Calendar

Welcome to AVA’s monthly calendar of events. Take a peek and plan your stay-cation or your next visit to our region. The city’s most notable annual events include historic home tours, outdoor summer concerts and movies under the stars, and the Northwest Art and Air Festival.

*Note for event organizers: If you’d like to have your event listed on the AVA calendar, head over to our contact page and submit your event to us.

Mar
19
Tue
“Singular Visions” exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Mar 19 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
"Singular Visions" exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art | Salem | Oregon | United States

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art’s guided Tuesday Gallery Talks explore the exhibition at 12:30 p.m. on March 5, 12, and on April 2, 9 and 16, and are free and open to the public. A special Tuesday Gallery Talk will be held on March 19 at 12:30 p.m. with exhibition curator Jonathan Bucci.

“Singular Visions probes the dissolving cultural divisions in contemporary art, specifically the historic separation of self-taught and formally educated artists,” says exhibition curator Jonathan Bucci. “It showcases the distinct artistic voices of self-taught artists—artists who are driven to communicate through the creative impulse that is at the core of our humanity.”

The exhibition includes the work of 29 artists, each offering a unique lens into how they see the world, from personal life experiences to the communities in which they work and live. Alongside artists well-known in the contemporary art world such as James Castle, Louisiana Bendolph and James Lavadour, are works by lesser-known artists like Gregory Blackstock, Russell Childers, Burlon Craig and Royal Robertson.

“Singular Visions” also highlights the recent museum acquisitions created by contemporary artists working with Living Studios, a studio program for neurodivergent artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Living Studios is based in Corvallis and the museum is pleased to highlight and raise awareness of their newest studio in downtown Salem.

Living Studios director Bruce Burris says, “We believe the defining mark of a human being, that phenomenon which provides both purpose and pleasure, is our inherent human need to contribute to our community in a meaningful way. Artists working with Living Studios are encouraged to contribute to their community through their own inspired efforts.”

Living Studios artists featured in the exhibition include Kris Askew, Laura Bruyere, Matt Conklin, Patrick Hackleman, Ben Kelly, Greg Persons, Amy Turner, and Bonnie Wald, Linda Bach and Ruth Van Order. In addition, a collaborative artwork created by Living Studio artists titled “Walker, after Judith Scott” is on view in the museum lobby.

Complimentary collaborative events with HFMA and Living Studios

On Wednesday, February 28 and Saturday, March 2, from 1 to 3 p.m., visitors can join in the all-abilities art-making workshop, or just drop in with Jill R Baker, artist-in-residence at Living Studios and art faculty at Linn-Benton Community College, and Salem-based artist, Paul Meuse. Reservations are not required. For additional information, please contact Burris at bburris@cornerstoneassoc.org.

On Wednesday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m., Burris will discuss his own work and his work with neurodivergent artists at the Paulus Lecture Hall at the Willamette University College of Law at 245 Winter St. As part of the evening, attendees are invited to join in a participatory performance by Living Studios artist Pierre Pyke entitled “Unfold Your Book, Hold Each Page.”

Apr
2
Tue
“Singular Visions” exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Apr 2 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
"Singular Visions" exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art | Salem | Oregon | United States

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art’s guided Tuesday Gallery Talks explore the exhibition at 12:30 p.m. on March 5, 12, and on April 2, 9 and 16, and are free and open to the public. A special Tuesday Gallery Talk will be held on March 19 at 12:30 p.m. with exhibition curator Jonathan Bucci.

“Singular Visions probes the dissolving cultural divisions in contemporary art, specifically the historic separation of self-taught and formally educated artists,” says exhibition curator Jonathan Bucci. “It showcases the distinct artistic voices of self-taught artists—artists who are driven to communicate through the creative impulse that is at the core of our humanity.”

The exhibition includes the work of 29 artists, each offering a unique lens into how they see the world, from personal life experiences to the communities in which they work and live. Alongside artists well-known in the contemporary art world such as James Castle, Louisiana Bendolph and James Lavadour, are works by lesser-known artists like Gregory Blackstock, Russell Childers, Burlon Craig and Royal Robertson.

“Singular Visions” also highlights the recent museum acquisitions created by contemporary artists working with Living Studios, a studio program for neurodivergent artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Living Studios is based in Corvallis and the museum is pleased to highlight and raise awareness of their newest studio in downtown Salem.

Living Studios director Bruce Burris says, “We believe the defining mark of a human being, that phenomenon which provides both purpose and pleasure, is our inherent human need to contribute to our community in a meaningful way. Artists working with Living Studios are encouraged to contribute to their community through their own inspired efforts.”

Living Studios artists featured in the exhibition include Kris Askew, Laura Bruyere, Matt Conklin, Patrick Hackleman, Ben Kelly, Greg Persons, Amy Turner, and Bonnie Wald, Linda Bach and Ruth Van Order. In addition, a collaborative artwork created by Living Studio artists titled “Walker, after Judith Scott” is on view in the museum lobby.

Complimentary collaborative events with HFMA and Living Studios

On Wednesday, February 28 and Saturday, March 2, from 1 to 3 p.m., visitors can join in the all-abilities art-making workshop, or just drop in with Jill R Baker, artist-in-residence at Living Studios and art faculty at Linn-Benton Community College, and Salem-based artist, Paul Meuse. Reservations are not required. For additional information, please contact Burris at bburris@cornerstoneassoc.org.

On Wednesday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m., Burris will discuss his own work and his work with neurodivergent artists at the Paulus Lecture Hall at the Willamette University College of Law at 245 Winter St. As part of the evening, attendees are invited to join in a participatory performance by Living Studios artist Pierre Pyke entitled “Unfold Your Book, Hold Each Page.”

Apr
5
Fri
First Friday & Artist Reception- Featuring The Commissioners’ Show! @ Albany City Hall
Apr 5 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
First Friday & Artist Reception- Featuring The Commissioners' Show! @ Albany City Hall | Albany | Oregon | United States

The Albany Arts Commission (AAC) will participate in Albany’s First Friday event in April with its first-ever commission members show.

On First Friday, April 5, 2024, members of the AAC will host a reception at City Hall from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

This event is free and open to the public. Come meet your AAC active artist members, enjoy refreshments, view the variety of their work, and learn more about AAC’s mission and goals to support the arts in our community.

The AAC has raised public funds to support ongoing artist receptions for First Friday downtown for the rest of 2024.

Gallery Calapooia First Friday & Artist Reception April 5, 2024 @ Gallery Calapooia
Apr 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Every First Friday, you can meet the artists whose artwork will be displayed this month at Gallery Calapooia at their Artist Reception.

April featured artists: Koka Filipovic and Bill Thompson

Apr
9
Tue
“Singular Visions” exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Apr 9 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
"Singular Visions" exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art | Salem | Oregon | United States

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art’s guided Tuesday Gallery Talks explore the exhibition at 12:30 p.m. on March 5, 12, and on April 2, 9 and 16, and are free and open to the public. A special Tuesday Gallery Talk will be held on March 19 at 12:30 p.m. with exhibition curator Jonathan Bucci.

“Singular Visions probes the dissolving cultural divisions in contemporary art, specifically the historic separation of self-taught and formally educated artists,” says exhibition curator Jonathan Bucci. “It showcases the distinct artistic voices of self-taught artists—artists who are driven to communicate through the creative impulse that is at the core of our humanity.”

The exhibition includes the work of 29 artists, each offering a unique lens into how they see the world, from personal life experiences to the communities in which they work and live. Alongside artists well-known in the contemporary art world such as James Castle, Louisiana Bendolph and James Lavadour, are works by lesser-known artists like Gregory Blackstock, Russell Childers, Burlon Craig and Royal Robertson.

“Singular Visions” also highlights the recent museum acquisitions created by contemporary artists working with Living Studios, a studio program for neurodivergent artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Living Studios is based in Corvallis and the museum is pleased to highlight and raise awareness of their newest studio in downtown Salem.

Living Studios director Bruce Burris says, “We believe the defining mark of a human being, that phenomenon which provides both purpose and pleasure, is our inherent human need to contribute to our community in a meaningful way. Artists working with Living Studios are encouraged to contribute to their community through their own inspired efforts.”

Living Studios artists featured in the exhibition include Kris Askew, Laura Bruyere, Matt Conklin, Patrick Hackleman, Ben Kelly, Greg Persons, Amy Turner, and Bonnie Wald, Linda Bach and Ruth Van Order. In addition, a collaborative artwork created by Living Studio artists titled “Walker, after Judith Scott” is on view in the museum lobby.

Complimentary collaborative events with HFMA and Living Studios

On Wednesday, February 28 and Saturday, March 2, from 1 to 3 p.m., visitors can join in the all-abilities art-making workshop, or just drop in with Jill R Baker, artist-in-residence at Living Studios and art faculty at Linn-Benton Community College, and Salem-based artist, Paul Meuse. Reservations are not required. For additional information, please contact Burris at bburris@cornerstoneassoc.org.

On Wednesday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m., Burris will discuss his own work and his work with neurodivergent artists at the Paulus Lecture Hall at the Willamette University College of Law at 245 Winter St. As part of the evening, attendees are invited to join in a participatory performance by Living Studios artist Pierre Pyke entitled “Unfold Your Book, Hold Each Page.”

Apr
16
Tue
“Singular Visions” exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Apr 16 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
"Singular Visions" exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art | Salem | Oregon | United States

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art’s guided Tuesday Gallery Talks explore the exhibition at 12:30 p.m. on March 5, 12, and on April 2, 9 and 16, and are free and open to the public. A special Tuesday Gallery Talk will be held on March 19 at 12:30 p.m. with exhibition curator Jonathan Bucci.

“Singular Visions probes the dissolving cultural divisions in contemporary art, specifically the historic separation of self-taught and formally educated artists,” says exhibition curator Jonathan Bucci. “It showcases the distinct artistic voices of self-taught artists—artists who are driven to communicate through the creative impulse that is at the core of our humanity.”

The exhibition includes the work of 29 artists, each offering a unique lens into how they see the world, from personal life experiences to the communities in which they work and live. Alongside artists well-known in the contemporary art world such as James Castle, Louisiana Bendolph and James Lavadour, are works by lesser-known artists like Gregory Blackstock, Russell Childers, Burlon Craig and Royal Robertson.

“Singular Visions” also highlights the recent museum acquisitions created by contemporary artists working with Living Studios, a studio program for neurodivergent artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Living Studios is based in Corvallis and the museum is pleased to highlight and raise awareness of their newest studio in downtown Salem.

Living Studios director Bruce Burris says, “We believe the defining mark of a human being, that phenomenon which provides both purpose and pleasure, is our inherent human need to contribute to our community in a meaningful way. Artists working with Living Studios are encouraged to contribute to their community through their own inspired efforts.”

Living Studios artists featured in the exhibition include Kris Askew, Laura Bruyere, Matt Conklin, Patrick Hackleman, Ben Kelly, Greg Persons, Amy Turner, and Bonnie Wald, Linda Bach and Ruth Van Order. In addition, a collaborative artwork created by Living Studio artists titled “Walker, after Judith Scott” is on view in the museum lobby.

Complimentary collaborative events with HFMA and Living Studios

On Wednesday, February 28 and Saturday, March 2, from 1 to 3 p.m., visitors can join in the all-abilities art-making workshop, or just drop in with Jill R Baker, artist-in-residence at Living Studios and art faculty at Linn-Benton Community College, and Salem-based artist, Paul Meuse. Reservations are not required. For additional information, please contact Burris at bburris@cornerstoneassoc.org.

On Wednesday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m., Burris will discuss his own work and his work with neurodivergent artists at the Paulus Lecture Hall at the Willamette University College of Law at 245 Winter St. As part of the evening, attendees are invited to join in a participatory performance by Living Studios artist Pierre Pyke entitled “Unfold Your Book, Hold Each Page.”

Apr
20
Sat
Dam Right Drag Night Presents Earthly Delightz 2! @ Calapooia Brewing
Apr 20 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Dam Right Drag Night Presents Earthly Delightz 2! @ Calapooia Brewing | Albany | Oregon | United States

Dam Right Drag Night – April 20,  2024  at Calapooia Brewing

Queer drag + variety show for the babez!

Featuring drag and performing art talent from throughout the Willamette Valley.
Bring your dolla billz! Make it rain on these queens!

This is a 21+ event. $10 cash cover at the door.
Doors open at 7:30
Show Starts at 8:30

May
3
Fri
First Friday Artist Reception at City Hall in Albany @ Albany City Hall
May 3 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
First Friday Artist Reception at City Hall in Albany @ Albany City Hall | Albany | Oregon | United States

Join the Albany Arts Commission (AAC) as they participate in Historic Downtown Albany’s First Friday event, May 3, 2024.

They will host a community art show featuring works by over 20 artists for the entire month of May.

Members of the AAC will host a First Friday reception for the Community Show artists at the Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin St SW, on Friday May 3rd from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

This event is free and open to the public. Come meet your AAC active artist members, enjoy refreshments, view the variety of their work, and learn more about AAC’s mission and goals to support the arts in our community.

The AAC has raised public funds to support ongoing artist receptions for First Friday downtown for the rest of 2024.

Gallery Calapooia First Friday & Artist Reception @ Gallery Calapooia
May 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Every First Friday, you can meet the artists whose artwork will be displayed this month at Gallery Calapooia at their Artist Reception. Refreshments will be served.

May feature artists: Bill Marshall and Linda Herd

May
5
Sun
Cinco de Mayo Pottery Sale! @ Calapooia Clay Pottery Studio
May 5 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cinco de Mayo Pottery Sale! @ Calapooia Clay Pottery Studio | Albany | Oregon | United States

Visit the Calapooia Clay Pottery Studio for a fabulous Cinco de Mayo sale event!
There will be a variety of pottery for sale by several artists who work in the studio, including work by the owner, Ed Sweet.  There will be functional ware for sale like mugs, bowls, plates, vases, etc. Plus there will be decorative work and art pieces for sale.
During the sale a couple pottery wheels will be available for customers to try their hand at throwing a pot. Who knows, you just might be a potter and you didn’t know it!