This month, Salem’s galleries will show creepy paintings inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, celebrate Indigenous art and host two special events bringing local artists to the forefront.
Friday evening, Oct. 4, 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 October’s gallery and museum exhibitions.
Salem Art Association
600 Mission St. S.E.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
The shows opening on Friday, Oct. 4, will have a joint reception with artists from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS ART – Indigenous Northwest
Through Oct. 27
An exhibition will share work from 16 Indigenous artists throughout the region. The work, curated by Steph Littlebird, includes both traditional and contemporary work. Littlebird is an enrolled member of Oregon’s Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.
“Indigenous Northwest celebrates the contributions of Native artists who carry ancestral knowledge and traditions forward while challenging viewers to expand their perceptions of what Indigenous art can be through various mediums and materials,” Littlebird said in a statement.
The work includes weaving, photography, beadwork, assemblage, performers and more. Littlebird will give a curator talk on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. RSVP online.
TRAVEL AND DISCOVERY – The Call to Adventure
Through Oct. 27
Samuel Hoskins’ paintings in “The Call to Adventure” explore travel and discovery, both out in the world and internally.
“This show is a call to adventure, an invitation to embrace the uncertainty and possibilities of the liminal space. It is a journey through the landscapes of the mind and soul, where every painting serves as a guidepost, urging us to let go of our fears and step into the unknown with hope and courage,” Hoskins said in a statement.
HUMAN CONNECTION – seen
Oct. 4-27
Portland-based artist Julio Aleman will show a body of work about being seen.
The work invites viewers to hold eye contact with strangers whose likeness Aleman has captured in colorful portraits.
“Queer people have been told time and time again that we cannot exist, we cannot love, and yet our need to connect and simply be acknowledged persists,” Aleman said in a statement.
CREEPY ART – Cosmic Horror and Other Nightmares
Oct. 4-27
Salem artist Jesús Santillanes grew up in the 1980s, reading comics and watching films like “The Thing” and “Alien.” He’s also influenced by H. P. Lovecraft’s “chilling tales of ancient, unknowable entities and the idea that we’re just tiny specks in a vast, indifferent universe,” he said in a statement.
Santillanes’ work using colored pencils, acrylics, and mixed media aims to unsettle visitors to the Salem Art Association this month.
“Each piece is a chance for me to explore how fear and discomfort can be captured visually and how these emotions can make powerful, thought-provoking art,” Santillanes said.
AUTHOR TALK – Dr. David Lewis
Oregon Indigenous historian and Oregon State University professor David G. Lewis will talk about his recent book “Tribal Histories of the Willamette Valley.” Lewis is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.
The talk will be at the Salem Art Association on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 6-7 p.m. RSVP for the free event here. Read Salem Reporter’s interview with Lewis about the book below:
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
POETRY AND ART – Paint the Town/Write the Town
Oct. 4-30
Artist in Action’s signature event invites artists of all skill levels and mediums to make art and poetry inspired by one of several locations in Salem. Many of the works involve “en plein air” creation, meaning they were painted out on location this summer.
There will be an opening reception on Oct. 4 from 5-8 p.m., with an awards ceremony at 6 p.m.
WATERCOLORS – Watercolor Society of Oregon Fall Show
Oct. 4-6
The Watercolor Society of Oregon has selected 80 paintings to show this season including abstracts, wildlife, landscapes and more. There will be a public reception on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 3-6 p.m. with artists joining. Reception attendees will vote for a people’s choice award.
The gallery will have extended opening hours for the show on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 12-4 p.m.
Westminster Festival of Fine Art
Oct. 10-13
3737 Liberty Rd. S
Admission: Free
Westminster Presbyterian Church is featuring over 70 artists’ work in fine art, jewelry, woodworking, weaving, pottery and glass.
There will be an opening reception from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There will be a panel discussion with artists at 9 a.m. Saturday.
On Sunday, the gallery will be open between 9 a.m. and noon.
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
1313 Mill St. S.E.
Hours: Tuesday-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.
Willamette Heritage Center
1313 Mill St. S.E.
Hours: Tuesday-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.
October events
Here’s a roundup of what else is happening in Salem this month.
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.
