Galleries
Two galleries in the heart of downtown Salem offer different tastes for art patrons. These galleries get a lot of foot traffic and are ideal for artists to display their work.

Mary Lou Zeek Gallery is located on State Street and is the hub of the art community.  Mary welcomes new artists that "particularly focus on contemporary art." The gallery Web site, zeekgallery.com, offers more information on submissions.

Mercury Gallery on Court Street is a cooperative run by Diane Beals of DB Foto, which shares the space. She allows artists to exhibit five medium-sized works alongside other artists for a monthly fee of $50. Contact Diane at (503) 949-8009 to set up a showing.

Restaurants
Restaurants in the area showcase artists in a relaxed atmosphere. This coexistence benefits both parties. Pastamichi Restaurant located at the corner of River and Wallace Road in West Salem has enough wall space to hang many pictures. The run of the show is two months. Contact Kathy Fox at (503) 585-2817 for more information.

Shows
Throughout the year, but particularly in the summer, art shows happen around the valley. This month there is a three-day exhibit at the Salem Heights Community Hall in South Salem. The event runs April 25 through 27. A fee of $50 rents a 6-by-8-foot space, plus 10 percent of sales benefit the Salem Heights Community Hall restoration fund. Contact Lorraine Dye at 503-364-55410 to apply.

Salem First Wednesdays
Beginning in May and continuing through the summer is the premiere art walk in downtown Salem. Many stores offer space inside and out for the artist to show and demonstrate their talents. Cascade Baking Co. on State Street has a large inside wall next to the entrance that can hold several large paintings or even more small ones. Coffee House Café on Liberty handles many artists at the same time and caters to the avant-garde.  Dave Wilson Goldsmith Designer on Commercial Street has wall space behind the counter for many pieces of art, and Roy John Designer on Court Street shows artwork for a two-month long run.

Contact Kev Kohler at (503) 507-0046 or e-mail salemfirstwednesday@gmail.com for more information on these locations and other businesses that participate in Salem First Wednesday.