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art•fem•er•a

art•fem•er•a

/artˈfem(ə)rə/ We’ve created a fun, new way to support female artists. We upcycled a sanitary napkin machine to create an art dispenser that “Supports Female Artists Period!” It will be filled with female-created artwork and support female-powered projects. art•fem•er•a can be found at the Art Department …

Store Make Over

Store Make Over

It’s been a wild ride. When the Vigelands moved into the location at 254 Commercial St NE they started with a fresh coat of sunny yellow paint. They had the ceiling painted a dark green and the trim red. When I came on board I was …

It’s an Honor

It’s an Honor

I never thought that I could ever own an art supply store. But looking back on my life, I also can’t think of anything more fitting.  I grew up in rural Maine and in the early 80’s, art supply stores were not a norm. I …

Salem CSA

Salem CSA

Sometimes you run across an idea that seems so magical that you want to tell everyone about it. This is one of those times. Have you heard about the Salem CSA project yet? Have I cornered you in the hallway or recited my elevator speech …

Consumption

Consumption

Art Exhibit, February 28-March 17 Reception, Saturday, March 9, noon-3pmBush Barn Art Center600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302 Explore the complexities of consumption and how our everyday choices impact the environment. Through the use of augmented reality, you’ll discover the value of reduction and …

Bucket List

Bucket List

I’d like the be the kind of person who uses every page of a notebook, dates the entry and bundles notebooks in chronological order. I am not that person. I am the kind of person who haphazardly looks for any sort of old envelope or …

Matisse in the Garden

Matisse in the Garden

We had a lovely time at Gaiety Hollow last Saturday, painting and cutting out Matisse-inspired collages. I have been planning this class since March with the fabulous members of the Lord and Schryver Conservancy and it was such a wonderful experience. There is certainly something …

I Spy With My Little Eye…

I Spy With My Little Eye…

Come sketch with me at the Salem Art Department, the First Wednesday in June! Bring your favorite sketchbook and sketching supplies June 6th from 5-8 and we’ll play a fun I Spy Sketching game. I’ll have some of my sketchbooks for you to flip through …

Thank you Friends and Family

Thank you Friends and Family

There are a few times in life when you are able to celebrate with friends and family and everything feels so right. The First Wednesday in May, reception at the Art Department was one of those magical nights. Unfortunately, I was so busy chatting that …

Ban the Bag Salem

Ban the Bag Salem

    Yeah, I’ve made my fair share of upcycled artwork from plastic bags. This trashion dress “Waves of Kanagawa” was made from plastic bags and chicken feed bags. The large puppet “Bag Dragon” used over 200 bags to create his long body, and these sweet …

Booyah! Prints Now Available

Booyah! Prints Now Available

Lots of you have been asking, “Can I buy that?” Those questions always make me feel uneasy, until now. First off, thank you for your support! When I quit my full time job I dreamed of painting not selling. I really hate selling my own …

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

Do you love art supplies as much as I do? Here’s a list of my favorites. Also the Art Department is having a STOREWIDE ONE DAY SALE May First Wednesday. Save an extra 10% on your total sale all day. The Art Department will also …

It’s Coming… Art Supply Swap 2018

It’s Coming… Art Supply Swap 2018

Last year the library was packed with art supplies that I can’t wait to see what comes through the doors this time around. Give a second life to all those forgotten art and craft projects and donate them to the library for this free swap. …

Big News, Solo Art Show

Big News, Solo Art Show

You know that feeling of butterflies in your stomach on the first day of school? Remember all the questions racing through your mind? Question 1: Do I know enough? Question 2: Who will I hang out with? Question 3: Will they like me? And the …