Catherine Alexander, galleries director for Salem Art Association, isn’t sure why an all-inclusive member show hasn’t been done before, but she is glad it’s happening. The juried, all-media group exhibit in the Camas Gallery at the Bush Barn Art Center will feature artists who are current members of the Salem Art Association.
Art enthusiasts can expect fresh artwork created within the last 12 months that was not worked on under classroom supervision or previously featured.
“We have a lot of members who are bashful. They volunteer and participate, but I know they are artists and they are secretive and a lot of those artists have applied to be in the show,” says Alexander.
The reason they opted to host the show, she says, is because their members have diverse art and there was a need to make sure everyone had a voice.
Art planned includes everything from mythical drawings to ceramic ponies.
“Diversity is what we had hoped for. When that can happen it is a really good thing. Everyone feels comfortable participating and having that artistic voice heard,” she adds.
SAA has been finding ways to be more inclusive and user-friendly to not only members but the community at large. “This is one step. Others will be Art Fusion, The Salem Salon and an open non-juried show that artists can participate in whether or not they are a member of the Salem Art Association community,” Alexander says.
The show has been in the works for two years. “We thought that this time of year would be a great time to have it. It’s after the excitement of the Salem Art Fair, and before the gaiety of the holidays start. It is a chance to take a moment and reflect and talk about the diversity and quality of art in our community. Without competing with major events, it can stand on its own and shine.”
For everyone who entered art to participate in the show, rejection came with opportunity. “Jurors gave feedback and a one hour consult focusing on professional development. Our goal is to help artists pay the mortgage and help them thrive. Feedback is a good tool, and we want our artists to thrive in other venues as well other than just ours. It’s a way to give back to the community through time,” she says.
“It is going to be a great show, and I would like to see it become a tradition,” Alexander adds. “My goal is to offer a diversity of artistic voices and in a small way thank members for supporting us through participation.”
An artists’ reception will be held Friday, November 4th from 6 to 9 p.m. during SAA annual Holiday Gala. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $10 for members, $20 in advance for non-members, or $25 at the door. The show itself will be on display from October 7 to December 3.
Bush Barn Art Museum
600 Mission St.
www.salemart.org
