Explore art & culture in Salem this September 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 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.
September 27 to 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.
EVENTS
John Olbrantz, The Maribeth Collins Director of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, will talk with collectors Kerry and Betty Davis about the history and development of their collection, 5 p.m. Saturday, September 27 in the Paulus Lecture Hall in the Willamette University College of Law.
The Davises will lead a personalized walking tour of the exhibition, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 30 at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.
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
Artwork by Allison Hmura
We Dance In Color by Allison Hmura
We Dance In Color by Allison Hmura
Through Sept 28
Summer Break Out: Emerging Artists Annabella Ramey, Minna Zhou, Alexandra Hitchens, and Allison Hmura are taking over the gallery. Shining a spotlight on the brand new voices in the local art community. Art students work hard to master their craft and discover their own artistic voice, and now these talented emerging artists are stepping into their creative power. These recent art school grads not only have unique artistic visions, but also a deep involvement in the local art scene. They caught our eye not only for their unique artistic visions, but also for their deep involvement in the local art scene and their commitment to being the next generation of artists who make creative life happen in our community. Each piece in this show feels like a glimpse into the next wave of Salem’s art scene.
Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 5
Through Sept 30
Glimmers: Finding Joy in the Midst of It All — A glimmer is a small, fleeting spark of joy that makes you stop, breathe, and feel just a little lighter. A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. Past and present SOTE artists find their glimmers, little moments that have lit them up recently, and share them in a special photography show in the gallery, so you can share in those moments of joy, too.
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
September
Artist in Residence | Dayna Collins will be working with paint on the theme of Fearless Faces. The name comes from the fact that Dayna had no formal art training and lacked confidence in painting faces. Fortunately, her curiosity was stronger than her perceived lack of talent and what emerged was a series of crazy, colorful faces that still make one smile.
There will be an exhibition opening and artist talk 2 p.m. Sat, Oct 4
September 5 to 28, 2025
Art Fair Memories features photographs from past Art Fairs between 1949 and 1999
September 5 to October 10, 2025
Tell ____ ‘hi’ from me showcases the work of 27 self-taught, neurodivergent artists who live and create in Oregon.
September 5 to October 26, 2025
Of the Land, On the Land | The House-Poulsen Collection spotlights a group of eight Oregon artists whose work reflects a reverence for nature and explores the complex relationship between human-made constructions and natural forms.
Emotional Spaces & Places | Nancy Eng is a show about colors, patterns, shapes, intriguing landscapes, and botanical nature.
Reception: A reception for the above four shows will take place: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sep 5
EVENTS
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
Artwork by Eileen Downes
Eileen Downes - Maui Charmer
Eileen Downes - Maui Charmer
September 5 to 30
Tropical Treasures: A Journey Through Collage and Color by Eileen Downes — Eileen Downes transforms everyday printed paper into radiant visions of the tropics. Color, texture, and emotion come alive through intricately torn fragments of magazines, maps, packaging, and printed ephemera. More than a visual escape, this exhibition is a masterclass in the art of storytelling through collage. From lush botanical vistas to tranquil oceanic dreams, each work invites close inspection—revealing unexpected phrases, hidden meanings, and a richness that grows with every glance. These lush collages radiate warmth, memory, and a deep reverence for the natural world. Viewers are encouraged to look closely, not just at the image as a whole, but at the layers that form it: a snippet of a headline, a scrap of a travel guide, a shadow of vintage type. These details are not accidental; they are integral to the emotional resonance of each piece. Tropical Treasures isn’t just about place—it’s about memory, beauty, and the subtle magic that lives in the details.
Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept 5
ARTISTS IN ACTION (AiA) GALLERY & GALLERY 444
An artist co-operative featuring 22 artists that share a space with Elsinore Framing's Gallery 444 at 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
September 5 to 27, 2025
This month’s featured showcases acrylic paintings by John McFadden and Olga Walmisley-Santiago. John captures the emotion of everyday people through expressive portraits drawn from fleeting moments, while Olga creates vibrant impressionistic works inspired by landscapes, flora, and fauna. Together, their art celebrates human stories and the beauty of the natural world.
Acrylic by John McFadden
Terence Thompson-An Honorable Man. Acrylic by John McFadden
Painter John McFadden captures the beauty of everyday life through portraits inspired by fleeting moments. Working from photographs as starting points, he reimagines each scene with adjusted colors, shifted elements, and emotional resonance. Rather than reproducing images precisely, he paints his feeling of the moment, creating works that invite viewers to find their own meaning in the stories of ordinary people.
Acrylic by Olga Walmisley-Santiago
Summer’s End. Acrylic by Olga Walmisley-Santiago
Inspired by landscapes, flora, and fauna, painter Olga Walmisley-Santiago creates vibrant, impressionistic works that reflect her international background and love of nature. Using layered acrylics, collage, and touches of metallic paint, she captures fleeting moments of beauty with uplifting themes. Her paintings, rooted in Oregon’s scenery yet shaped by travels abroad, invite viewers into colorful worlds of joy, wonder, and serenity.
Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 5
GALLERY 444
Monthly exhibits located within Elsinore Framing at 444 Ferry St. SE | 503-581-4642, elsinoregallery.com
September 5 to 27
In Vino Veritas (in wine, there is truth) features wine and vineyard-themed art.
Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Sept 5
BUSH HOUSE MUSEUM
Through October 30, 2025
Black Archive | Nikesha Breeze — International artist Nikesha Breeze brings a powerful double feature to the Waldo Bogle Gallery. Working across painting, sculpture, installation, performance, and film, Nikesha creates immersive works rooted in the African diaspora, Afro-Futurism, and ancestral memory. Her art explores grief, sanctuary, power, and erasure while reviving stories long overlooked. With work held in major collections and shown worldwide, her practice bridges history and imagination through layered, transformative storytelling.
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 — Recognized as the first female acting governor in the United States, Caralyn B. Shelton served as Oregon’s Governor during the transition between the terms of George E. Chamberlain and Frank W. Benson in 1909 – 3 years before Oregon women were granted the right to vote!
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.
In addition to telling this remarkable story, this exhibit will be the first time artifacts from the Caralyn B. Shelton Collection at the Willamette Heritage Center will be on display.
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 Sept 12
World Beat Gallery presents "Rooted in Color," an exhibition of photography by Alex Buron celebrating the indigenous culture of Oaxaca, Mexico.