Explore art & culture in Salem this November 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.
Through November 16
Gary Westford: Lifeline — Salem artist Gary Westford is a narrative painter and conceptual artist who explores environmental, social justice, and amendment rights issues in his work. In this body of work, the moon plays a significant role as a compositional and metaphorical component of the narratives that Gary constructs; social and/or political events unfold under harvest, silver, blue, and full moons.
The Artist's Eye: Selections from the Gary Westford Collection — "I used to tell my students to collect what you love. My collecting sensibility has a very wide sweep, because I have spent a lifetime looking at, thinking about, and loving art in its many forms. In addition, there is the notion I have that collecting art honors its cultural past, as well as the countless artists who [over the centuries] addressed the important issues of their time."
Through December 21
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.
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.
Opening Reception — 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct 10. Free but RSVP required. Click here to RSVP.
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
Through November
The gallery reopens with new owners (welcome Anna Davis and Eric J. Frey) and it's your opportunity to connect and re-connect with their represented artists.
Opening Reception — 5 to 8 p.m. Nov 1.
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
November 8 — December 22
This is Not a Tree | Kristin Kuhns — Kristin Kuhns is an artist whose work includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional mixed media, paintings, drawings, clay vessels, and sculptures.
Kuhns was raised in Salem, Oregon, the daughter of a forester dad and an intellectually curious domestic artist mom. After high school, she began her studio practice during the 1970s in Maui, Hawaii. She returned to Oregon in the 1980s, and received a BS degree in Art with a minor in Physical Science from Western Oregon University.
Now, after 40 years of working, exhibiting, and adjunct teaching at Willamette University, Chemeketa Community College and Western Oregon University as well as fifteen years at Valley Inquiry Charter School, she is focused on her studio practice at her home in West Salem.
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.
In the fall of 2020, local Afro-Pop recording artist, I$$A contacted me about creating artwork for his new song, “Pigments in My Skin.” I wanted to create something distinct and cohesive to show the unique diversity of the Black Diaspora. In the span of six months, I$$a and I invited local community members to come collaborate with us in this project, which celebrates the African Diaspora residing here in Portland.”
Opening Reception: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov 8. Welcome and artist introductions at 6 p.m.
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
Opening Night Reception — 5 to 8 p.m. Nov 1. Awards presentation at 6 p.m.
BUSH HOUSE MUSEUM
November 8 — 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.
Artist Statement: Jason Hill (born 1976) is an artist and educator currently living in Portland, Oregon. Born in the Midwest to a father in the military, he moved constantly with his family until settling down in Southern California. His relationship with photographic imagery began with his love of record album covers. He started working with a camera during adolescence and is largely self-trained. His practice today is focused on portraiture with an emphasis in the mechanics of light, vibrant color, emotion, and natural beauty.
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
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.
More Art On Exhibit —
Wading by Susan Appleby
November 1 — 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. Reception: 5 to 7 p.m. November 1