Downtown is a place where you can see a play, watch a movie, or listen to live music. It's a place where you can take cooking classes, visit art galleries, or find activities for kids of all ages. Go downtown to discover what's happening.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Curated exhibits and extensive collection of contemporary art from the Pacific NW.
700 State Street
10am-5pm, Tues-Sat.
1-5pm on Sunday
$3 Admission
Free Every Tuesday
Ph: (503) 370-6855
Take an Art Walk in Downtown Salem
An excellent starting point is the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery at 335 State Street. Every month, a new show features regional artists in solo or group shows. It's also a great source for what else is happening art-related in downtown. http://www.zeekgallery.com.
Next, go to the Salem Conference Center (1 block south of State Street, between Liberty and Commercial) for the Oregon Artists Series 5 exhibit. This exhibit features works by contemporary Oregon artists. All artwork is on loan from Hallie Ford Museum of Art, The City of Salem or private collections. Large paintings hang in the public gallery area with sculptures displayed in the outdoor plaza area. Artworks by Harry Widman, James Hansen, Lucinda Parker and Kristin Kuhns, amongst others are featured in this outstanding exhibit; which is free and open to the public during regular business hours of the Conference Center. The outdoor plaza is always open. Wander upstairs and two additional photography exhibits await.
A couple of blocks east of the Salem Conference Center, you'll find the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, which is part of Willamette University. With its permanent collection and rotating shows on exhibit, it's worth a few hours if you have the time. If not, go in for a quick visit -- you'll discover something that will catch your eye. There is an admission fee, but every Tuesday it's free.
Head back downtown to Liberty Street and you'll find the Roger Yost Gallery, Rountree Gallery and Pheromone Gallery. The Roger Yost Gallery is Downtown’s newest art gallery, occupying the ground floor and mezzanine level of the historic Capitol Tower (388 State St., at corner of State & Liberty). Rountree Gallery (120 Liberty St. NE) features local artists in a casual and informative exhibit setting. Pheromone Gallery (255 Liberty St. NE) exhibits the work of Christopher Marley. His one-of-a-kind work features Insects, butterflies, sea-creatures and fossils; each beautifully arranged and presented. Marley's art can be bought around the world, but his only gallery is here in Salem. Stop by and take a look, you won't want to leave empty handed.
Other shops downtown offer micro-galleries showing original works by local and regional artists. Visit Brown's Towne Lounge, Roy John Designer Goldsmith, Elsinore Framing & Fine Art, Grand Vines Bistro & Wines, and Venti's Cafe amongst others to see what's happening locally on the wall.