Project Space II opens downtown, offers a special take on family portraits

Like its predecessor, Project Space II is an experimental venue for artists to exhibit work and engage with other artists.

In addition to exhibits, the building is used as a performance work space, a conversation area, and true to its name: projects.

Located at 338 State Street, the new establishment is open for free to the public by Salem Art Association from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 12 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Funded by a grant from the Oregon Art Commissions, the new space hosts a photography project in addition to two exhibits. "Mothers & Daughters, Fathers & Sons" is in part a study on relationships and similarities between parents and children.

During two separate sessions (Fathers & Sons July 18 and Mothers & Daughters July 19) held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. photographer Steve Anchell is on hand to take pictures of local parents with their children. Fathers are asked to bring in their pre-teen sons to capture the relationship, while mothers and daughters are asked to wear long sleeved black shirts, to emphasize their respective facial features.

The event is free and each group receives a 8"x10" print.

For more information on events or exhibit at Project Space II, check out the art listings or go to www.salemart.org.

A teacher's rendition of a classic art project

While many people may use fancy scissors, cutouts and papers to artistically preserve their memories and photos in scrapbooks, Portland artist and teacher Eunice Parsons takes it another step further by creating large, professional collages.

Called an "American master of collage," Parsons's pieces are on display at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art from July 25 through September 20. The exhibited art spans the past few decades of her work, drawing from both private and public collections.

Parsons uses torn and cut paper interspersed with words and phrases to construct bold compositions. Much of her work has been influenced by traveling in Europe and the Middle East.

Parsons, who was an art teacher at Portland State University is also included in the permanent collection at Hallie Ford Museum.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and students. Children younger than 12 are admitted free, and Tuesday is an admission-free day. 

An anniversary of art

An entire genre of art-- en plein air-- is made in the outdoors. During Salem's annual Art Fair and Festival over 200 fine artists from across the country and Canada have their art on display in Bush Park.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the event also encompasses tours of the historic Bush House Museum and free art exhibits at the Bush Barn Art Center. Among the hundreds of artists present, media genres range from traditional craft like drawing, ceramics, sculpture and paintings to photography, digital art, graphics, printmaking and more.

Hands-on, art-making activities abound for the youngest of art makers.

A designated area called the Kids Court is home to a variety of projects put on by local organizations and businesses such as A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, Salem Pubic Library, and Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center. Little hands won't remain idle with newspaper hats, picture frames, spin-art puzzles, buttons, animal jewelry, and bookmarks waiting to be made.

In addition to art, the festival also offers Yoga in the Park, a 5k Walk and Run for the Arts and more.

The free event is held in Bush Park from July 17-19.