This month in Salem’s galleries and exhibitions, peruse 1,500 original ceramic and wood dishes, listen to music and accompanying art or learn about Salem’s lost buildings.
Friday evening, Nov. 1, the Salem Art Walk will turn downtown into a hub of local art, live music and pop-up shows. Local businesses will participate with special events from 5-8 p.m.
Salem on the Edge, which closed on Sept. 28, will reopen under new ownership during the Salem Art Walk with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Here’s a roundup of November’s gallery and museum exhibitions.
“Empty Bowls” fundraiser
Over 1,500 unique handcrafted pottery and wooden bowls, dishes, planters, mugs and more will be on display — and for sale — in a fundraiser for Marion Polk Food Share and Willamette Art Center. The sale will be Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center’s Cascade Hall, 2330 17th Street N.E.
The event will also feature live demonstrations of wheel throwing, wood turning and wood carving.
Salem Art Association
600 Mission St. S.E.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
The shows opening on Nov. 8 will have a joint reception with artists from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
DIVERSITY OF THE BLACK DIASPORA – In My Skin
Nov. 8 – Dec. 22
“In My Skin,” an exhibit showing at the Salem Art Association this month, features portraits of Portland’s Black community with dynamic lighting and saturated color.
“This body of work titled In My Skin celebrates Black cultural identity, African ancestry, and the contemporary lived experience of the community,” artist Jason Hill said in a statement.
PORTRAITS AND SHORT FILMS – Favorite Things II
Nov. 8 – June 29
A portrait and short film series by Portland artist Jason Hill, “Favorite Things II,” asked artists to talk about their favorite item while in a studio.
“The results are an experiment with light and color to create magical portraits and filmed testimonials,” said an artist statement.
FORESTRY AND ART – This is Not a Tree
Nov. 8 – Dec. 23
West Salem artist Kristin Kuhns’ work “This is Not A Tree,” will show at the Salem Art Association this month.
Kuhns was raised in Salem, “the daughter of a forester dad and an intellectually curious domestic artist mom.” She began her studio work in Hawaii before moving back to Oregon, according to an artist statement. She’s now focusing on work in her home studio after 40 years of teaching.
Kuhns art features drawings, clay vessels and mixed media sculptures and paintings.
Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery/Artists in Action
444 Ferry St. S.E.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
LOCAL ARTISTS – Featured Artist Showcase
Nov. 1 – Nov. 29
Fifteen of Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery’s regularly featured artists will have a collective showcase this month. Their work includes ceramics, watercolor, wood turning, oil painting and more.
There will also be additional displays in the main gallery space.
Roy John Designer Goldsmith
315 Court Street N.E.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
BOLD PAINTINGS – In Birdland
Nov. 1 – Dec. 30
Salem artist Susan Appleby’s exhibit, In Birdland, is inspired by the beauty and songs of birds. She works in acrylic and mixed media, and her work will be showcased at Roy John Designer Goldsmith downtown this month.
There will be an opening reception during the Salem Art Walk on Friday, Nov. 1, from 5-7 p.m.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art – Willamette University
700 State St.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12 – 5 p.m.
Admission: $8 general, $5 for seniors. Free admission for children up to age 17, educators and students with ID and museum members. Free admission for all on Tuesdays. Passes available for checkout at the Salem Public Library.
NEW ART – Indie Folk
Through Dec. 21
“Indie Folk: New Art and Sounds from the Pacific Northwest” will showcase 17 artists from the region, who work in a variety of mediums, from handwoven baskets to abstract painting and sculpture. A playlist of indie folk music selected by Portland’s Mississippi Records shop will play throughout the exhibition.
LEGENDARY CERAMICS – Becoming Peter Voulkos
Through Dec. 21
The museum will showcase twelve ceramic works by artist Peter Voulkos, focusing on his early career in the 1950s. It was about that time that Voulkos became nationally recognized for his mastery of wheel-thrown stoneware, according to the museum.
“Voulkos played a pivotal role in breaking down the barriers between traditional craft and contemporary art and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art is thrilled to share these rarely-seen early works with the public,” said curator Jonathan Bucci.
THE ARTIST’S EYE – Selections from the Gary Westford Collection
Through Nov. 16
Two exhibitions featuring work by Gary Westford are on display this month.
The Salem artist explores concepts like the environment and social justice, often incorporating current and ongoing social issues. He began his long career as an arts educator at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, according to a gallery description.
One exhibition features selections from his collection. Another exhibition highlights eight paintings made over a six-year period, where the moon plays a key role in depicting the narrative.
Level 2 Gallery – Salem Convention Center
200 Commercial St. S.E.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., or for appointment call 503-589-1700
Admission: Free
UNCANNY IMAGES – Souvenirs of Imaginary Places
Through January
Salem photographer Randall Tosh uses antique techniques to recontextualize modern places to appear as if they’re from the 19th century.
Willamette Heritage Center
1313 Mill St. S.E.
Hours: Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors over 65, $6 students and children ages 6-17. Passes available for checkout at the Salem Public Library. Free admission for Oregon Trail/SNAP/EBT card holders.
LOST BUILDINGS – History in Rubble
Through Dec. 21
Learn about iconic Salem’s most iconic landmarks that no longer exist.
“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,” a museum description said.
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
