One-of-a kind jewelry from Seattle artist in Salem

Much in the same way that jewelry is often purchased to commemorate special occasions in one's life, Nancy Worden's carefully constructed pieces themselves describe her history, celebrations, and milestones.

With 41 examples of her jewelry on exhibit, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art has a selection from collections throughout the U.S. and Europe in a show entitled "Loud Bones: The Jewelry of Nancy Worden."

The Seattle-based artist incorporates objects into her jewelry to incite memories and emotions in people. In addition to using more traditional metal such as copper, silver, and gold, Worden has used vintage high heels, telephone parts, coins, credit cards, hair curlers, clothespins, and typewriter balls. Chosen from the mid to late 20th century, these objects are selected to showcase a specific chronology and location throughout her work.

In addition to the objects on display, the exhibition is accompanied by text panels, photo murals, annotated labels, a continuous DVD of the artist in her studio discussing her work, and a 128-page, full-color book with essays by Helen Williams Drutt English, jewelry collector and scholar; Susan Noyes Platt, art historian and critic; Michelle LeBaron, internationally recognized mediator and professor of law; and Rock Hushka.

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. For more information, call 503-370-6855.

Dual show displays differing styles

Exhibiting art from two women who work at opposite end of the country, Mary Lou Zeek Gallery presents its November show "Alone, Yours to Keep," from the 3-28.

Though they work through multiple mediums, the show aims to showcase the pleasures of nature.

Portland's Carolyn Garcia is an illustrator and painter. Garcia infuses her love for the smells and sounds of nature in her work. Lynne Whipple, a collage artist from Florida, often uses objects found in nature for her art. Also a painter, Whipple often incorporates altered vintage photography, drawings, and other memorabilia into her collages. Though often poetic, her work sometimes displays wry humor.

A reception for "Alone, Yours to Keep" is scheduled during First Wednesday on November 4, from 5-7 p.m.

African art on display during showcase

While local artists have their crafted wares for sale during Salem Art Association's Holiday Showcase, the museum's Focus Gallery plays home to handmade work from Zimbabwe.

From November 7-December 31, the Zimbabwe Arts Project has on exhibit a mixed media show of board paintings, appliqué, fabric painting and embroidery work. Much of the art depicts every day life and work, showing the physical labor involved in planting and gathering food. Many of the pieces display the use of bright, saturated color such as orange, yellow and green.

Each of the pieces is created by a female artist of rural Weya, many of whom are single heads of household. ZAP is a non-profit organization that seeks to support creativity and economic sustainability for these women.

SAA will donated 70 percent of commissions from the exhibit to the ZAP.