ArtSmart-There's Something to do in Salem!

Storytime at Java Crew

2011-07-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Check out the new storytime at Java Crew on the corner of 12th and Fairview SE. Every Tuesday at 3pm for just $2 your child can enjoy a story, drink and cookie.

Salem Has A Lot to Offer

2011-01-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

I have to make a confession. I was a bit disturbed when it was reported that then Governor-elect John Kitzhaber would be living in Portland, implying that Salem was a nothing to do in Salem. I understand not wanting to be far from his son and granted we don’t have the same bright lights as Portland, but we aren’t without things to do.

While we don’t have the Portland Art Museum, we do have the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Possibly one of Salem’s best kept secret treasures; John Olbrantz and his staff do a wonderful job bringing thoughtful changing exhibits to the museum while maintaining a permanent collection that celebrates the works of many of Oregon’s most noted artists and the Native Americans who originally settled this area. If you haven’t been you really should make a date to go (it’s even free on Tuesdays). We also have one of Oregon’s National Treasures at Mission Mill Museum and a top rated Children’s Museum at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village.

While we don’t have the same number of concerts, we do have the Oregon Symphony, yes THE Oregon Symphony performing the same repertoire they do in Portland for this nine concert series, at about half the price. Not to mention we have the Salem Chamber Orchestra, Willamette Master Chorus, Festival Chorale Oregon and a number of other wonderful performing arts groups that cannot be found in the city to our north.

But then I remembered that Salem has changed a lot since Dr. Kitzhaber’s last term of office; the carousel had just opened (he cut the ribbon), the Elsinore had yet to be restored and the World Beat Festival was in its infancy, and while he is resigned to maintaining his residence in Portland, and I respect his commitment to being close to his son, I hope you and he will find the time to visit a few of our gems over the next four years. For more information about these and other events, visit www.artsmartsalem.org, and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem.”

The New Year Is Off To a Great Start

2011-01-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe that 2011 is already upon us. It was exciting seeing all of the holiday activities taking place throughout the last few weeks. While we will see a bit of a lull in the next few weeks in comparison, there is still a lot going on in Salem.

For film buffs, the Historic Elsinore Theatre will be showing Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush as part of their classic film series on January 12th. The movie begins at 7pm and will be accompanied by Rick Parks on the Mighty Wurlitzer. For those not into silent films, you can’t go wrong with the selection of films at Salem Cinema and it is a great chance to see some of the sure to be Oscar contenders as we enter into awards season. For more information about what is playing at Salem Cinema, visit www.salemcinema.com.

On Friday, January 14th, the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem will offer venture away from their Tuesday night concert schedule to present the world renowned Emanuel Ax in a rare Salem performance. At just $48 for a top tier ticket, this is a tremendous value to see such a renowned performer and the Oregon Symphony has been at their top of their game all season. For tickets, visit www.absolutelytix.com or for more information visit www.orsymphonysalem.org.

On Tuesday, January 18th, the Smith Fine Arts Series in Monmouth has made a slight change to their performance schedule and Adam Del Monte, the 1997 winner of the Stotsenberg International Classical Guitar Competition will perform in the flamenco style as both traditional soloist and in a more contemporary flamenco style as part of his trio. Tickets for this concert may be purchased by contacting the box office at Smith Auditorium on the Western Oregon University campus at 503-838-8333.

For more information about these and other events, visit www.artsmartsalem.org, and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem.”

It's Not Too Late To Support the Arts

2010-12-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

ArtSmart is a collaborative non-profit working with our area's arts, culture and heritage groups to spread the word of all the great things there are to do right here in Salem. Over the past six years ArtSmart has grown from being "the folks who produce that calendar," to an organization providing workshops and educational opportunities to non-profit leaders from around the region in addition to being a vital link between the arts community and our educational institutions as well as an integral partner with the business community. Throughout this growth, ArtSmart has maintained its grassroots mission of promoting and enhancing the arts, culture and heritage opportunities in the greater Salem area while supporting art education for students of all ages.

Many of our area cultural organizations are small and the help they are afforded through their partnerships with ArtSmart are immeasurable. The connection to the schools and greater Salem community for these groups is vital as has been stated by our mayor, Janet Taylor and Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mike McLaran. ArtSmart brings these groups together and discusses information vital to their efficiency, networking and promotion.

As we are approaching the end of 2010, we hope that you will join us in celebration of the arts in our community by making a tax-deductible donation to ArtSmart as part of your year end-giving.

Make your tax deductible donation online now at https://www.artsmartsalem.com/donation.aspx or send a check payable to ArtSmart to 707 13th St SE Suite 114, Salem OR 97301

Need Some Help With Your Holiday Shopping?

2010-12-15T16:50:00.001-08:00

We have conquered Black Friday and Cyber Monday and have all the socks we need for the next year.

We have been caroling and seen carolers, attended a variety of holiday programs and consumed horrific amounts of egg nog. We have wandered the malls and shops and what we are lacking now is that one unique gift that will make the holiday special for someone near and dear.

For the music lover in your life, you might want to check out the new holiday CD released by the McNary High School choirs. This professionally recorded CD is available at Uptown Music, Salem and Keizer branches of Willamette Valley Bank as well as at McNary High School. Part of the proceeds will go to fund future recording efforts of schools and students in the Salem-Keizer School District; for $10 you really can't go wrong adding this to your holiday purchases.

There is also Glazing Ice, a holiday CD released last year by the Willamette Master Chorus. Available from chorus members or at willamettemasterchorus.org, this is another must for your holiday music collection.

For those who would enjoy a live performance, the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem is running a holiday special that allows concert lovers to purchase tickets to their remaining concerts for a fraction of the regular series prices.

Ticket prices range from $150 for five concerts to $50 for two concerts. This special pricing ends Dec. 22 and tickets may be purchased from the business office by calling (503) 364-0149.

If music isn't what you are looking for, the Salem and Keizer Art Associations each have holiday showcases going right now with some incredible art and gift items from local artisans.

For more information visit www.artsmartsalem.org.

Wherever your holidays take you we hope they are happy.

Salem Chamber Orchestra Performs String Favorites

2010-11-17T09:37:00.001-08:00

The Salem Chamber Orchestra may have scaled back their season this year, but they certainly haven’t scaled back their performances. When they take the stage in Hudson Hall for their Orchestral Strings Favorites concert on November 21st at 3pm, they will celebrate some of the great works written for strings.

The orchestra will be under the direction of guest conductor Huw Edwards who is currently the Music Director for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. SCO principal flute, Sarah Tiedemann will also enjoy the spotlight as she performs Rutter’s Suite Antique with the orchestra.

In keeping with a tradition started a few years ago to encourage young musicians, some of Salem/Keizer’s finest advanced strings students will be joining the orchestra for a side by side performance of Barber’s Adagio for Strings. While the work in the classroom provides students with the technical skills they need, it is opportunities such as these; working with professional musicians, that help them develop their musicianship.

For those of you who can’t make the Sunday matinee performance, the Saturday dress rehearsal will also be open to the public. Tickets for the dress rehearsal, which will also take place in Hudson Hall, are $5 for adults and $3 for students, available at the door. Tickets for the concert are $15 -$25 (student ticket pricing is also available) dependent on seating and are available at the door or for best selection at absolutelytix.com. For more information about events happening visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember, ”There’s Something to do in Salem.”

Can We Build It? Yes We Can!

2010-11-01T19:23:00.001-07:00

I was recently reading an article in The Oregonian about the Extreme Makeover Home Edition’s visit to Salem. The main purpose of the article was to get folks to visit the Nightmare Factory, but what struck me was how the television crew marveled at the spirit of volunteerism we have in our community. As they were on such a tight deadline to get the build done in a week, they probably didn’t get a chance to really appreciate the way this community has rallied to build and restore some wonderful landmarks and programs.
The backyard at A. C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, and the Return to Grandeur of the Historic Elsinore Theatre are just a few examples of the way our community has come together to build something great. We came together again, to let people know that we didn’t want Meth in our neighborhoods and to help the United Way reach their campaign goals over the last three years. We have a tremendous sense of community pride and when it comes to that question asked by Bob the Builder, “Can We Build It?” The answer is “Yes We Can!” The real question is can we sustain it?
Once the dust has settled, we need to continue to support the great treasures we have here, from the physical structures to the wonderful programs that take place throughout the greater Salem area. As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, we have a lot to be thankful for. Let’s make sure it is here for the generations come. For more information about events happening visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember, ”There’s Something to do in Salem.”

It's Time for the Great Pumpkin Hunt

2010-10-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

With October almost over, we have seen the start to yet another fabulous arts and heritage season in the Salem area. It is hard to believe that soon our thoughts will be turning to holiday feasts and gatherings, but before we get there, we have to get through that annual rite of passage, a trip to the pumpkin patch. Being in the heart of the Willamette Valley we are at no shortage of wonderful fields to visit to pick out that perfect jack-o-lantern. We all have our favorites, but regardless of where you go, wonderful memories are made.

Being a native northeast Salemite, EZ Orchards will always hold a special place in my heart. In elementary school, I could have sworn we drove for hours to get to the pumpkin patch, it sure took FOREVER in my six year old mind, but it was just so exciting to go out in the fields and bring home our very own pumpkins.

When our kids were little, it was great fun to watch them get on the Holly and Ivy train at our pumpkin haunt in Canby to ride out to the hay maze/play structure to pick out their perfect pumpkin. While the trick or treating and candy are great, nothing can compare to the memories we make beginning with that first trip to the pumpkin patch. For a list of some area pumpkin patches and other events, visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember,”There’s Something to do in Salem.”

Art Fair is Here!!

2010-07-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

We are all looking forward to Art Fair this weekend. What a wonderful celebration of the arts in our community. In its 61st year as a fund raiser for the Salem Art Association the Salem Art Fair and Festival is a signature event for Salem. In addition to visiting the artists, don't forget to visit the non-profit arts groups from our own community along the "cultural corridor", the friends of bush gardens plant sale and get a meal or snack and support a non-profit by eating in one of the food courts. Make sure to pick up your ArtSmart calendar and we wish the Salem Art Association the best of luck with their event this year.

Brentano String Quartet to Perform at Willamette University

2010-04-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Grace Goudy Distinguished Artist Series at Willamette University is a wonderful opportunity for Salem residents take advantage of the renowned music program on our local campus. For fans of chamber music, the April 11 performance of the Brentano Quartet is a concert you won’t want to miss. Formed in 1992 as the first quartet-in-residence at Princeton University, the Quartet is comprised of members of the teaching faculty of the university.
Having performed in many of the great concert halls around the world, the Brentano Quartet has not confined itself to performing literature from the height of the string quartets popular history, but has performed music from the Baroque and Renaissance as well as works of contemporary composers. For their concert at Willamette University, they will be performing Beethoven’s String Quartet in C-sharp minor and Schubert’s String Quartet in G major.
In addition to their concert performance on April 11th at 3pm, the quartet will be conducting a master class following the concert at 7:30pm, also in Hudson Hall at Willamette University. The master class is free and open to the public. Concert tickets range in price from $10 - $ 20 dependent on seating choice with a $5 ticket available for students with valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased at AbsolutelyTix house at the Travel Salem Travel Café. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Spring Break Activities Abound

2010-03-17T17:37:00.001-07:00

Whether young or young at heart there is something mystical about the end of March and “Spring Break.” While we rarely experience the harshness of the season that many do, we all look forward to this annual rite marking the end of winter. Whether we actually have a week off, take a week off or sneak a day here or there it feels good to get out and enjoy.
With such a bounty of activity in our great state, we often forget about the treasures we have right here in our own backyard. Spring is a wonderful time to visit some of our historic properties, take in a ride on the Carousel (really, it’s not just for kids), pack a picnic lunch and enjoy our wonderful parks or get out of the mall and explore our historic downtown. Don’t forget Hallie Ford is free on Tuesdays.
If you are looking for something to keep the kids busy while you still have to work, Mission Mill Museum and A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village have a week full of special activities planned for Spring Break. Visit their websites at www.missionmill.org and www.acgilbert.org for more information. You can also see what classes the Keizer Art Association has planned at www.keizerarts.org.
There are a lot of options during spring break, the most important thing is to get out and enjoy, play and discover. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Willamette Master Chorus and Willamette Girlchoir Combine for Winter Celebration

2010-02-17T15:44:00.001-08:00

I am so excited about the Willamette Master Chorus’ Winter Celebration Concert. Not only are they performing a “Collage Mass” under the direction of founding conductor, Dr. Wallace Long, they are partnering with the Willamette Girlchoir to perform one of my favorite Rutter masses, Mass for the Children. This will be the second time the Willamette Girlchoir has performed this piece, but the personnel are all different.
Written in five movements, this is a non-liturgical mass. It was first performed by the Willamette Girlchoir when the joined the First United Methodist Church Masterworks Chorale shortly after the piece was debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2003. While Rutter is well known in the world of choral composition, Mass for the Children is a departure from his normal work, as it is written for the blending of adult and children’s voices. While Rutter finds the sound of the children’s voice to be irresistible, he also wrote this Mass as a celebration of the joy he received as a boy soprano when his chorus worked with adult choirs. There are also many who believe that this Mass was written in memory of his son, who died in 2001, however this has not been confirmed. Regardless of why it was written, it is a beautiful piece of music.
The opening Kyrie is absolutely gorgeous with the children’s choir slowly giving way to the adult voices marking the start of the day. As the piece continues, the movements are reminiscent of the hours that mark one day. The middle movement, Sanctus and Benediction was probably my favorite to sing. The blending of the two choruses with the orchestra is indescribable. This will definitely be a well spent Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon.
The concert will be performed in Hudson Hall on the campus of Willamette University on Saturday, February 27 at 7pm, with a matinee performance on Sunday, February 28 at 3pm . For more information or tickets, visit www.willamettemasterchorus.org. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Salem Chamber Orchestra Offers Valentine's Gift Solutions

2010-02-11T17:38:00.001-08:00

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, many may be looking for a unique gift to give that special someone. Enter Salem Chamber Orchestra with some very unique opportunities. Starting on Thursday, February 11, with a recital and ending on Valentine’s Day with a matinee concert Salem Chamber Orchestra offers three opportunities to celebrate with your valentine.
Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 in Hudson Hall, on the campus of Willamette University, Alessandro Traverna winner of the 2009 Piano E*Competition will perform a recital. In its fourth year, the E*Competition offers musicians from around the world to compete against each other performing on a Disklavier. The Piano-e-Competition, sponsored by Yamaha, started in 2002 and begins with invitation-only screened auditions held in Beijing, Paris, Los Angeles, Moscow and New York City. 2009’s competition included 71 young pianists – chosen from an unprecedented number of applicants from around the world – who had entered their digitally videotaped and recorded MIDI performances on Yamaha Disklavier Pro concert pianos.
On Saturday, February 13 at 7:30pm, Traverna will join the Salem Chamber Orchestra in concert at Hudson Hall as they present their third masterworks concert of the season. The concert will feature Traverna’s performance of Poulenc’s Aubade, concerto choregraphique . The orchestra will also perform Wagner’s Siegfried Idyl and Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor op. 44. This concert will be repeated on Sunday, February 14 at 3pm also in Hudson Hall. For more information about this concert or the Salem Chamber Orchestra visit www.salemchamberorchestra.org. Tickets for these events are available at Absolutely Tix through Travel Salem at www.travelsalem.com/absolutelytix. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Kudos to Salem Audiences

2010-02-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Salem audiences have often been chastised for their boorish behavior at concerts. While at times it has been warranted, ( I think of the cell phone that kept ringing and the baby that kept crying during Itzhak Perlman’s performance at the Historic Elsinore Theatre) I have to say that after a recent concert I attended in Portland my hat is off to Salem concert and theatre-goers. I believe that the arts should be accessible to all and I was ecstatic to see such a diverse audience, but really, do people not understand that “No cameras or recording devices” applies to them as well?
I understand that attending your first classical concert can be a little scary if you don’t know what to expect. It is kind of like going out to dinner at a “fancy” restaurant and not knowing which fork to use. The etiquette can be a little daunting, but don’t be scared. There are a few simple things that can help you, and those around you, enjoy your evening out.
Unlike other genres of music, most classical music has multiple movements in one song. It is customary to applaud only after all of the movements have been played. While this is easier to follow when there is a printed program, a simple rule of thumb is that when there is a conductor, he will drop his baton (or his right hand) to his side or place his/her baton on the stand at the completion of the piece. In the case where there is not conductor (thing small ensemble), the performers will generally stand if seated or lower their instruments in front of them if standing to indicate that they are finished. If you still aren’t sure, err on the side of waiting to clap.
While it is wonderful to expose children to all types of music, if they are unable to sit still or are under the age of eight, it is probably best to hire a babysitter. Certainly once they have started to explore music in school, it is wonderful for them to be able to see the possibilities before them by seeing professionals perform.
Not sure what to wear? The days of black tie and evening gowns have gone by the wayside and while it is still not appropriate to attend a performance in exercise clothes or your pajamas, really anything goes. Be comfortable, you want to be able to enjoy the music and not be worried that your tie is choking you.
This brings me back to where I started. The camera thing, they really do mean everyone. Not only is it disrespectful to the artist to record them without their knowledge, it is distracting to those seated around you to see the light from your cell phone/camera. Take all the mental pictures you want and relive the memories that way.
Most of all, don’t be afraid. Music and theatre is meant to be enjoyed by all. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

The Arts are Alive and Well in Salem

2009-12-30T08:48:00.001-08:00

I was recently shopping in ACE Hardware, yes one of my favorite stores, when I bumped into a long time Salem educator and theatre arts advocate who I have come to know over the last few years and admire greatly. After the usual greetings we ended up talking quite a bit about the arts opportunities in Salem, so much so that I was still thinking about all of the great things Salem has long after I had made my purchase and left the store.
Our conversation began around the loss of Salem Repertory Theatre and the effect that it will have on the Salem arts community. There is a lot of speculation as to why the decision to fold was made, and really none of that matters, SRT added a lot to the fabric of Salem and will be missed.
That being said, there are still a lot of wonderful things happening in Salem and its surrounding communities. I look at the wonderful holiday programs that have been brought by the Salem Pops Orchestra, Willamette Master Chorus and the Salem Youth Symphony along with the sing-along Christmas carols with Festival Chorale Oregon as examples of some of the great things that have happened this month alone. We need to support these and other great organizations if we don’t want to be closing the doors again. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Salem Chamber Orchestra Opens Season

2009-09-15T16:31:00.001-07:00

The Salem Chamber Orchestra is kicking off their 25th anniversary season on September 19 at 7:30 pm at the Historic Elsinore Theatre. The concert will be repeated as a Sunday matinee on September 20 at 3pm at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. Featuring world-renowned clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, this concert will offer a variety of opportunities for concert goers and students alike.
Having teamed with the Grace Goudy Distinguished Artist Series, Mr. Stoltzman will be offering a master class on Thursday evening from 7pm-9pm in Hudson Hall at Willamette University. He will then open the Goudy Distinguished Artist Series on Friday with a recital performance, followed by the gala opening of the Salem Chamber Orchestra Season on Saturday and Sunday.
Accompanying Stoltzman in his recital performace will be Pulitzer Prize winning composer Yehudi Wyner. Wyner will have two pieces making their west coast premiere as part of the Salem Chamber Orchestra performances. The orchestra will be under the direction of Wyner’s wife, Susan Davenny Wyner. Also performed will be Brahms Variations on a theme of Joseph Hayden and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, K622. A wonderful piece of work highlighting this often overlooked wind instrument. I was awed when I heard it performed by the Seattle Symphony two years ago. If you have time available I would highly recommend this performance.
For ticket information contact Salem Chamber Orchestra at info@salemchamberorchestra.org. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

August offers more family fun

2009-08-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the dog days of summer. I can’t believe that I have already been reading back to school ads for a few weeks when most of us, me included, are trying to eek out as much summer as we can without spending a lot of money. While our weekends are pretty much covered with the wide variety of fairs and festivals, there are still a number of low cost or no cost activities for those looking for something to do during the week.
Visual art aficionados should check out the 3rd annual Mayor’s Artist Series at the Salem Conference Center. The exhibit will be up for a year in the common spaces of the conference center and feature a variety of regional artists. The Salem Art Association also offers three galleries at the Bush Barn Art Center not to mention the Hallie Ford Museum of Art just off the campus of Willamette University (Tuesday’s are free).
If it is music you are looking for in an outside venue check out your neighborhood association website to see what is happening in your neighborhood parks. Many offer concert series during the summer months. If you are up for a short drive, River Rhythms at Monteith Park in Albany offers an eclectic mix of music for no charge. The Oregon Garden also has a wonderful concert series with ticket information available at www.oregongarden.org. You don’t have to go far to find a way to enjoy a fabulous Oregon summer. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Art Fair Time is Here Again

2009-07-16T19:04:00.001-07:00

I can’t believe a year has already gone by since the last Art Fair & Festival. It all starts with one of my favorite events of the year, the Children’s Parade. There is nothing but joy as the children, all dressed up for the parade, are joined by clowns and a marching band of sorts for the journey from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church through Bush Park. Once they have passed through the festivities of the weekend begin.

Not only does the Festival serve as the major fundraiser for the Salem Art Association, it is also provides an opportunity for many of the other non-profit arts groups in the community to unveil their upcoming seasons and share more about themselves to fairgoers, as well as raising money for their organizations with the various food booths. In addition, the fifth annual ArtSmart community arts calendar will be available at a number of these booths. I hope you will stop by and pick one up.

I don’t remember when I actually started going to the Art Fair, but I always look forward to seeing the wonderful artwork and strolling through the park with friends. This truly is a wonderful gathering of the community that I look forward to each year. For more information about vendors and music lineup visit www.salemart.org. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

World Beat Visits Africa

2009-06-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

As we look at the summer travel season, many people are talking about taking “staycations” this year, but the Salem Multicultural Institute is hoping you will join them as they travel to Africa on June 27th and 28th. Sample the foods, enjoy the music and dances, learn some of their crafts. Now before you get worried that you don’t have time to get your shots, passport and visas in order to take part in this wonderful adventure, let me tell you that you only have to travel as far at Riverfront Park in downtown Salem to take part in this year’s World Beat Festival.

While other cultures will also be shared as part of the two-day festival, the focus of this year’s event is the continent of Africa. With the richness of their heritage, the influence of the African people can be found at the core of much of the modern music and dance we experience as part of our own culture, and often times think of as quintessentially American.

The Salem Multicultural Institute offers us a great opportunity, at the end of June each year, to learn a little bit more about our neighbors near and far. So, pack your bags and load the family in the car and enjoy a fabulous trip to Africa all in our own backyard. For more information about the World Beat Festival, visit www.worldbeatfestival.org. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

What is ArtSmart Anyway?

2009-06-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that many of you might not know what ArtSmart is. It all started in 1998 when Dorothy Garrett, who was the president of the board of the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, gathered a number of other non-profit arts board presidents together to talk about what was going on in their organizations. Over the years, the group has grown and its roll in Salem’s Arts World has changed and grown as well.

Throughout its history ArtSmart’s commitment has been to work cooperatively to promote and enhance the arts and cultural opportunities in Salem and its surrounding communities. As the first ArtSmart community arts calendar was published, the grassroots group incorporated. Continuing to work cooperatively to promote the arts, member groups introduced a guide for teachers in the 2006-2007 school year.

ArtSmart is funded through memberships and project grants. As the finishing touches are being put on the fifth annual community arts calendar (to be unveiled at Art Fair in July) the organization continues to work to raise awareness about the wonderful entertainment opportunities in Salem and the surrounding areas. For more information about how you can become a member of ArtSmart, email info@artsmartsalem.org . Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Looking for a Great Staycation?

2009-05-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Most of the area arts groups are wrapping up their seasons and getting ready for their summer hiatus. That can only mean one thing; summer festival season is upon us. Starting with the World Beat Festival at the end of June, there is a festival in the area just about every weekend through August, not to mention, September’s favorite festival…Oktoberfest. While these events and festivals provide affordable family fun during the summer month, they mean so much more for the community.
The majority of these events are organized by area non-profit organizations as a way to raise money to continue their programs and benefit the community through the services they offer or dollars they provide through grants throughout the year.
As you are looking for “staycations” for the family this summer, consider visiting our area parks and downtowns for wonderful events such as World Beat Festival, Hoopla, The Bite of Salem, Summer in the City, Riverfest and many others. Consider making a contribution at the gate to support the causes behind these opportunities for fun. A few dollars at the gate can mean the world to the groups organizing these events. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem Brings Joshua Bell to Town

2009-05-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Symphony Association in Salem sure knows how to end a season on a high note. An incredible and varied season of guest musicians will come to an end on May 19^th when the Oregon Symphony takes the stage at Smith Auditorium with Joshua Bell. Known as much for his movie star good looks as his virtuosity with the violin, Joshua Bell has made an indelible mark on the music world.

Bell has gained an entirely new and younger audience as classical music increases in popularity as a result of mp3 players. Once known as a child prodigy, Joshua Bell’s star continues to rise and the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem must be delighted that he will be performing in Salem. I have experienced Joshua Bell in concert in two previous appearances with the Oregon Symphony in Portland and each time I was awed by his remarkable way to speak to the audience through his violin.

I think the thing that impresses me the most about Bell is his ability to make classical music accessible to everyone. Whether a fan of classical music or not, Bell has a way of reaching you with his music. For more information about this concert or the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem visit www.orsymphonysalem.org, for tickets visit www.ticketswest.com. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Salem Cinema is Broadway Bound

2009-05-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Northeast Salem’s Hollywood District and have many fond memories of those years and growing up in a time when kids from all over the neighborhood would come together to play at each other’s houses. I have very distinct memories of hopping into my mom’s Valiant and going to pick up the dry-cleaning, among other errands. One of the things I remember about these trips was the old Eagle’s lodge that stood on the corner of Broadway and Market Streets and asking my mom about it on just about every trip through that intersection.

Over time the neighborhoods of the Hollywood District have changed, and the Grant and Highland Neighborhoods have worked hard to overcome a stigma of drug houses and gang violence. Many of the buildings that surrounded the corner of Broadway and Market Streets have been vacated, and the Eagles Lodge was torn down, but what has appeared in its place is wonderful community resurgence and at the heart of it all is the new home of Salem Cinema; a fabulous Art Deco style theatre that has captured the essence of the heyday of film and promises a future of great independent film viewing for the Salem audience.

While I thought I would be sad when theatre owner Loretta Miles made the move from under the Pringle Parkade to this new venue, but her attention to every detail, including incorporating sconces from the old Bligh’s Capitol Theatre into her décor has made the adjustment easy. I wish her much success in her new location, I know I will be there to watch many films and I am glad to see the arts playing such a vital role in the revitalization of this neighborhood. For more information about the Salem Cinema and what’s currently being screened, visit www.salemcinema.com. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Celebration of Women's Voices Celebrates Woman Composer

2009-04-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Salem-Keizer has wonderful individual school chorale programs which feature choirs of mixed voice as well as men’s and women’s choruses. Imagine the awesome sound when young women from throughout the area join together in voice as the Willamette Girlchoir. The sixth annual Celebration of Women’s Voices, a concert of the Willamette Girlchoir, will also celebrate a local woman composer. In a world dominated by men, and marked by the likes of John Rutter and Georg Frederic Handel, Portlander Joan Szymko is becoming known in the world of choral music.

On Sunday, April 19 at 3pm, Willamette Girlchoir will be under the direction of Szymko and joined by her choir, Cantoras, and the Linfield Women’s Ensemble as they perform six masses written by this wonderful Oregon composer. The concert will be held in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church on the corner of Church and State Streets in downtown Salem.

With tickets at $8 for adults and $6 or students and seniors, this is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. For tickets or more information about Willamette Girlchoir, call (503) 370-6383. . Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Oregon Celebrates in Style

2009-02-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

The state of Oregon is all gussied up and it is time to celebrate! Our grand state is celebrating her 150^th birthday on February 14^th and we all share in her colorful history. Oregonians have long been known for their leading edge thinking while never forgetting to take time to help those around them in need. With the exception of one weekend out of the year, Beavers and Ducks co-exist peacefully, but this rivalry arrived long after the establishment of what is now Willamette University.

Our majestic state capitol, which recently suffered a minor fire, was rebuilt after a previous fire had destroyed the first capitol building in Salem, having been relocated from Oregon City. The wings were added later. The mural in the senate chamber depicts news of statehood coming to Salem with a young Aashel Bush in the painting receiving the news in March of 1859. It took a month for word to reach Salem from the then capitol city, Oregon City. Corvallis also served as the state capitol for a period of time.

Mission Mill Museum houses the parsonage and Jason Lee House on their grounds, interpreting the mission and woolen heritage that was so much a part of our early history. These stories and more are part of their Facing Statehood exhibit which celebrates our state’s history from the 25 pre-statehood years through to modern times asking visitors to contribute their own Oregon story as part of this living history. This exhibit, which opens on Valentine’s Day and will run through spring 2010, is one of many sesquicentennial celebrations taking part across the state. So often we all drive by the museum as we go about our busy lives, but now is the perfect time to reacquaint ourselves with this wonderful treasure we have right in our own backyard

For more information about Facing Statehood and other activities taking place at Mission Mill visit www.missionmill.org. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.