Northshore Magazine

Arts On The Move

Salem Arts Association Has a New Home.

by Dinah Cardin (April 2020)

When describing his playful multimedia art pieces, artist Paul Nathan says, “There’s a certain...happiness." A dynamic collage features a parade more suited for New Orleans passing in front of the Salem Custom House. “They are light and joyous, but not simple,” says Nathan. This could be a good description for Salem itself at times.

A story full of serendipity has been unfolding on Derby Street in Salem. It started when Nathan retired from his work as a lawyer a couple years ago and turned his law office (an 18th-century yellow clapboard building near the water) into the Paul Nathan Gallery and Museum, where he could sell his original artworks and greeting cards stamped with his work. But he wasn’t seeing enough foot traffic. Then one day, when Salem Arts Association president Jim Bostick wandered in. a friendly conversation sparked a historic moment for the arts in Salem. Fast-forward to April of this year and the SAA has a new 2,600-square-foot home across the street from the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and near landmarks like the House of the Seven Gables and Mercy Tavern.

In contrast with the Rockport Art Association, which began in 1921, Salem’s is the youngest on the North Shore, formed in 2007 by a group on Artists’ Row. The Salem Film Fest and Salem Jazz and Soul Festival were starting up at the same time. The SAA now has a membership of more than 300, representing artists living all over the North Shore.

The organization has been housed in several locations, the most recent being a former Universalist church on Bridge Street. “Our openings were incredibly well attended. It was a really good feeling. But after the opening, nothing” says the organization’s vice president and exhibition curator. Heather Stewart, who lives in Lynn and focuses on Realist paintings.

Stewart is thrilled to have a more permanent home with 11 galleries, space for classes and workshops, and even an artist-in- residence program.

“I consider this a story of growth,” says Bostick, who works as a photographer and designer. One common goal is to bring back the community “clubhouse" feel that existed on Artists’ Row, when musicians would just turn up on a Friday, says Bostick, the new location includes a patio filled with potential on Kosciusko Street. Sunlit galleries are named after a few of the 50 wharves where goods were offloaded from Salem ships traveling all over the world, A first-floor gallery is named in memory of active Salem artist Ellen Hardy, considered the driving force behind the association. Bostick credits Hardy with saying “The word arts has an s for a reason." Keeping this in mind, the association is looking into expanding their offerings, even turning their basement into a black box theatre. “Ellen is smiling down on us.” says Bostick of his friend, who died in 2017. “None of this would have happened without her.”

The SAA has gained traction with a busy calendar of events, like their annual show inspired by a chosen exhibition at PEM. In Oc­tober, there is a fitting Dark Arts exhibit And in the spring is the playful Salon des Refuses, a tradition that started last year, featuring works turned down by the Salem Arts Festival. Now, when an artist’s work is rejected, the city hands them a flyer for the Salem Arts show, says Bos­tick, adding that this opportunity is a tradition going back to the French Academy.

On April 3, the public can attend the first member showcase in the new location. “I feel really strongly about letting people show their work," says Stewart, who has acted as juror, curator, and critic for exhibitions at prominent galleries in the region.

Bostick is coming to the end of his three- year term as president and is happy to hand off the SAA stronger than he found it. Some of that is due to hard work and some to the magic of Salem. In the meantime, the building also houses a small gallery just for Paul Nathan's work. “I think it s a win-win all around," says Nathan. "I see this as an adventure. The more people you have, the more energy."

May 2023 - Vibrant Art Scene Blooms in Salem - Northshore Magazine

September 2021 - Destination Salem Podcast Featuring Salem Arts Association and Artoberfest - Northshore Radio 104.9

March 2021 - Salem Arts Association Welcomes New Director and Artist in Residence - Creative Northshore

September 2020 - Salem Arts Announces Two New Exhibits - Northshore Magazine

July 2020 - Salem Arts Grand Opening Member Showcase Salem Access Television (SATV)

May 2020 - Salem Arts Association Launches Virtual ExhibitNorthshore Magazine

May 2020 - Gallery, Never Opened Due to COVID, Launches Online - Salem News

April 2020 - Arts On The Move - Salem Arts Association Has a New Home - Northshore Magazine (download PDF)

February 2020 - Salem Arts Association Moves to Derby Street Neighborhood - Salem Gazette

November 2019 - Autumn Member Showcase - Salem Access Television (SATV)

October 2019 - Dark Arts Exhibit - Salem Access TV (SATV)

September 2019 - Picturing America and Dark Arts Exhibitions - Salem Access Television (SATV)

August 6 2019: Dan Breslin Solo Show - Salem Gazette

June 2019 - Salon Des Refuses Salem Access Television (SATV)

May 2019 - Roots Exhibit at Salem Old Town HallSalem Access Television (SATV)

April 2019 - Member Showcase Exhibition at Salem Old Town HallSalem Access Television (SATV)

March 2019 -  Young at Art, Ellen Hardy, Paula Beaulieu, and Scholarship Fundraiser ExhibitSalem Access Television (SATV)

December 2018 - Fall Member Showcase 2018 - Salem Access Television (SATV)

October, 2018 - Two Exhibits: Untold Stories and Dark Arts 10-5-18 - Salem Access Television (SATV)

August, 2018 - Land & Sea, Raymond Gilbert Solo Exhibit - Salem Access Television (SATV)

July, 2018 - Go Away Exhibit - Salem Access Television (SATV)

March 2018 - Inspiring The Arts - Salem Magazine (Download PDF)

January, 2018 - Salem Cultural Council 2018 Grant Recipients - Salem Cultural Council

December 28, 2017 - Reflecting on 2017 Events in SalemSalem Gazette

November 2017 - Salem Arts Association Member Showcase - Salem Access Television (SATV)

July 17, 2017 - Salem Arts Association: ReVision Opening Reception - Salem Access Television (SATV)

May 5, 2017 - ReVISION Exhibit Opening and Awards - Salem Gazette Video

March 9, 2017 - Salem Arts cuts ribbon on new digs - Wicked Local Salem

March 5, 2017 - Grand Opening Festivities on Salem Access Television - Salem Access Television (SATV)

February 22, 2017 - Salem Arts Announces New Move - Salem Gazette 

February 18, 2017 - "The Bridge at 211" Welcomes Salem Arts Association - Creative Salem



Have news! Members, email your news to: Publicity@SalemArts.org with the subject line "NEWS BLOG POST" if you want your event, show, or news posted in our "News" section. Additionally all posts also go to our Twitter page.

We encourage members to share posts from this news feed on Facebook and all your social networks. 


  • Thursday, December 24, 2015 8:09 AM | James Bostick (Administrator)

    Call for Creative Entrepreneurs for Salem’s Artists’ Row 2016

    Applications due by noon, February 12, 2016. Season runs May 19-November 1, 2016.

    Mayor Kimberley Driscoll is looking for creative entrepreneurs to participate in the twelfth season of Artists’ Row, a City of Salem Arts Space Initiative. Artists’ Row is located in historic downtown Salem at 24 New Derby Street, across from Old Town Hall and Derby Square. This area at the heart of the City was originally built as a market place and continues to this day to be an important public plaza and pedestrian way.

    Artists’ Row is a seasonal program (May 19 –November 1, 2016) that provides space for artisans interested in building their audience through daily engagement with residents and visitors to Salem. The variety of activities considered for Artists’ Row spaces are to include all types of uniquely produced or crafted products that have appeal to a wide audience. Possible categories are handcrafted products, artwork and artisanal food products. The City is particularly interested in activities that will contribute to a lively activated passage that serves as an entryway to one of the central public spaces in downtown Salem.

    PROGRAM GOALS

    •   To create a lively atmosphere and add to the diverse cultural offerings available for residents and tourists visiting historic downtown Salem.
    •   To give individuals or partnerships an opportunity to share their unique products and artisanal practices with the public in an engaged retail environment.
    •   To offer cultural enrichment to the public in the form of free workshops given by participants about the materials and practices of the unique products sold.

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    •   All creative entrepreneurs regardless of race, gender, belief, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical disabilities are eligible to apply.
    •   Participants of Artists’ Row will offer an interesting and diverse array of art and handcrafted products and use art to animate and engage community and neighborhood spaces.
    •   There are four (4) stalls available for licensing through this program:  Stall #1, #2, #4 and #5 (refer to attached map for stall locations and sizes).
    •   Monthly Rental Fee: Stall #1 - $200.00. Stall # 2 $175.00. Stall # 4 - $150.00. Stall #5 - $100.
    •   No commissions are charged and participants retain 100% of sales from their products.
    •   City staff will offer assistance in finding resources to support participants’ businesses including practical business skills and financial management.

    2016 ARTISTS’ ROW SEASON

    Open to the public May 19 –November 1, 2016.

    DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION

    By or before 12:00pm (noon) Friday, February 12, 2016. Hand deliver or mail completed applications to the Department of Planning & Community Development, Attn:  Deborah Greel, City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970. The application form must be completed in its entirety and is available at http://www.salem.com/artists-row.

    SITE VISIT

    A public site visit and informational meeting with program goals, expectations for operations and submission requirements, is scheduled for Saturday, January 9, 11am (or by appointment). Those interested in participating in the program should arrive at Artists’ Row (24 New Derby Street) at that time and date.

    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    Products:

    •   All work MUST be created by the individuals participating in the program and must be original handcrafted works or products. Mass produced or manufactured works are not acceptable (sales representatives and agents are not eligible).
    •   All prices for artwork or handcrafted products MUST be visible to the public. Participants are responsible for collecting sales tax.
    •   Selected participants are responsible for transporting all products, support material and equipment to and from the site, and for all installation, display and sales.

    License Agreement:

    •   Art stalls MUST be open to the public Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Hours: From noon to 6:00pm, Monday, Wednesday & Sunday. Noon-7pm, Thursday – Saturday. Participants are encouraged to stay open more than the required days and times.
    •   Selected participants will be required to sign a License Agreement with the City of Salem.
    •   Selected participants are required to provide a $500 security deposit for the use of one stall. The security deposit will be refunded at the end of the season if the stall is returned to the City in a reasonable condition and all program requirements are satisfied.
    •   Selected participants are responsible for securing his or her own Liability Insurance. The City of Salem is not responsible for damage to work caused by the elements, theft, or vandalism.
    •   Selected participants shall be responsible for payment of electricity, and if desired, phone and internet service.
    •   Selected participants MUST attend mandatory monthly meetings with the City’s Program Manager, which typically occur the first Thursday of each month at 10:00am at City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, 3rd floor conference room.
    •   At the end of the 2016 Season, participants are responsible for removal of all their work, equipment, furnishings and for cleaning art stall prior to final inspection by the City’s Program Manager. All participants MUST vacate stalls by November 9, 2016.

    Community Engagement/Programming:

    •   All participants MUST provide a minimum of twelve (12) FREE workshops, demonstrations, and/or performances to the public throughout the 2016 season.
    •   Participants are responsible for staffing, supplies, marketing and outreach for the programming. Collaborations with other participants to present workshops and performances that tie into Salem events are encouraged.
    •   Participants are encouraged to think of fruitful partnerships with local businesses, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations in order to achieve their community engagement goals; the City will support them in reaching out to potential partners. 
    •   Vending Program on the Row: The City invites juried artist/vendors for a fee to showcase and sell their work at designated days and areas on Artists’ Row. Products include fine art, including but not limited to photography, sculpture, digital prints and handcrafted products made by the exhibiting artist, artisan, crafter, and designer. 

    Signage/Marketing:

    •   Selected participants are responsible for the costs associated with the fabrication and installation of an exterior business sign. Exterior business signs can only be installed on the existing sign pole and the design and layout of the sign MUST be reviewed and approved by the City of Salem Redevelopment Authority and its Design Review Board, prior to fabrication and installation. 
    •   Selected participants will be encouraged to present a proposal to the Program Manager for temporary exterior enhancements to their stalls. These could include features such as seating for the public, plants and garden elements, decorative lights, unique displays related to the products being sold, or other components that contribute to a lively and appealing environment between New Derby and Front Streets throughout the season. (Features need approval by the City of Salem Redevelopment Authority and its Design Review Board.)
    •   To promote Artists’ Row businesses and workshops/performances, and events, examples of marketing materials may include but not limited to: posters, rack cards, social media, and press release to local media.
    •   Every Thursday from June 19 – October 20, 2016 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm vendors associated with the Salem Farmers’ Market set up in various exterior locations at Artists’ Row. It is anticipated that up to six (6) such vendors will be accommodated without interfering with artist’s dedicated outdoor vending space, during market days.

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    The final selection of Artists’ Row participants will be based on the following criteria:

    •   Quality of products and uniqueness of materials and/or methods.
    •   Appropriateness and scope of appeal for Artists’ Row setting and an audience of diverse ages and backgrounds.
    •   Variety of products among the four spaces within the City’s goal of selecting diverse representation of cultures, products, or styles.
    •   Quality of interactive workshops and/or performances for the general public.
    •   Potential of participants’ work to contribute to a lively atmosphere in a marketplace area and be a vibrant part of daily life in the City.
    •   Ability to work well with other participants in a group setting.

    SELECTION PROCESS

    The Public Art Commission will evaluate proposals and select participants for the 2016 Artists’ Row Season. Notification will be sent no later than February 23, 2016.

    TIMELINE:

    •          Saturday, January 9  – 11am           Site Visit
    •          Friday (noon), February 12             Submission Deadline
    •          Tuesday, February 23                       Notification to Applicants
    •          March/April                                     Stall Preparation & Signage Review
    •          Thursday, May 19                            Opening Day
    •          Tuesday, November 1                      Closing Day
    •          November 2-9                                    Clean & Vacate Stall

    SUBMISSION REQUIRMENTS/CHECKLIST

    Applicants MUST attach the following items to the Application, in order to be considered for the Program:

    •   Detailed description of work you are presenting/selling, the number of participants in your groups and the proposed name of your enterprise.
    •   Professional resumes of all participants
    •   Description of the free community workshops, demonstrations, and/or performances you plan to provide to the general public. Must provide a minimum of twelve (12) with appeal to all ages and backgrounds.
    •   Physical plans for the stall you are looking to occupy, including the equipment you would be bringing into the space and any proposed interior improvements.
    •   Ten Photographs or digital photographs of artisanal products or artwork to be sold from each participant of the stall. Each photo includes:
      •   Name of product
      •   Suggested Retail Prices and corresponding number from photo list.

    For information regarding the Artists’ Row Program, please contact Deborah Greel at the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development at 978-619-5681 or dgreel@salem.com or visit http://www.salem.com/artists-row.

    Read more: http://www.salem.com/node/31206


  • Sunday, December 20, 2015 11:46 AM | James Bostick (Administrator)

    SculptureNow is accepting proposals from established and emerging artists for its 19th consecutive, annual exhibition of large-scale, outdoor sculptures at The Mount, the historic museum/estate of Edith Wharton, in Lenox, MA. The show is scheduled to open on June 1 and close on October 31, 2016. 

    The postmark deadline is February 8, 2016

    Visit sculpturenow.org for more information 


    Existing and new sculptures may be submitted for consideration. Innovative and interactive works are encouraged

    Up to 30 sculptures may be selected. There is no application fee.

    The exhibition will include invited and juried sculptors. Invited artists in past exhibitions include William Carlson, Nancy Graves, Tim Prentice and George Rickey.

    Works should be suitable for long-term, outdoor exposure, fabricated and installed in a viewer-safe manner, and of an appropriate outdoor scale.  Sculptures which have been exhibited within a range of 50 miles from The Mount in the last 3 years, and sculptures that need refinishing may not be accepted. Sculptures which differ significantly from submitted images will need approval prior to installation.

    Artists who require installation assistance should detail their requirements when submitting a proposal. All sites are on grassy areas.

    SculptureNow and The Mount will provide installation/de-installation support, liability insurance and insurance for the sculptures. A reception, including an artists-guided tour, is scheduled for mid-June.

    Self-guiding maps of the exhibition will be available at The Mount, on the websites of SculptureNow and The Mount. 8,000 exhibition cards will be distributed throughout the Berkshires and beyond. Monthly, artists-guided tours will be scheduled.


    The Berkshire region of Western MA is well known for its rich cultural venues and beautiful nature, attracting visitors from New York, Boston and beyond.

    The Mount, in the heart of the Berkshires, is both a historic site and a center for culture, Open to the public from May through October, every day, it attracts more than 40,000 visitors annually, who enjoy the exquisite grounds, the gardens, the estate, and the great performances of music, theater, and literature.

    The SculptureNow exhibitions at The Mount have become a sculpture destination for collectors and visitors and have been favorably featured by Sculpture Magazine, NPR’s WAMC, the Boston Globe, Art New England, Berkshire Magazine, the Berkshire Eagle, MassLive and numerous other websites and publications.

    For additional information and application forms please visit

    www.sculpturenow.org  “IN THE WORKS”, or email annjon@bcn.net,

    or call 413 623 2068.


    For more information about The Mount, please visit www.edithwharton.org

    Prospectus and application forms are available for download here.

    http://sculpturenow.org/in-the-works/

    See information about The Mount sculpture show, the 2016 prospectus and 2016 application form here as a pdf or a Word doc.

  • Friday, December 18, 2015 10:30 AM | James Bostick (Administrator)

     CALL TO ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS – Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 

    Public Art Installation in Salem, Massachusetts, Summer 2016 

    $7,000 budget 

    Submission Deadline: February 12, 2016 

    The City of Salem seeks qualifications from artists and designers interested in creating a site-responsive public art installation in the heart of downtown Salem during the summer/fall of 2016. The public art project will be a prominent feature in the kick-off of the Salem Main Streets, Salem Arts Festival, an annual three-day celebration of all the arts that will begin June 4, 2016. Artists and designers working in any media, including light, are encouraged to submit qualifications. The City is particularly interested in installations that have an impact when viewed across the site and that are effective at night as well as during the day. 

    Salem is a growing, culturally diverse city with a rich literary, architectural, maritime, and immigrant history, including its role in the 17th century Salem Witch Trials. In the 19th century, it was one of the most important seaports in the country. Today it is lively destination that draws people from around the world. 

    The site for the public art project is the area surrounding Old Town Hall from Essex Street on the north side to New Derby Street on the south side. It includes a section of the Essex Street pedestrian mall, all of Derby Square, and Artists’ Row. Except for Front Street at the lower end, the site is a pedestrian-only zone. Retail shops, restaurants, businesses, and residences are located throughout the area. The architecture includes historic colonial buildings as well as newer structures. In addition, various landscape and hardscape features could be integrated with the public art project, such as bollards, steps, lamp posts, brickwork, and trees. Notable topography from the bottom of the plaza at Front Street to the top of the hill at Essex Street creates a dramatic space around Old Town Hall. 


    The City of Salem public art project is an opportunity to create a unique experience for the thousands of visitors and residents who enjoy downtown Salem in the summer and fall. In addition to the Salem Arts Festival, several other events, as well as a weekly farmers’ market on Derby Square Plaza, mark the season and draw crowds to the City. 

    From this RFQ, three to five finalists will be invited to submit concept proposals. Each finalist or finalist team will be paid a $150 stipend for proposals. One proposal will be selected for installation. The selection committee is particularly interested in artists or designers who show promise of creating a project that: 

    • Unifies the series of public spaces within the overall site 
    • Is durable and easily maintainable for four months in exterior conditions 
    • Responds to the physical, historical, and/or social attributes of the site 
    • Reflects high level of quality in design and fabrication 
    • Offers the potential for community interaction 


    The budget for the Salem Arts Festival public art project is $7,000.00, which must cover all costs. 


    Timeline: 

    • February 12, 2016 All electronic submissions due 
    • March 4, 2016 Finalists selected 
    • Late March 2016 Finalists present concept proposals in person 
    • April 1, 2016 Final selection announced 
    • April-May 2016 Final development of project 
    • End of May 2015 Installation 


    Please submit the following: 

    • Resume/Bio with contact information and website (if applicable) 
    • Statement of Interest (50 words or less) 
    • Example of work: 
    •  Title 
    •  Location 
    •  Ten Jpeg images of completed work 
    •  Material/Medium 
    •  Dimensions 
    •  Brief Description of the project 


    How to Submit: 

    Submissions should be emailed to Deborah Greel, Public Art Planner, City of Salem, dgreel@salem.com. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, please re-send or call Deborah at 978-619-5681. 

    For more information, please contact Deborah Greel: dgreel@salem.com 

    Visit www.salemartsfestival.com for more information about the Salem Arts Festival. 

  • Tuesday, December 01, 2015 7:38 AM | James Bostick (Administrator)

    Salem Arts Association Observes World AIDS Day today with this memorial to the profound loss of creative talent caused by the AIDS epidemic. Please stop at the gallery and reflect on our window display today.


    Declaration of loss...

    Today we stand together, Today we stand in silence.

    Today we mourn the loss of painters, photographers, dancers, printmakers, actors, filmmakers, singers, choreographers, poets, sculptors, authors, musicians, designers... all the artists who have died from AIDS.

    Today we collectively grieve the loss of future work from recognized artists, as well as the absence of countless artists yet to be.

    Today we declare our loss.December 1 is a day without art, an international day of observance which focuses attention on the profound impact AIDS has had on artists and the world’s art community.

    A day without art celebrates the lives of our colleagues and friends while mourning their loss in our creative communities.




  • Wednesday, November 18, 2015 3:15 PM | James Bostick (Administrator)

    Enjoy even more art by more of our artists as we bring in additional work just for these special days. Please join us!

    SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

    DECEMBER 5 & 6 and DECEMBER 12 & 13


    Music by James Eric Rogers on piano December 5th

    and accordian by Tom Persinos on December 12 th


    RSVP to our Facebook post 

    https://www.facebook.com/events/1646566312267098/


  • Wednesday, November 11, 2015 11:08 AM | James Bostick (Administrator)

    Create a piece of Arnold Arboretum history…enter our contest to design the 2016 Lilac Sunday t-shirt!

    The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University invites artists of all ages to submit their designs for Lilac Sunday 2016. Lilac-themed t-shirts have been a tradition at Lilac Sunday for many years, and continue to be a highly anticipated and popular memento of this event.

    Submission Guidelines:

    • Designs must be original artwork for the front of a t-shirt, suitable for men and women. Color of t-shirt to be determined by the Arboretum staff, but suggestions on color are welcome.
    • Designs must be 2- to 4-color for t-shirt screen printing (white is considered a color).
    • Competition is open to all ages.
    • Each artist may submit up to three designs.
    • Deadline for submissions is December 15, 2015.
    • Please submit a digital file of your design (.pdf, .eps, .ai, .jpg, .psd). Illustrator vector format is preferred. Winning artwork must be delivered as vector artwork or as high-resolution (600 epi) scan at the final print size.

    Winning Artwork

    Winning artwork becomes the property of the Arnold Arboretum. Colors and fonts may be altered at Arboretum discretion. Artwork may be used in other promotional materials for Lilac Sunday, possibly including but not limited to day-of-event signage and temporary tattoo. Submissions will be evaluated based on how well they reflect the spirit, history, and beauty of Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum. The competition will be judged by Arnold Arboretum staff. The winner will be announced in January 2016. The winner will receive ten t-shirts, a 1-year household membership to the Friends of the Arnold Arboretum, and have their name credited, if desired, on all promotional materials.

    Send us your designs!

    Send submissions (digital file only; see criteria above):


    Email: arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu

    Or mail: Lilac Sunday T-shirt Design Competition, Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130 

    Click Here for More Information



  • Tuesday, November 10, 2015 7:46 AM | Anonymous

    The Cloister Gallery at St. Andrew’s Church is featuring an exhibition of artwork by local artists Judy Beals, Janet Juel Cook and Patricia Dunbar.  The show will open with a reception on Sunday November 8th from 11:15am-12:30 p.m. and run through Thursday January 14th.  The Cloister Gallery at St. Andrew’s Church is located at 135 Lafayette St., Marblehead. The Gallery hours are M-Th 9am-4pm, F 9am-12pm, Sa 8:30-11:30am, Su 8am-12pm.  The Gallery is handicapped accessible.  For more information, please call 781-631-4951 or visit standrewsmhd.org/cloistergallery.html. 

    Judy Beals has adventured into watercolor, acrylic, encaustic, collage, print- making, and pastels.  Her subject matter focuses on the layers of our earth:  water, earth, and sky and the spirit and energy that connects them.  Janet Juel Cook draws her inspiration from her native North Shore area.  Painting in oils, she depicts familiar outdoor scenes of the ocean, beach, still life, landscapes, and children playing by the shore.  Patricia Dunbar is a life-long designer, with an interest in typography, drawing, photography, and painting.  Pat paints with transparent watercolor as she loves watercolor for the clear colors, the transparency, and the washes that can be built up to create interesting surfaces.

  • Tuesday, September 22, 2015 9:48 AM | James Bostick (Administrator)

    Flux public opening reception is Saturday, September 26, from 4-8 p.m.

    Music by B.J. O’Reilly

    Salem Arts Association’s 9th PEM Inspirational Show based on the Peabody Essex Museum’s Strandbeests 

    about: alteration, change, flow, fluctuation, fluidity, instability, modification, motion, mutability, course, draught, drift, ebb and flow, flood, progression, stream, tide, passsage, make fluid, melt, fuse...

    Trevor Smith, Curator of the Present Tense at the PEM for Strandbeests, will jury this special exhibit. 

    The exhibit is located at the Salem Arts Center, 179 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts.

    The exhibit will run September 17– October 17, 2015.

    For more info contact president@salemartsassociation.org.

    Salem Arts Association is a non-profit organization.

  • Tuesday, August 11, 2015 8:21 AM | Anonymous

    Please join us for our grand opening celebration at the Salem Arts Center, Thursday, September 10th from 4-8 pm at 179 Essex Street in Salem. There will be live music and refreshments.


  • Friday, August 07, 2015 11:40 AM | Anonymous

    The Salem Arts Association is currently in search of members (of at least one year) to fill officer positions for the Jan.-Dec., 2016 term.  If you are interested in serving S.A.A. in any of these roles or have any questions, please contact us before September 1st with the postition in which you are interested.  We are also looking to add to our Board of Directors. If anyone has any recommendations of a community leader who would help S.A.A. continue to grow and develop, please contact us also by Sept.1st.