Explore art & culture in Salem this March 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.
NOTE — There will be a free public conversation between Photographer Nancy Floyd and Curator Julia Dolan, discussing the photographer’s art, life, and career, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in Roger Hull Lecture Hall at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art
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.
“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.” —Shoki Tanabe.
“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.” — Adam Zeek.
ART HALL @ SALEM PUBLIC LIBRARY
A year-round gallery space under the guidance of the Salem Public Art Commission.
March 11 through June 13, 2025
New Energy: New Work by M. Shoki Tanabe and Adam Zeek — A companion to the exhibition at Level 2 Gallery at the Salem Convention Center.
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
March
Courtesy of April Waters
April Waters and Vandana Feb 22, 2011
April Waters and Vandana Feb 22, 2011
Featured artist April Waters’ “Sheroes” honors eight extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to humanitarian and environmental justice. Through striking, large-scale portraits, Waters captures the strength and resilience of activists like Dr. Vandana Shiva, Dr. Wangari Maathai, Malalai Joya, Dr. Helen Caldicott, Amy Goodman, Cindy Sheehan, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and Maude Barlow—women who have fought to protect people, resources, and the equitable sharing of clean water. Waters’ work has been exhibited throughout Oregon, including at Willamette University, the Artist Repertory Theater, and the Living Futures “Women Reshaping the World” Conference. Her paintings are housed in public and private collections, from Oregon State University to the American Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
Guest Artist is Portland-based Cedar Lee with stunning paintings of the Milky Way, inviting viewers to expand their perspective and experience a profound sense of connection to the cosmos. From the artist:
"In the past, I created a collection of fantasy space-scapes. I titled the series "Cosmic Dance." In this collection of paintings, I combined my fascination with painting starry night skies with my feeling of wonder at being a resident of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Each of these paintings features a different PNW mountain peak, identifiable by its distinctive shape. The magnificent Milky Way galaxy is depicted in an abstract art style, the billions of stars shown in paint drips and splatters. These paintings will appeal to people who enjoy the crossover of representational and abstract painting."
Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 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
March 1 through 27
Young Artists' Showcase celebrates the talent and creativity of K-12 students from Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. Whether in public, private, or homeschool settings, students are invited to submit their artwork for this wonderful opportunity to be part of a vibrant creative community. Reception and Artists awards: 12 p.m. Saturday, March 1
2nd Annual Art Teachers Showcase | after hours features work from local K-12 art teachers in a variety of media and all sorts of subjects. “We are connected by our dedication to teaching the children in our community about (and how to create) art, and also by our commitment to art making as an enriching lifelong practice.”
Through March 30
De Natural Libris | Alvaro Alejandro is a showcase of black and white photography.
March 1– 31
March Artist-In-Residence | Heidi Preuss Grew is a two-time Oregon Arts Commission Artist Fellowship recipient recognized for her figurative sculptures and drawings.
Through April 27
The Cherry City of the World features works by local, represented artists, capturing the beauty of Salem as it blooms.
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
March
Courtesy of Michelle Myers
Michelle Myers On the Rhine
On the Rhine, watercolor by Michelle Myers
Special feature of the work of co-op member Michelle Myers, watercolor.
Michelle was born and raised in Hayward, California and has lived in various locations around the U.S. such as California, Washington, Michigan, Wyoming, Texas and recently moved to Keizer, Oregon. She grew up with a fascination for art of all types and spent many years using icing as her medium while she was a professional cake decorator and instructor.
Michelle holds an associate’s degree with an emphasis in painting and continues taking workshops to learn new ways to achieve different techniques and enhance her skills. She is a member of the Keizer Art Association, Watercolor Society of Oregon, Watercolor West, National Watercolor Society, and Artists in Action. Michelle has shown her paintings at galleries in Oregon, California, Texas and Wyoming.
Michelle is inspired by the world around her and all the colors in nature. She uses this inspiration to vibrantly achieve the scenes she paints. Using watercolor as her medium she is able to create views of florals, land and seascapes with a glowing effect. She loves the way paint and paper react; with contrasts in hard and soft edges, with dark and light value and color melting on the paper to create shapes and forms that lead the viewer to see the glorious color in this brilliant world around us.
Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Mar 7
GALLERY 444
At Gallery 444, located within Elsinore Framing at 444 Ferry St. SE. Info: 503-581-4642, elsinoregallery.com
March
Annual Art In Miniature Invitational Show
Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 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 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
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 April 5, 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!