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About

Salem Arts Association, Inc. is volunteer-driven nonprofit arts organization. In our mission statement, the stress is on the arts, plural. Artists working in all media and all disciplines are welcome, as are arts lovers, enthusiasts, and patrons.

Our Mission

To bring art, in all its forms, to the community
and bring the community, in all its diversity, to the arts
in Salem, Massachusetts.

Our Location

Salem Arts Association is located in the historic Waterfront in Salem Massachusetts.

Salem Arts Association is a vibrant community art gallery located on Salem’s Historic Waterfront nestled among the shops and restaurants of Pickering Wharf, next to the Salem Maritime National Park. Our galleries and curated shop feature affordable, locally made fine art, crafts, jewelry, photography, and unique gifts, reflecting the creative spirit of the region. Salem Arts Association is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive arts community, bringing people together to celebrate creativity in all its forms. We invite you to explore our exhibitions, participate in arts education programs, and enjoy a variety of events designed for art lovers of all ages. Members benefit from exhibition opportunities, discounts at local merchants, and access to the North American Reciprocal Museums Program, expanding their connection to the arts. Visit us to experience the artistic energy of Salem and support local artists in a welcoming, historic setting.

Our History

Since incorporating as a non-profit corporation on August 31, 2007, our volunteer-driven Salem Arts Association has produced hundreds of exhibits, events, and workshops, nearly all free of charge to Salem’s residents and visitors. Over the years, our programming has reached more than 100,000 visitors. This has been made possible in part through collaborations with numerous local organizations, such as the Salem Cultural Council, Massachusetts Cultural Council, the City of Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Main Streets, Creative Collective MA, The House of the Seven Gables, Salem National Historic Site, and Salem State University.

Our journey began in the summer of 2007 with our first collaboration, partnering with Salem State’s Campus Center Arts Program to launch as a sass:C collaborative gallery of art and craft as part of the City’s Artists’ Row program.

In 2008, we expanded on this idea by independently operating the Salem Arts Association Gallery, again in Salem’s Artists’ Row. This effort increased sales, memberships, and volunteer commitments. In recognition of these auspicious beginnings, the Salem Chamber of Commerce nominated Salem Arts Association for the 2007 Community Service Award, and the Salem Cultural Council named us Artist of the Year in 2008. Salem Arts operated seasonally on Artists' Row through 2014.

In 2010, we reached a significant milestone with our community mural project, which engaged over 200 local residents and was featured in regional media, exemplifying our commitment to collaborative creativity and public art.

In 2015, we moved to a space on Salem’s Essex Street Walking Mall, known as the Salem Art Center (SAC). There, we shared exhibition space with another Salem artist group and expanded our retail, gallery, and educational opportunities for the Salem community and visitors from around the world.

Our tenth year, 2017, marked another transition as we found a new home at “The Salem Playhouse” in Salem, MA. This facility provided excellent gallery exhibition space, a gallery shop, workshop area, and event facilities, allowing us to serve a growing audience.

In 2020, we embraced new growth with our move to 159 Derby Street, placing our gallery in one of Salem's most historic neighborhoods, adjacent to renowned landmarks such as the House of the Seven Gables and Salem Maritime National Park.

In 2025, Salem Arts Association began a new chapter by moving to Salem’s Pickering Wharf, a vibrant shopping and dining destination on Salem’s historic waterfront. As of 2025, our gallery is located at 88 Wharf Street, offering improved visibility for visitors, accessible gallery and shop access, and upgraded facilities.

Salem Arts membership has grown from 12 founding individuals in 2007 to over 1,500 members today, including more than 250 regional artists who exhibit their work in our galleries and shop. We also offer memberships for those who wish to support our mission, regardless of whether they consider themselves artists.

Each year, our signature Salem Arts Association Exhibitions showcase the incredible talent of our members and attracts hundreds of art enthusiasts, strengthening our role as a cornerstone of the local creative community.

When visiting the Salem Arts Association at 88 Wharf Street, admittance to the gallery is always free. We invite you to explore our exhibits, join our events, and be part of our vibrant community.