Explore art & culture in Salem this February 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.

Artist Brenda Mallory | Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Precessions by Brenda Mallory
Brenda Mallory (Cherokee Nation), "Precession"
Through March 22, 2025
Brenda Mallory: The North Star Changes features the sculptures and large-scale installations of Brenda Mallory, a nationally recognized Portland mixed-media artist. Organized by the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, the exhibition features 36 objects on loan from public and private collections throughout the western United States, including several from the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. The title of the exhibition is based on the idea that, while the North Star or Polaris is usually thought of as permanent, in fact it has changed its location over the course of thousands of years. “The idea of change has always been in my work,” Mallory has said.
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
Level 2 Gallery
Through June 13, 2025
New Energy: New Work by M. Shoki Tanabe and Adam Zeek — Shoki Tanabe and Adam Zeek were born on different continents, Shoki in Tokyo and Adam in Oregon, but both grew up in Salem, and graduated from South Salem High School in 2002. Now the lifelong friends are collaborating on their first joint exhibition featuring paintings in acrylic, graphite, and oil pastel on canvas or wood by Shoki and carved wood panels by Adam.
While the artists share their South Salem upbringing and their time at South Salem High School, each experienced different paths to get where they are in their creative practices.
In high school, Shoki was involved in writing, producing, and recording music with friends who shared that passion in Salem, which, at the time, had a rich local music scene. He made drawings in his school notebooks, but didn't explore other mediums until he was in college and declared Studio Art as a major. He received his BFA in painting and creative writing, and his Master's degree in teaching, from Willamette University. His graduate degree led him to a teaching job in Japan, and he is now on the faculty of South Salem High School teaching art.
“My work has always turned its gaze inward, compelled more by the shadowy elements that coalesce to create and define my identity (or perceived identity), than by my interpretation and filtration of external events slipping through the often-sticky membrane of ego. It can be challenging to step confidently through a landscape obscured by itself. . . . In the last few years I have . . . turned my gaze refreshingly outward. I’ve been shown a new lens, and it reveals illumination in the simplest ideas, the smallest forms. There is a new layer being pronounced in my topography, and it is informed by new patterns I’m noticing in familiar things,” said Tanabe.
Adam Zeek has called North Plains home for the last decade. In school, he, too, discovered an underground scene of art and music. After high school, he set out looking for mentors, crediting his parents, Alan and Mary Lou Zeek, as his first true teachers who shared much skill and insight. He remembers visiting the studio of one of Salem’s now most noted artists, Dan May, and attending his Drawing Nights. He continues to search for mentors - people and places - that can guide him, not just in working with wood, but also in navigating the delicate balance of life and art.
“Crafting with wood has been my passion throughout my adult life, but it was only three years ago that I dove into the art of wood carving. I had the privilege of learning the basics under the guidance of master carver Monica Setziol, and since then, I’ve drawn inspiration from nature and learned experience. For me, carving is more than a craft; it’s a space for reflection—a meditative practice that helps me clear my mind and explore new perspectives,” said Adam Zeek.
ART HALL @ SALEM PUBLIC LIBRARY
A year-round gallery space under the guidance of the Salem Public Art Commission.

Salem Reads Artwork
Through March 1, 2025
Salem Reads Art Exhibit — Eight local artists explore the impact and themes of the 2025 Salem Reads book, "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" by Carmen Rita Wong. The exhibition showcases works by local artists Dayna Collins, Laura Dahl, Corrine Loomis Dietz, Alycia Helbling, Ryan Hopper, Carlos Marquez, Laurel Thompson, and H. Eliz IV Snowcarp.
Learn more about Salem Reads, the show, and the individual artists: https://salemart.org/events/salem-reads-2025/
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 March 1
The annual group show, Erotica: An Exhibition to Arouse, is a bold exploration of provocative works from diverse artists, capturing interpretations of intimacy through a variety of mediums. Discover the many shades of eroticism and the beauty of vulnerability. The opening reception will feature performance art by a Shibari artist.
Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb 7
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
February 20 to 22
Whispers of Spring | Presented by the Ohara School, Oregon Chapter — Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging brings a unique beauty and mindfulness to floral decoration, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between flowers, containers, and their surrounding space.
More than an art form, ikebana is a meditative practice where practitioners cultivate a deep connection to nature. Through the precise placement of each element, the artist creates a visual story that reflects nature’s elegance and the changing rhythm of life, inspiring inner peace and awareness.
Through February 23, 2025
ReEnvisioned: Contemporary Portraits of Our Black Ancestors | Jeremy Okai Davis — In 2022, SAA commissioned Jeremy to paint a series of portraits as part of their broader effort to reinvent and reimagine the Bush House Museum. As curators of this historic site, they are acutely aware of the harm Asahel Bush inflicted on people of color in our state. They are also aware that people of color are painfully underrepresented in most permanent collections, including theirs.
Their invitation to Jeremy was simple: tell the story of early Black pioneers whose contributions to Oregon history have long been overlooked. For this installment of portraits, Jeremy chose two major figures – Letitia Carson (1815-1888) and Thomas C. King (1847-1904).

EGOR
An Angel Will Appear | EGOR Eilish Gormley — EGOR (Eilish Gormley) presents a mythology on an inquisitive woman’s choice of fate, in the form of film, music, and painting: “An Angel Will Appear” Our protagonist, in a deja vuvian moment, realizes that she is about to be visited by an angel. She is overjoyed. Her excitement fades as reality unfolds. This may not be an announcement she desires. She must act fiercely in order to take the reins of her fate.
EGOR is a Portland-based painter and performer. a fusion of video, audio, and experimental animation, her narrative-driven work focuses on tactile and physical media while primarily engaged with and distributed through the digital landscape.
ARTISTS IN ACTION GALLERY
An artist co-operative featuring 22 artists that share a space with Elsinore Framing at 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org

By Diane Trevett
“Calla Landscape with Mt. Hood”, oil by Diane Trevett
"Calla Landscape with Mt. Hood”, oil by Diane Trevett
Through February, 2025
“For the Love of the Pacific Northwest” — This exhibition is a great way to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Northwest and showcase the talents of co-op artists. There will also be artistic offerings of Valentine’s Day cards and other gift items.
Throughout the gallery explore a rich array of 2D and 3D artwork by our artists Judith Baer, watercolor; Pauli Bailey, acrylic; Susan Grace Branch, acrylic; Cameron Covey, digital photography, wool and fabric; Anna Davis, mixed media; Bob Dodson, mixed media; Lorraine Dye, charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, pastel; Dee Hendrix, watercolor; Jean Lea, acrylic; Barbara LeFiell, jewelry; John Mohney, watercolor; Michelle Myers, watercolor; Abel Poton, acrylic; Neale Quenzel, oil, mixed media; Jim Richards, oil; Olga Walmisley-Santiago, acrylic; Jim Schaff, digital/photography; Susan Thompson, acrylic; Diane Trevett, oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel; CC Willow, oil; Patricia Young, acrylic.
Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 7
GALLERY 444
At Gallery 444, located within Elsinore Framing at 444 Ferry St. SE. Info: 503-581-4642, elsinoregallery.com
February
CTEC Art and Technology Show — The second year of this annual show features work in video and game design featuring drawing and 3-D printing from the CTEC program.
Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb 7
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 Chemeketa Community College campus at 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE. For more information and open hours, call 503-399-2533. Learn more here.
Through February 7
Reflections — Jessica Ramey’s solo exhibit Reflections is a dynamic range of works that invites visitors to engage in introspection while examining themes of identity, perception, and connection.
“The title,” says Jessica Ramey “Reflections, speaks to the dual nature of the exhibition: it’s a space to look inward and examine personal truths, while also considering how our experiences, relationships, and environments shape who we are. Every piece in this show reflects the interplay between individual vision and collective experience.”
February 18 through March 14
Alert & Attuned: Attending to Our Climate Emergency an exhibit showcasing the work of an international group of artists committed to addressing the global climate crisis.
The exhibit aims to address the urgent need for environmental consciousness and action. Through a range of artistic expressions, the show reflects on the interconnected survival of our planet and its inhabitants. Some works in the exhibit confront the viewer with the stark realities of the climate emergency, while others offer pathways toward healing and encourage a shift in perspective as a way forward. The title, Alert & Attuned, embodies this dual approach of awareness and active engagement.
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
January 24 through May 24, 2025
Let’s Play is a look at sports in the Mid-Willamette Valley through the lens of historical artifacts and photos.
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
Through February 6, 2025
Angkorian Might — An immersive exhibit exploring the culture of Cambodia
Opening February 21, 2025
Mythical: Legendary Creatures from Around the World — Enter the realm of mermaids, dragons, and other mythical creatures from around the world. From the lochs of Scotland to the shores of Sri Lanka, mythical creatures abound in oral and written traditions. While the incarnations, names and stories vary, they all underscore humanity's methods of explaining that which escapes our comprehension. The similarities of these creatures across time and continents make us think twice about the unknown!