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 — 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.
Marita Dingus
Marita Dingus, Fabric Basket, 2003, fabric, metal, 18 x 20 x 20 inches, courtesy the artist and Traver Gallery, Seattle.
Through December 21, 2024
Indie Folk: New Art and Sounds from the Pacific Northwest features an intergenerational array of 17 notable artists from throughout the region. A playlist of Indie Folk music selected by Portland’s Mississippi Records accompanies the exhibition, filling the galleries with the sound of the Pacific Northwest. Click here for the playlist of music.
Becoming Peter Voulkos: Works from the 1950s showcases twelve works by the legendary ceramicist Peter Voulkos, focusing on his early career in the 1950s when he became nationally recognized as a master of wheel-thrown functional stoneware. The exhibition culminates with a single piece exemplifying Voulkos’ revolutionary shift which pushed ceramics into the broader conversation taking place in contemporary art during the mid-20th century.
December 7 through June 21, 2025
Nancy Floyd: For the Love of Trees features recent work by this award-winning Bend, Oregon photographer and author. In 2022, Floyd was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to embark on a multi-year project exploring the unique bond that Oregonians have with the forest and trees, including those who study trees, those who protect trees, those who make a living off trees, and those who see trees as part of their daily life. In the process, she has interviewed key stakeholders in the timber and forestry business; followed workers into the forest as they cut or studied trees; visited mills and shadowed those who work there; and accompanied workers at tree farms as they planted and nurtured trees. The exhibition will feature a range of work from the past two years.
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 January 2025
Randall Tosh
Randall Tosh
Souvenirs of Imaginary Places: Photographs by Randall Tosh — Salem photographer Randall Tosh has been exploring antique photographic processes for most of his photographic career. He is interested in the inherently uncanny property of images produced by these old processes, which seem to recontextualize objects, people, and landscapes into an idyllic nineteenth-century past. Randall’s interest in antique processes extends to antique photographic equipment as well, and he uses an array of antique lenses to produce his work.
“My images are an amalgam of digital and analogue photography. I use an iPhone for the initial captures, then process the images to make them look like photographs made over 150 years ago. From these processed captures, I then make digitally enlarged negatives which I use to make contact prints (the negative must be the same size as the final image. During the first half-century of photography, enlargements were not possible). These images are salt prints, which was the earliest positive/negative photographic process invented by Fox Talbot, as a direct consequence of his inept drawing abilities. The process uses only kosher salt and silver nitrate to produce light sensitive paper, gold chloride to tone the prints for permanency, and sodium thiosulphate to fix the prints. It is a lovely, finicky process . . . .”
Randall was a practicing attorney in Oregon for many years, specializing in municipal law. He served as Salem’s City Attorney from 2003-2014.
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 presents curated rotating exhibits featuring regional artists.
Through January 2025
Souvenirs of Imaginary Places: Photographs by Randall Tosh — A companion to the exhibition at Level 2 Gallery at the Salem Convention Center.
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
December 6 to 22
The 100 x 100 Show is an exhibition that fills the walls with local artists offering one-of-a-kind pieces. Discover small, affordable artworks that make thoughtful gifts or unique additions to your collection—just in time for the holidays. In addition to the 100 x 100 Show, explore a curated selection of works by represented artists. With a wide mix of styles, mediums, and perspectives, the gallery will be filled with incredible art ready to take home for the holiday season.
Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec 6
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 22
Holiday Show — This annual, gift-themed exhibition is a one-stop shop for unique gifts. More than 50 artists will be selling traditional art, plus jewelry, ceramics, textiles, tree ornaments, greeting cards, and more at the Bush Barn Art Center.
Small Wonders — A show of ‘Small Wonders’ created with the gift-giving season in mind. The perfect, unique gift for that special someone. Pastels, collages, paintings, and photography in petite sizes — under 12″ x 12″.
This is Not a Tree | Kristin Kuhns — Kristin Kuhns is a Salem artist whose work includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional mixed media, paintings, drawings, clay vessels, and sculptures.
In My Skin | Jason Hill — “This body of work titled In My Skin celebrates Black cultural identity, African ancestry, and the contemporary lived experience of the community in Portland, through dynamic lighting, saturated color, and portraiture. I wanted to keep things spontaneous and lively but also be very precise with my lighting to show depth in the image as well as in the person.”
December 4 through 24, 2024
Doug Dacar | Artist-in-Residence — “I will be working with slabs and pieces of wet clay, paints and mediums which will be applied to the clay, creating prints. I will be taking clay out into the park and making some impressions from nature to see what develops when other materials are used for making prints. Whenever I’m creating, process and discoveries are as important as the created piece. I’m excited to work in a location where I plan on pushing my knowledge and experience with this process. Creating, discovery and play are valuable bonding skills we all have in common. I believe communities have more in common than differences and I see this as an opportunity to share in curious creating.”
ARTISTS IN ACTION GALLERY
An artist co-operative featuring 23 artists that shares a space with Elsinore Framing at 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
ARTISTS IN ACTION GALLERY
An artist co-operative featuring 22 artists that shares a space with Elsinore Framing at 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
December 6 through 31
During the month of December, the Gallery will show a special feature of the work of co-op members Judith Baer, watercolor, and Diane Trevett, oil and acrylic. And for the holiday season, special gift-giving fine art and ornaments will be offered.
Judith Baer has been painting in watercolor most of her life. In creating her paintings, she captures the intimate moments of light and shadows as well as detailed passages of color playing off each other. Working in both wet into wet and dry brush, Judith’s goal is to show the versatility of the media. “What draws me to a piece of art is usually the details. For me, a realistic watercolor painting, or an expertly couture hand-crafted garment, I see the beauty in the details.”
Diane Trevett is a Salem artist who uses painting and drawing media to explore botanical, nature and landform subjects. She is fascinated by their unique form, diverse color and hidden details, and uses the final composition to enhance these qualities. “I am inspired by botanical life and nature subjects such as plants, flowers, leaves, petals, buds, and seashells, as well as landforms/landscapes. I will exaggerate line, pattern, shape, movement, color and positive/negative space to enhance the composition. As I depart from realistic representation, an abstraction and stylization emerge. My style and imagery are recognizable and parallel that of Georgia O’Keefe, who’s work continues to be a major influence on my creativity since my teenage years.”
22nd Annual December’s Something Red Exhibit — This annual juried exhibition centers around the color Red. Artists create compelling art that features true red as a focal point or primary color in the composition.
Something Red began in 2002 as a way to bring visual arts, artists and the community together into a month-long celebration of downtown Salem, and to focus on a theme related to the holiday time of year; hence the color Red.
Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 6. Awards at 6 p.m.
BUSH HOUSE MUSEUM
Through June 29, 2025
Favorite Things II | Jason Hill — Favorite Things is a portrait and short film series depicting regional artists with items that are precious to them. Developed by Portland filmmaker and photographer Jason Hill, this work documents a collaboration wherein artists were instructed to share and speak about a favorite item in a studio setting. The results are an experiment with light and color to create magical portraits and filmed testimonials.
Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery
The gallery is located in building 3 on the college campus at 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE. For more information and open hours, call 503-399-2533. Learn more here.
Through December 6
In the Garden We Will Wear Our Costumes for a Spaceship: Living Studios — Props, Performances, and Unusual Perspectives — This show is a collaboration by Living Studios of the Willamette Valley; a studio arts program and gallery administered by Cornerstone Associates Inc, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. They connect neurodiverse artists and artists experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities with professional art opportunities and meaningful collaborative and community-based projects.
This playful collection utilizes props and sculpture alongside video from Living Studio’s collaborative studio practice. The artworks presented demonstrate the breadth of playful perspectives and unusual strengths of the artists. We invite you to step into the space and explore the joy of storytelling and community.
More Art On Exhibit —
Wading by Susan Appleby
Through December 30
In Birdland: Artwork by Susan Appleby — In Birdland, is inspired by the spirit and freedom of birds, and my effort to bring their beauty and song into my art. Works in acrylic and mixed media, bring to life the qualities most important. Each a moment in time. On Exhibit At: Roy John Jewelers, 315 Court St NE.
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 21, 2024
History in Rubble: Salem’s Lost Buildings — Despite preservation efforts, some of the most iconic landmarks from Salem’s past have become victims of the wrecking ball. This exhibit features the rubble and saved remnants of many of Salem’s lost buildings. Discover how Salem’s skyline has changed over time and how preserving historic structures can make a difference to our community’s economics, livability, and sustainability
WORLD BEAT GALLERY
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. 390 Liberty St SE | 503-581-2004, salemmulticultural.org
December 13, 2024 through February 6, 2025
Angkorian Might — An immersive exhibit exploring the culture of Cambodia
Reception: 5 to 7 p.m. Dec 13