This month, Salem’s galleries will host a new fair celebrating paper arts, teach local Black agricultural history and showcase detailed colored pencil works.

Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, April 3, the Salem Art Walk will bring artists and musicians to local businesses downtown.

See what else is happening in the community this month on our events calendar.

New art, First Impressions art fair

April at Salem on the Edge

A new series from Salem painter Monte Sheltron will be on display throughout April, along with ceramics by Heather Skinner and Kevin Herzberg of the Clay & Kiln Collective.

On Saturday, April 18, Salem on the Edge will be hosting its inaugural Salem Paper Arts Fair at the Grand Ballroom & Lodge, 187 High St. N.E. The theme is “First Impressions.” There will be over 40 vendors, author readings, kids activities and a zine making station. The art fair goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“This was the working title of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and for us, it symbolizes the enduring romance of works on paper: handwritten letters, printmaking, collage, and the joy of holding a book in your hands, as well our our commitment to making an amazing First Impression on Salem,” the gallery said in a January newsletter. 

There will be a ticketed costume Booklover’s Ball afterward, from 7-11 p.m. It will feature live music, an open bar and art vendors. Tickets are $45.

Learn more and purchase tickets to the ball on the gallery’s website.

One Year in Downtown Salem

At Stefani Art Gallery from April 1-30

To celebrate its first anniversary, the Stefani Art Gallery will be sharing work from artists who helped establish the downtown space as a place to discover and reflect on art. 

“Across painting, photography, and mixed media, each work reflects a shared commitment to craft, discipline, and thoughtful expression,” said a gallery description. 

There will be an opening reception on Friday, April 3, from 5-8 p.m.

Learn more, and see what else is showing this month, on the gallery’s website.

Address: 305 Court St. N.E.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Joy and Sovereignty: Black food and agriculture

At the World Beat Gallery through April 17

An exhibit sharing the work of Black farmers in the U.S. and the legacy of Black Joy Farms in Keizer will be on display at the World Beat Gallery.

“Black Joy Oregon is part of a long continuum of Black people reclaiming land, food, and community. In this exhibit you will see how early Black farmers shaped farming and cuisine, beginning with roots in Africa and the southern United States, to the present day,” said an exhibit description on the gallery’s website.

Address: 390 Liberty St. S.E.

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Colored Pencil Show

At the Keizer Art Association from April 2 through April 28

The Keizer Art Association’s annual colored pencil show returns, showcasing work from local artists. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, April 4, from 2-4 p.m. 

“Every year just gets better than the last! The artists are marvelously talented. Some of their artwork looks like photographs they are so realistic,” said organizer Debbie Napier in a statement.

Learn more on the art association’s website.

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

Young Artists’ Showcase

At the Salem Art Association through April 26

The 17th annual Young Artists’ Showcase will display hundreds of pieces from K-12 students, teachers and parents in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. It includes work by individual students and projects from entire classrooms.

The third annual art teacher’s showcase, “after hours” will feature work from local art educators. 

See what else is showing at the Salem Art Association this month here.

Address: 600 Mission St. S.E.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Admission: Free

Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.

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