This month, local galleries and museums give visitors a chance to step back in time on a historic farmstead, enjoy vibrant red paintings by local artists and explore Oregon’s forests.
Friday evening, Dec. 6, 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.
Here’s a roundup of December’s gallery and museum exhibitions.
Brunk Farmstead Open Houses
The historic Brunk Farmstead will open for two weekends of Christmas tours. The open houses come after a year of major work by volunteers to revitalize the beloved West Salem property, built in 1861. The Christmas tours include Wassail, gingersnap cookies and other snacks for visitors.
The open houses will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14. Tickets are $5 for general admission, $4 for seniors, $1 for students and free for members and children under 5. The farmstead is located at 5705 Highway 22.
Salem Art Association
600 Mission St. S.E.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
HOLIDAY GIFTS – Small Wonders and Holiday Show
Through Dec. 22
Original and petite pastels, collages, paintings and photography are on display at the Salem Art Association’s “Small Wonders” show. The pieces, all under 12” x 12,” are for sale ahead of the holiday gift-giving season.
The association’s annual gift-themed exhibition offers the work of over 50 artists. Among the items for sale are ornaments, jewelry, textiles and greeting cards.
OUTDOOR CLAY – Doug Dacar
This month’s artist in residence, Doug Dacar, will work with wet clay and paints in Bush’s Pasture Park.
“I will be taking clay out into the park and making some impressions from nature to see what develops when other materials are used for making prints. Whenever I’m creating, process and discoveries are as important as the created piece,” Dacar’s artist statement said.
There will be an open studio event on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1-4 p.m. where Dacar will answer questions about his process.
DIVERSITY OF THE BLACK DIASPORA – In My Skin
Through 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
Through 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
Through 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
BOLD COLOR – “Something Red”
Dec. 6 – Dec. 31.
The annual “Something Red” show asks artists to work with red as a focal point or major color. Over 80 original pieces by 37 local artists are on display this year.
The show features work by members of the Salem nonprofit Artists in Action, along with non-member entries.
There will be a free opening reception and awards presentation on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m. with live music by My Mother’s Daughter.
Keizer Art Association
Keizer Cultural Center, 980 Chemawa Road, Keizer
Hours: Tuesday 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
ALL-AGES SHOWCASE – The December Art Showcase
Dec. 5 – Dec. 31
A showcase featuring artists of all ages, in all mediums, will be on display at the Keizer Art Association this month. The work covers all subjects. There will be a special art showcase for children ages 4 to 14.
There will be a reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2-4 p.m.
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
Through 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.
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.
OREGON FORESTS – Nancy Floyd: For the Love of Trees
Dec. 7 – June 21
An exhibition opening at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art this month features recent work by Bend-based photographer and author Nancy Floyd.
The exhibit, “For the Love of Trees,” is a multi-year project exploring the bond between Oregonians and the forest, “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,” according to a description.
Floyd was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2022 for the work, which brought her alongside forestry workers, into mills and on tree-planting trips.
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 media, 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.
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: 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.
Other events
For community events, concerts and more see our December events calendar below.
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.
