Explore art & culture in Salem this December through these exhibits (and events).
HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART
Featuring works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists and a diverse collection of traditional European, American and Asian art, and antique artifacts. Hallie Ford Museum, 700 State St, is open 12 to 5 p.m. Tues to Sat. 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 December 20, 2025
Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art — This exhibition highlights 62 works from a remarkable collection built over 35 years by Atlanta couple Kerry and C. Betty Davis. Featuring pieces by Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, and others, the show reflects a diverse spectrum of Black artistic expression rooted in cultural and historical narratives.
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.
Related Event: Exhibition curator Rebecca Dobkins will give a gallery talks in conjunction with the exhibition beginning at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 9; admission to both is complimentary.
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 wide variety of media for purchase. Stop in and visit at 156 Liberty St. NE. Info: salemontheedge.com
December
100 x 100 — More than 40 local artists come together for 100 x 100, a salon-style exhibition of original artworks, each priced at just $100. From bold abstracts to delicate botanicals, this show makes collecting art accessible, just in time for the holidays. Support your local arts community, discover new favorites, and give the gift of original art.
Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 5
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 December 21, 2025
Shone On | Jo Hamilton — Scotland-born, Portland-based artist Jo Hamilton creates large-scale, hand-crocheted wall works that merge years of drawing and painting with the craft she learned from her grandmother. She transforms post-consumer yarn into vivid textile portraits and scenes, knotting and unraveling hundreds of strands to build each piece. Each work carries an interplay between subject and material, where individual knots may stand out or disappear into the whole. The result is an intimate yet powerful reframing of a traditionally domestic craft.
Free Event: Artist Talk with Jo Hamilton, 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6
High Fiber Diet | A Sense of Place features work by a group of fiber artists. “We are all connected to certain places, whether that place is in space, or time, or your imagination, an ancestral home, fond childhood memories, a meeting with someone special, a vivid dream, a wish.” High Fiber Diet, a group of fiber artists committed to advancing their art professionally, centers on opportunities to exhibit and learn about the exhibition process.
SMALL WONDERS is an exhibition of pastels, collages, paintings, and photography, all under 12” x 12” and created with the gift-giving season in mind. It’s a chance to find a distinctive, artful present in a perfectly petite package.
HOLIDAY SHOW is a gift-themed exhibition featuring work by more than 50 artists, including traditional art, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, tree ornaments, greeting cards, and more.
Free Event:
Salem Art Association hosts the Winter Holiday Happenings Open House, where you can shop, enjoy music, and support the arts, 12 to 4 p.m. Dec 6, at the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex, 600 Mission St SE and Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St SE. salemart.org
PLUS — Explore immersive history by traveling back in time in the Museum’s seasonally decorated and beautifully maintained home and grounds. There will also be live music from: Constant Billy - Celtic and Americana (1 to 2 p.m.); Jabberwocky Quartet - A cappella quartet (2 to 3 p.m.); and Melissa Terrall - Piano (3 to 4 p.m.) 1 to 4 p.m. Dec 6 at Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St SE. bushhousemuseum.org
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. Stefani Art Gallery, 305 Court St NE | stefaniartgallery.com
Through December 20
Give Artfully, with love — Discover a curated collection of one-of-a-kind pieces: thoughtful, beautiful, and perfect for giving (or keeping... we won’t tell). Prices start at $35.
Debbie Robinson
A Glimmer of Hope by Debbie Robinson
Debbie Robinson: Woodlands and Waterways invites viewers into serene pastel landscapes that evoke a sense of replenished peace and renewed hope, offering quiet, expressive moments shaped by nature’s rhythm. Influenced by Impressionists like George Inness and T.C. Steele and inspired by contemporary pastelists, her work reflects a lifelong dedication to capturing the gentle, romantic beauty of the natural world.
Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 5
ARTISTS IN ACTION (AiA) GALLERY
An artist co-operative featuring 22 artists that share a space with Elsinore Framing's Gallery 444 at 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
Jean Lea
Entanglement by Jean Lea
Entanglement by Jean Lea
December 2 through 31, 2025
Something Red returns with its annual juried exhibition celebrating the power and vibrancy of the color red. Open to visual artists from across Oregon, the show features work where true red is the focal point or driving force of the composition. Award categories include: Best of Show; Best Use of Color Red; Best Original Concept; Best Use of Unconventional Materials; Best Botanical; Therese Misner Sponsor Award; Elsinore Gallery Award; Honorable Mention; and People's Choice. (Be sure you vote for your favorite piece when you visit the show.)
Reception and Awards: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. December 5
Cameron Covey
Gold and Blue Nuno Shawl by Cameron Covey
Gold and Blue Nuno Shawl by Cameron Covey
Cameron Covey showcases fiber and digital photography works that celebrate the mystery and discovery inherent in both mediums. Cameron embraces the unpredictability of creation, bringing a spirit of curiosity, community, and pure creative joy to every piece.
Dressing Up The Holidays Reception: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 14
Cultural Exhibits
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 December 6, 2025
Caralyn B. Shelton: The Nation’s First Female Governor — In her three-day tenure as acting Oregon Governor, Caralyn B. Shelton demonstrated that a woman could execute the duties of the highest state office. Her story was told by newspapers all over the world at the time, but few today know her name and her remarkable story.
Through February 13, 2026
Mid-Willamette Valley Winemaking Heritage — Wine making in this region predates statehood. Learn how the valley’s rich, abundant fruit harvests have led to more than a century of fermenting. Despite setbacks from local and national prohibition legislation, the tradition continues. Exhibit was produced through a partnership with the Oregon Wine History Archive at Linfield University and Salem’s own Honeywood Winery.
WORLD BEAT GALLERY
The World Beat Gallery gives local cultural communities a space to share their heritage. 390 Liberty St SE | 503-581-2004, salemmulticultural.org
Through December 4, 2025
Dolls from Around the World
December 18, 2025, to January 23, 2026
World Beat Gallery presents Charro Attire Exhibition — Enjoy this elaborate exhibition reflecting centuries of Mexican craftsmanship. Explore how Charreria embodies culture, tradition, history, and artistry, celebrating ranching, horsemanship, community, and family. This exhibition honors the legacy of Charros and preserves the traditions that continue to inspire generations today.