies. The more jeeps the merrier. There will be DJ/music, food, a tire obstacle course, bouncy houses for the kids, vendor booths, raffles, kids activities, overlanding section and Jeeps — lots of Jeeps! An RTI ramp will also be available for you to strut your stuff
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 6
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE
Click here for more information.

AUGUST 6 & 13

Movies in the Park wraps up in August with two features —

August 6: “The Mitchells vs. The Machines,” PG, 8:30 p.m. — A quirky, dysfunctional family’s road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope.

August 13: “Encanto,” PG, 8 p.m. — A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.

Food and beverages are welcome, but no alcohol. Pack a picnic, or feast from one of the on-site food carts. Movies begin soon after dusk (start times are approximate). Films are free, but donations are accepted. For more info, visit salemmoviesinthepark.com.

AUGUST 6 & 20

Take a free self-guided tour at Gaiety Hollow Open Gardens. Stroll the historic gardens lovingly maintained by Lord & Schryver volunteers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. August 6 (also featuring music by fiddler Jim Hockenhull plus embroidery artist Krista West) and 20 (with classical music). Learn more at lordschryver.org 

AUGUST 7

Pound with Nott, Rank and Vile, Renascentia — Take in a night of death-grind and deathcore with Seattle-based two-piece, instrumental, heavy music project Pound, plus seismic storytellers Nott, Portland death-grind quartet Rank and Vile and Salem progressive deathcore Renascentia.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, August 7. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 online, $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are appreciated but not required.

AUGUST 9

Gallery Talk — Explore the David Roberts: Artist and Traveler exhibit with Director and Exhibition Curator John Olbrantz.
When: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Aug 9
Where: Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Cost: Free. Click here for info.

AUGUST 10

Celebrate the summer with Yoga + Beer at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater and connect with our community in the heart of downtown Salem. Gather at the park for a 60-minute, all-levels yoga class led by Mikki Trowbridge. After class, yogis are encouraged to head into downtown Salem and support our local businesses and spread the love around downtown by purchasing a post-class beverage or meal. This class is offered with ASL interpretation thanks to the Salem-Keizer Interpreters’ Community of Practice. Please consider supporting our interpreters as you support our teachers, with a suggested contribution of $5.
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 10
Where: Gerry Frank Amphitheater at Riverfront Park
Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per yogi. Click here to register.

AUGUST 10 to 14

Theatre 33 presents “Lost in the Hills” by Paul Lewis on stage August 10 through 14. 

Lost in the Hills is a new musical freely adapted from Zane Grey’s 1919 novel The Desert of Wheat.

In early 20th-century Washington state, a young Spokane woman, traveling to the rolling wheat lands of the Palouse, is haunted by the inescapable feeling that she has been there once before. While seeking to decipher the reason for that, she loses her heart to a troubled young agrarian and his radical sister, and soon must decide whether to return to the well-planned life she has always known—or lose herself forever in the scenic yet unforgiving hills. A story of loss, love, and the gravitational pull of the past, set against the backdrop of the battle for justice in the fields.

The play takes place in the Putnam Studio, M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University. Readings take place at different locations depending on the script. Admission is by donation. Admission is free; $10 donation recommended, but no one turned away! Click here to reserve. Info: theatre33.org. Learn more in our Press Play Salem feature story here.

AUGUST 11

Night of 1,000 Stars Teen Talent Show — Everyone is invited to watch and cheer for teen musicians, singers, dancers, and other performers. This annual talent showcase offers a variety of entertainment and endless excitement for everyone involved. Seating is free on a first-come, first-seated basis.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 11
Where: Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE

Moonlight Mob: Pedal Pirates — Celebrate Salem’s Bicycle culture on the Moonlight Mob, with a ride under the Sturgeon Supermoon and partying like Pirates. All swashbuckling cyclists are welcome. Costumes, lights and music are strongly encouraged. The group will meet around 8 p.m. in the north parking lot and ride until the full moon lights up the sky. Aiming to be a safe and positive place for riders, drivers, pedestrians, and the community, there are a few rules: stop at lights, stay to the right, pack your trash, roll past conflict, ride sober, be nice, ride predictably and remember, you are responsible for your own behavior. All participants ride at their own risk.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, August 11
Where: Riverfront Park

Egyptomania: From David Roberts to the Opera “Aida” with Dr. Allen James Fromherz — In conjunction with the David Roberts: Artist and Traveler exhibition, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University is pleased to present a lecture with Dr. Allen James Fromherz, the Director of the Middle East Studies Center and a Professor of Mediterranean and Middle East History at Georgia State University in Atlanta. His lecture will explore how Egyptomania and the Middle East captivated and enthralled 19th-century Europeans and had a profound influence on the arts and music of the time. 

Following the lecture, hear two representative arias from the famed opera Aida by Verdi, sung by European-trained opera singer Rebecca Fromherz ’14, an alumna of Willamette University.

There is also complimentary viewing of David Roberts: Artist and Traveler exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art on August 11, prior to the event. 

Masks are highly encouraged. 

When: 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 11 (lecture); 5 to 7 p.m. museum viewing
Where: Paulus Lecture Hall, Room 201 at Willamette University College of Law, 245 Winter St. SE
Cost: Free

AUGUST 12 and 26

Join Ceili of the Valley Society for the August Ceili, an evening of live music and Irish social dancing. Channing Dodson with Sam Vogt and Laura Reed will be providing the music with dances called by Bruce Kenny. All dances are taught before the music begins. No experience or partner is needed. Doors open at 7, followed by a free (with admission) dance lesson at 7:15 p.m. Live music begins at 8. Bring water. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are appreciated but not required. Even if you don’t dance, it’s a night of great music.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, August 12
Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Cost: $10. 
Click here for info.

Improv X Infinity — Enjoy Infinity Room’s signature improv style over dinner and drinks. They take suggestions from the audience and turn them into a one-of-a-kind show never to be seen again. All ages welcome.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, August 12. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 online, $15 at the door. Get tickets for Aug 12 here and Aug 26 here.
Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are appreciated but not required.

The Weather Machine —One of Oregon’s mainstay indie rock projects, The Weather Machine comes to this special Salem performance at the Gov Cup after two years of silence, having had to cancel their last show at the beginning of Covid lockdowns in March 2020. They’ll be celebrating the release of their new retro-rock single Protection in advance of a full album launch and international tour later this fall. It’s also a homecoming celebration for project leader and singer Slater Smith, who attended college in Salem in the early 2010s, and is returning home for this special performance with longtime bandmates Luke Hoffman, Tim Karplus, André Zapata, and Noah Bernstein after moving the project to New Zealand in early 2021.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, August 12. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: The Governor’s Cup Coffee Roasters
Cost: $10. Click here for tickets.

Ken Hamlett’s A Drunken Night Out — Comedian Ken Hamlett of Chicago hosts a lineup of comics from all over the country as they discuss their worst drunken nights out, do standup, and eventually end the night and perform a set…not so sober with an additional catch. The comics will be forced to do improv on crowd-sourced topics. It’s part hangout, part show, part live podcast, and totally a fantastic time. It’s not a comedy show, it’s a Comedy Party!
When: 9 p.m. Friday, August 12. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St. SE
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older
Note: Proof of vaccination OR negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks appreciated but not required. 

AUGUST 13

Englewood Forest Festival is a gathering of art, environment and community nestled in seven wooded acres near downtown Salem that aims to celebrate, educate and support, especially that of the Northeast neighborhood. Shop vendors and artisans, listen to live music and more. 

As part of the festival, Marion County is hosting a Repair Fair and Share event that aims to connect people who can repair stuff with people who need their stuff repaired while teaching folks practical repair skills they can use in the future. Click here to RSVP to let them know about your repair. Walk-ups are welcome, too!
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 13
Where: Englewood Park, 1260 19th St NE
Info: englewoodforestfestival.org

Catch a lineup of comedians from right here in the heart of the Willamette Valley at Slay ‘Em – A Salem Comedy Showcase of Local Killers.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 13. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door.

AUGUST 13 & 27

Makeup & Mimosas Drag Brunch — Lipstick Divas and Infinity Room are proud to bring a killer drag brunch to downtown Salem. Hosted by Nicole Onoscopi and featuring amazing drag talents, plus Bloody Mary, mimosa and brunch specials available.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, August 13 and 27. Doors open at 12 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $10. Click for tickets for Aug 13 or Aug 27.
Age: 16 and older
Note: Proof of vaccination OR negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are not required but appreciated.

AUGUST 15

Historic Belcrest Memorial Park Walk — Take a guided tour of Salem’s Belcrest Cemetery. Enjoy Belcrest’s century-old plantings while you learn about the many Salemites for whom Belcrest is their final resting place. Caesar, the No Drama Llama will join on Belcrest’s paved paths and gently rolling lawns. No registration is required.
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 15
Where: Belcrest Memorial Park, 1295 Browning Ave S
Cost: Free

AUGUST 17 & 31

Salem Art Association and Common People Yoga are joining together to host two special Outdoor Yoga sessions. This is a 60-minute Vinyasa Yoga Flow class led by Lorissa Addabbo takes place on the lawn behind the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex. Limited to 15 participants. If you have a spot reserved, they are counting on you to attend.
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 17 and 31
Where: The Lawn at The Bush Barn Art Center & Annex, 600 Mission St SE
Cost: By donation. Click here to reserve your spot in the August 17 class. Click here to reserve your spot in the August 31 class.

AUGUST 18

The City of Salem’s Civic Center, 555 Liberty St SE, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an afternoon or family-friendly activities, entertainment, education and more 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 18. Watch for a Press Play Salem feature story coming soon. The center is an exemplary expression of local New Brutalist architecture and has been nominated for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Red Carpet Premiere: Lights, Camera, Action — With the help of Riff Video Productions, Tippie Toe Dance Studio is proud to present the official premiere of their summer film project. Watch the dancers perform for the first time on the big screen – with styles including Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Tap/Jazz/Broadway. In July, Tippy Toe students performed and filmed across Salem at local cultural and historic landmarks such as Willamette Heritage Center, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, the Salem Public Library, Willamette University, and of course the Elsinore Theatre itself.
When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 18. Red Carpet Walk at 5 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: Free. Suggested donation of $10

Act!ve B!tch Face — Patriarchy got you down? Clap back with this improv show that listens to YOUR stories and uses the discussion to craft comedy gold and laugh for once instead of constantly rage-shrieking. Featuring improvisers from the Infinity Room house team and the folks at Kickstand Comedy in Portland. Sure to be a one-of-a-kind show!
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 13. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.

AUGUST 19 & 20

New date, new name, same great brewfest. Cinco de Micro is now Salem on Tap and brings together a sampling of breweries, ciders and distilleries with live music entertainment this summer. Sip and sample 120+ unique and seasonal release craft beers, as well as a variety of local and Northwest favorites.

An admission pass includes a souvenir glass and four beer tastes. Additional tastes are $1 per pour or $5 for a full mug. Purchase tickets by Aug 18 for pre-sale pricing. After August 18, tickets will only be available for purchase at the door. Proceeds support Boys & Girls Club of Salem.
When: August 19 & 20
Where: Salem Convention Center
Age: 21 and older
Cost: 1 Day Pass: $20 in advance/$25 at the door (four tastes included) // 2-Day Pass: $35 in advance/$40 at the door (four tastes per day included) // Designated Drivers are $5.
Info: facebook.com/CincoDeMicro/ 

AUGUST 20

The Fussy Duck hosts its 3rd Outdoor Flea Market featuring a variety of vendors and food trucks for you to shop from, and why not pop into The Fussy Duck while you are there.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 20
Where: The Fussy Duck parking lot

Fish Fest is Oregon’s largest Christian music festival. This year features TobyMac, Mac Powell, We Are Messengers, Cochren & Co. and Katy Nichole, plus food trucks, family activities and more.
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 20. Doors open at 12 p.m.
Where: Gerry Frank Amphitheatre at Riverfront Park
Cost:$19 to $185. Click here for tickets.

Salem Public Library celebrates a Summer of Pride with a monthly LGBTQ+ Reading & Discussion Group. Explore LGBTQIA+ history, human rights, and what the future looks like for the queer and trans communities through a series of free community conversations. Staff will act as facilitators and work to establish a respectful and supportive space for everyone to contribute their thoughts, share questions and explore the ideas from the readings and videos. August’s topic is Queer Future and will host a discussion on August 20. Attendees are asked to prepare for the discussions by reading or watching at least one entry from a suggested resources list for each month. Find the reading resource list at bit.ly/summerofpride 

AUGUST 20 & 21

Theatre 33 presents a dramatic reading of Light Keepers by Lindsay Partain.

Carmen and Max live in a futuristic Oregon that is still very much like our own, but in a dimension where space is expanding at such a rate that stars have begun to disappear from the sky. The night before their last-first-day of high school, Carmen and Max go into the hills to look up at the last star in the sky and make a wish for change…

And change, it does. In a science-defying, history-making moment, a window to another world is opened where friends are still alive, where Carmen doesn’t exist, and where Max’s would-be twin, Maxine needs them all more than ever. They are each given the opportunity of a lifetime to see beyond the known reality, find hope, accept change, and see their skies full of stars.
When: 2 p.m. August 20 and 21
Where: To be Announced
Cost: $10 recommended donation by no one will be turned away. Click here to reserve.
Learn more in our Press Play Salem feature story here.

AUGUST 25

Last Thursday on Edgewater is an art and culture experience happening 4 to 7 p.m. August 25 at Edgewater Trail Park between McNary and Patterson Streets NW. Performers, musicians, live art installations, and art and food vendors bring entertainment and more to the Edgewater Street NW Business District/Neighborhood in West Salem. Artist & Vendor Space is FREE but must be approved. Visit www.lastthursdaysonedgewater.com for community guidelines and sign-up.

AUGUST 26 to 29

UTOPIA Music & Arts Festival — Vibe Alive Productions presents three days of music, live painters and more on 20 acres.
When: August 26 to 29
Tickets: $69 to $99. Click here for tickets.
Age: 18 and older
Info: facebook.com/UtopiaPNWfestival/

AUGUST 26 to SEPTEMBER 5

Oregon State Fair highlights animals, attractions, arts & crafts and more, along with spirited competitions and live entertainment for the whole family. 

This year’s headlining performers include —

• Rascal Flatts lead singer, Gary LeVox – Monday, August 29
• Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Shaggy – Tuesday, August 30
• Dove Award-winning faith and worship leaders Bethel Music – Wednesday, August 31
• Pioneering R&B girl group TLC – Thursday, September 1
• Country music superstar Scotty McCreery – Friday, September 2
• Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Beach Boys – Saturday, September 3
• Best-selling hip-hop artist Nelly – Monday, September 5

When: August 26 to September 5
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE
Cost in advance: $8 adult, $6 child, $1 senior, free for kids age 5 and younger. Prices raise Aug. 26. Reserved concert tickets start at $40 and include fair admission.
Info: Oregonstatefair.org

AUGUST 27

Drag artists Saint Syndrome and Nicole Onoscopi bring you live vocals and piano, mixed with comedy and storytelling. Don’t miss this spectacular night of drag, music, and comedy. Two show opportunities, including an early show that welcomes all ages.
When: 6 and 9 p.m. Saturday, August 27. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. (Kids 12 and younger are $7 – all ages show) Click here for tickets for the early/all-ages show. Click here for tickets for the late show.

AUGUST 28

The inaugural Cherry City Flea is a family and dog-friendly outdoor market full of Salem makers and curators.
When: 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 28
Where: Salem Convention Center
Info: www.cherrycityflea.com

AUGUST 30

Elsinore Theatre presents Kansas: Point of Know Return Tour — With a legendary career spanning more than four decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. This “garage band” from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner, and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide.

Composing a catalog that includes fifteen studio albums and five live albums, KANSAS has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show), and two one million-selling gold singles, ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust in the Wind.’
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 30. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $29 to $125. VIP options available. Click here for tickets.

Info: 503-375-3574 or elsinoretheatre.com 

And In the Arts…

AT HALLIE FORD

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art is Oregon’s third-largest art museum. It features works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, a diverse collection of traditional European, American and Asian art, as well as artifacts that date from antiquity. Frequently changing exhibitions include lectures, special events, tours, artist demonstrations and educational opportunities for children and adults.

The museum is located at 700 State Street and is open 12 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost to explore is $6, $4 for seniors (age 55 and older) and $3 for educators and students 18 and older. Admission is free for everyone on Tuesdays. Per Willamette University policy, the museum requires proof of vaccination for entry. Bring a valid I.D. with proof of vaccination for check-in. Details on the museum website. For more information, visit willamette.edu/arts/hfma, or call 503-370-6855.

Through August 13

April Waters: Water-Ice-Sky, Antarctica — In 2018, Salem artist April Waters — known for her works that focus on water and contemporary women leaders — turned her attention to Antarctica. As a grantee of the National Science Foundation Antarctic Artists and Writers Program, Waters traveled to Palmer Station to observe, study, photograph, and sketch the ocean, icebergs, and Maar Glacier. Learn more in our Press Play Salem feature story here.

Through August 27

David Roberts: Artist and Traveler — David Roberts (Scottish, 1796-1864) was a self-taught painter who rose from the depths of poverty and obscurity in Edinburgh to become one of the most celebrated artists and travelers of his generation. His prints of Egypt and the Holy Land, in particular, would have a profound impact on European travel as well as the emerging fields of Egyptology and Biblical archaeology and would firmly establish Roberts as an important Orientalist painter. 

August 27 to December 3

Rick Silva: Western Fronts — Born in Brazil and based in Oregon, Rick Silva’s work integrates art and technology and poses questions about politics and place. He makes experimental 3-D animations that explore virtuality, futurology, and speculative ecologies.

AT 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: www.oregonartistsseries.com 

Through September 30

indelible: Artist Portraits by Diane Beals — A series of black and white portraits by photographer Diane Beals documenting 14 artists in their Salem studios who have made indelible and memorable marks through their art and creative practices. (An extension of this exhibit hangs in the Art Hall at Salem Public Library.) The exhibits document, using black and white photography, a group of artists in Salem who have made indelible and memorable marks through their art and creative practices. The artists who were photographed include: Rob Bibler, Jon Colburn, Nancy Eng, Carol Hausser, Bonnie Hull, Kristin Kuhns, Nancy Lindburg, Sue-Del McCulloch, Jude Morales, Dave Nichols and the late Sandra Nichols (working collaboratively as nic and sloy), Randall Tosh, April Waters, Krista West, and Gary Westford.

AT 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 September 30

Indelible — A companion to the exhibit at Level2 Gallery at SCC, through black and white photography, Diane Beals documents the artistic process of fourteen artists. While the artists depicted at the Level 2 Gallery are fully identified, the works at the Library are not, inviting the viewer to closely study the photographs to match each artist with a process shot.

AT SALEM ART ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1919, the Salem Art Association aims to engage the community in the appreciation of the arts through contemporary art exhibitions and events, arts education for youth and adults, and the preservation and interpretation of our shared cultural heritage.

Events and exhibits are located in the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex at 600 Mission St. SE. Visit the center 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Masks and social distancing required. There is no charge to visit, but donations are accepted. Info: 503-581-2228 or visit salemart.org. 

Through August 27

Colors of Oregon | James Southworth — “This is our Oregon story–and our family story. We can’t tell one without the other.” 

Bush’s Pasture Park’s Oregon White Oak Legacy — The ancestral lands of the Kalapuya, now known as Bush’s Pasture Park, have been the home of Oregon White Oak trees for centuries. While providing an important habitat for insects, birds and small animals, these trees also preserve natural and cultural history in their inner tree rings. Enjoy the beauty and majesty of these heritage trees through Carolyn Lehl’s Monday Morning Walks in the Park drawings and paintings. Complementing her artwork is the Oak Salvage Project, which is working to “salvage data from some of the hundreds of old Oregon oaks that have been damaged in the February 2021 ice storm.” \Through August 27

Tammy Jo Wilson — “I seek to share through my work a partial view of my black female experience. I hope to reach those among us looking for a broader understanding of commonalities rather than differences. Historically rooted in the feminist art movement my work attempts to further the unraveling of antiquated thinking around women in art and society. The viewer experiences and remembers synchronously the traditions of painting and photography; combined with a contemporary approach layering symbolism and the abstracted figure. I attempt to offer a visual entrance to an expanded view of the human experience and the uncomfortable surreal-realities I have experienced and we have faced together.”

Mixed Metaphors | Deborah Unger and Cynthia Carino — The earliest visual art made by humans is usually about telling a story. In the exhibition, Mixed Metaphors, we hope that you will create your own stories in response to the bewitching work of emerging artist, Cynthia Carino and the mystical sculptures of Deborah Unger. Cynthia’s vibrant, wild and exciting compositions contrast starkly with the deep, mythical and intensely personal experience of Deborah’s quiet sculptures. What is the story? What is the next chapter? It is yours to create.

AT 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. 

August 3 to 27

The Plein Air Invitational Art Show features plein air artists from around Oregon. On Saturday, August 6, 17 of those artists will be painting at various locations in downtown Salem. That night from 5 to 7:30, the gallery will host a reception featuring the paintings the artists completed during the day displayed on what they are calling the wet wall.

AT GALLERY 444

Located within Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery at 444 Ferry St. SE, Gallery 444 hosts monthly exhibits highlighting artists from in and around Salem. Info: 503-581-4642, elsinoregallery.com

August

How We Grow Our Food — Artwork featuring agricultural themes in Oregon from farming to floral subjects. Reception: 3 to 6 p.m. August 6