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.

Jan
10
Wed
History Bites: The Miracle on First Avenue, the story of the Albany Carousel @ Albany Regional Museum
Jan 10 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
History Bites: The Miracle on First Avenue, the story of the Albany Carousel @ Albany Regional Museum | Albany | Oregon | United States

History Bites: The Miracle on First Avenue, the story of the Albany Carousel
Coming up on Wednesday, January 10th at noon.

The Albany Regional Museum will host the founder of the Albany Carousel and co-author of “The Miracle on First Avenue” Wendy Kirbey as she shares the story of one woman’s dream becoming reality. Kirbey along with co-author Jennifer Moody have assembled a wonderful history of how the Albany carousel came to be, from dream to opening. The book also highlights the unique stories of the carousel animals, and the inspiration behind each carving.

The History Bites program is free to attend. Admission to exhibits is now fee based, but always free for members!

Light refreshments provided.

Feb
10
Sat
Monteith Living History Saturday @ Monteith House
Feb 10 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Monteith Living History Saturday @ Monteith House | Albany | Oregon | United States

Join us for another Living History Saturday in the cozy kitchen of the historic Monteith House in Albany Oregon. This month, we’re learning how to make hand-dipped taper candles!

All supplies provided with your $5.00 donation, and you can take your candles home with you. Choose either the 11:30 am class or the 1:00 pm class.

Feb
11
Sun
Monteith Living History Saturday @ Monteith House
Feb 11 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Monteith Living History Saturday @ Monteith House | Albany | Oregon | United States
SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
12PM-2PM
Monteith LIVING HISTORY ACTIVITIES
Step into 1850 with them on the second Saturday of each month, from 12 pm to 2 pm, at the Historic Monteith House. Exciting activities like, woodworking, pioneer doll making, baking biscuits, making butter, and so many other family-friendly activities! Each time will be something new, and you’ll learn a little more about this important piece of Albany’s history.  
Feb
14
Wed
History Bites: Amelia Earhart visits Oregon @ Albany Regional Museum
Feb 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
History Bites: Amelia Earhart visits Oregon @ Albany Regional Museum | Albany | Oregon | United States

The Albany Regional Museum will host Debra Plymate, pilot, retired air traffic control specialist, and member of Oregon Pines 99s, to present this month’s History Bites on Amelia Earhart. This is in celebration of the anniversary of her visit to Oregon and to kick off our new exhibit, “Picturing Women Inventors.” Come retrace her steps and celebrate her life and legacy!

History Bites is always free to attend. Admission to exhibits is waived today 2/14 to celebrate Oregon’s birthday!

Light refreshments provided.

Feb
22
Thu
Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts @ Philomath High School
Feb 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts @ Philomath High School | Philomath | Oregon | United States

Documentary viewing at Philomath High School.

Admission is free, but a canned food donation for the Philomath Food Bank is encouraged and appreciated.

 

IN 1866, SIX ALL-BLACK CAVALRY AND INFANTRY REGIMENTS WERE CREATED AFTER CONGRESS PASSED THE ARMY ORGANIZATION ACT. THEY CAME TO BE KNOWN AS BUFFALO SOLDIERS.

Established by Congress in 1867, Many African American men enlisted in exchange for full citizenship as promised by the 14th Amendment, but were denied this right by the Jim Crow laws established in the Reconstructionist South. In spite of that, these patriotic men helped lead the United States expansion westward; they built and guarded the Pacific Railroad and served as park rangers in places like Yosemite before the U.S. government established the National Park Service.

These African American soldiers fought bravely in the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, the Mexican Punitive Expedition, World War I & World War II, but the Buffalo Soldiers also participated in the subjugation of Native peoples as the United States appropriated tribal land, the persecution of striking silver miners in Idaho, and against Filipinos fighting for independence during the Spanish-American War, resulting in a complicated legacy.

It is particularly relevant today as our country is roiling with the agony of racial strife. By combining a multitude of diverse perspectives, the film examines the profound and often-contradictory roles played in American history by The Buffalo Soldiers, and how they fought on two very different sets of front lines: military conflicts abroad and civil rights struggles at home.

Mar
5
Tue
“Singular Visions” exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Mar 5 @ 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.”

Mar
9
Sat
Monteith Living History Saturday @ Monteith House
Mar 9 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Monteith Living History Saturday @ Monteith House | Albany | Oregon | United States
SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
12PM-2PM
Monteith LIVING HISTORY ACTIVITIES
Step into 1850 with them on the second Saturday of each month, from 12 pm to 2 pm, at the Historic Monteith House. Exciting activities like, woodworking, pioneer doll making, baking biscuits, making butter, and so many other family-friendly activities! Each time will be something new, and you’ll learn a little more about this important piece of Albany’s history.  
Mar
12
Tue
“Singular Visions” exhibition @ The Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Mar 12 @ 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.”

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.”

Mar
30
Sat
Sweet Home – 74th Annual Rock and Mineral Show @ Sweet Home High School Gym
Mar 30 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sweet Home - 74th Annual Rock and Mineral Show @ Sweet Home High School Gym | Sweet Home | Oregon | United States

Come and enjoy a rock and mineral show! The theme this year is “A Pyrite’s Treasure Chest”.
There will be various displays, vendors, raffles, door prizes, as well as a snack bar!
Admission is $1.00
12 and under, free if accompanied by an adult.