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New gallery at Salem Convention Center will showcase regional artists

One of the pieces in the exhibit of west Salem artist Kristin Kuhns on the second floor of the Salem Convention Center. (Courtesy/Oregon Artists Series Foundation)

New mixed-media art hangs on the walls on the second floor of the Salem Convention Center.

The gallery is a new addition to the center, part of an expansion with the Oregon Artists Series Foundation, which has helped get art installed inside and outside the center for 15 years.   

It opens with recent work by west Salem artist Kristin Kuhns titled “Woven Journals.” The exhibit has familiar elements from Minto Brown Island Park, where Kuhns and her family took regular walks during the pandemic.  

“The pieces weave contrasting images of comfort and disturbance, and written notes and thoughts are journaled within the woven patterns,” a news release about the exhibit said.

For more than two decades, Kuhns has used the concept of landscape in her work to address issues of land domestication and conservation. Her interest in landscape came from growing up in western Oregon and studying art and science at Sprague High School in the 1970’s, the release said.  

The second floor of the center will have a series of changing exhibits by established and emerging artists in the region.

Chrissie Bertsch, general manager of the center, said the center loves being able to showcase artists in the region.  

“The Oregon Artists Series Foundation has worked with the Convention Center to make art a valuable part of our visitor experience since we opened. The new Level 2 Gallery will be a wonderful addition to our facility moving forward,” she said in a statement.

The Gallery will be open to the public during Monday through Friday during regular business hours, during special events or by appointment by calling 503-589-1700. 

-Saphara Harrell