Salem Arts Association upcoming events

Exhibition: Inspired by PEM (Saturday, June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Inspired by PEM

"Inspired by PEM" reflects upon the current Peabody Essex Museum's exhibit, “OnThis Ground: Being and Belonging in America.” For this exhibition, Salem Arts Association welcomed artist members and non-members to submit their work.

PEM has brought collections of Native American and American art together for the first time in its history. The installation celebrates artistic achievements across time, space, and worldviews, exploring how art can help us understand this place we call America.

Artists were encouraged to respond to this broad and rich exhibit of artwork, crafts, antiques and tableaus, representing a wide swath of American culture.

Opening Reception: Friday June 19, 2026 6:00 – 8:00
Exhibit Dates: Saturday June 20 – Saturday July 25, 2026
Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

2026 Holiday Artists' Market Registration (Sunday, July 05, 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 03:59:00 GMT

Salem Arts Association’s 2026 Holiday Artists’ Market

Saturday, November 28, 2026, 11-5

Free entry for customers

Old Town Hall, Derby Square, Salem

Thank you for your interest in vending at the 14th Annual Holiday Artists Market at Salem’s Old Town Hall.

Applications are due by August 31, 2026.

All vendors who apply will receive notice of acceptance by September 7, 2026.

Upon payment of the applicable fee, accepted vendors will receive an email confirmation with set-up instructions and other pertinent information to make the vending experience enjoyable.

Salem Arts Association’s Holiday Artists Market is for handmade art and artisan goods, holiday-themed where appropriate. Works include photography, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, paintings, handbags, prints, cards, candles, hangings, ornaments, and other items. Applications will be juried by our Holiday Artists' Market committee.

Many of our 3,000+ guests are looking for handmade gifts for family and friends. We do not accept vendors selling mass-produced goods, AI-generated imagery, and are unfortunately unable to accept vendors selling food items. If you have questions about whether your work qualifies, please email: events@salemarts.org

Our market typically receives more applications than there are spots, and we are committed to having new vendors at each market, so we encourage vendors to keep applying to our markets even if they are not initially accepted.

Vendor Spots:
Each space is approximately 6-7 feet wide and deep. It’s an historic building, so the measurements aren’t always exact, but will not be smaller. The first floor’s historic support poles can impact space, but not significantly. We ask that all vendors bring their own table, chairs, and displays. There are limited electrical outlets, so we cannot guarantee access to one. If you plan on bringing music or other items that make sound, please indicate this in your application so we can contact you if we have any questions.

Facility:
The building is ADA Accessible with an elevator at one end and stairs at the other. The market is held on both floors. Live music is on the second floor. Both floors receive the same customer traffic.

Marketing:

Salem Arts Association promotes the Holiday Artists’ Market on social media platforms, to local business groups, arts groups and in newspapers. Every effort is made to increase customer turnout on behalf of the vendors and Salem Arts Association.

Fees:

Salem Arts members (**Please log in before registering**) $130

Creative Collective Business Members $130

Non-Members $180

Follow: Salem Arts Association @salemartsassociation

Gallery Reception: Souvenirs of Summer (Friday, July 31, 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Souvenirs of Summer

“Souvenirs of Summer” is a members-only exhibition at our Pickering Wharf gallery. This show celebrates the sights, sounds, and sensations of summertime — those fleeting moments that linger long after the season fades. Think beach days and boardwalks, road trips and ice cream cones, salt air and sun-warmed evenings. This theme is also open to a more personal interpretation: what memories, emotions, or symbols represent your summer story? This show captures the warmth, nostalgia, and rhythm of the season in each artist's own unique way.

Opening Reception: Friday July 31, 2026 6:00 – 8:00
Exhibit Dates: Saturday August 1 – Saturday September 12, 2026
Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Exhibition: Souvenirs of Summer (Saturday, August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Souvenirs of Summer

Opening Reception: Friday July 31, 2026 6:00 – 8:00
Exhibit Dates: Saturday August 1 – Saturday September 12, 2026
Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Gallery Reception: Monsters & Myths (Friday, September 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Monsters & Myths

“Monsters & Myths” is an open exhibition to members and non-members at our Pickering Wharf gallery to celebrate Salem’s spooky season.

We’ve invited artists to explore the creatures, legends, and stories that haunt our imaginations. From ancient folklore and supernatural beings to modern-day fears and personal phantoms, this show celebrates the power of myth and mystery in all its forms.

This fall exhibition allows artists to delve into the realm of the eerie and the extraordinary, celebrating the rich tapestry of folklore, legends, and the fantastical creatures that haunt our imaginations. As Salem is renowned for its history of witchcraft and supernatural tales, we have encouraged artists to explore their interpretations of monsters and myths, whether they be drawn from personal experiences, cultural stories, or classic literature. "Myths & Monsters" showcases a unique vision of the mysterious and the macabre.

Opening Reception: Friday September 18 , 2026 6:00 – 8:00
Exhibit Dates: Saturday September 19 - Saturday November 7, 2026
Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Exhibition: Monsters & Myths (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Monsters & Myths

“Monsters & Myths” is an open exhibition to members and non-members at our Pickering Wharf gallery to celebrate Salem’s spooky season.

Opening Reception: Friday September 18 , 2026 6:00 – 8:00
Exhibit Dates: Saturday September 19 - Saturday November 7, 2026
Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Gallery Reception: Member Holiday Showcase (Friday, November 13, 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Annual Member Holiday Showcase

Our Annual Member Holiday Showcase at the Pickering Wharf gallery wraps up the first year in our new space! This festive exhibition celebrates the creativity and community of our members during the holiday season. We encourage artwork that embodies the essence of the holidays, whether it’s a celebration of winter, personal reflections, or the warmth of togetherness.

From painting and photography to sculpture, crafts, and mixed media, this show shares the latest creations intended to find a new home for the holidays!.

Join us as we fill the gallery with color, warmth, and imagination to celebrate another vibrant year of art in Salem and ring in the holiday season together!

Opening Reception: Friday November 13. 2026, 6:00 – 8:00
Exhibit Dates: Saturday November 14, 2026 – Saturday January 2, 2027
Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Exhibition: Member Holiday Showcase (Saturday, November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Annual Member Holiday Showcase

From painting and photography to sculpture, crafts, and mixed media, this show shares the latest creations intended to find a new home for the holidays!.

Join us as we fill the gallery with color, warmth, and imagination to celebrate another vibrant year of art in Salem and ring in the holiday season together!

Opening Reception: Friday November 13. 2026, 6:00 – 8:00
Exhibit Dates: Saturday November 14, 2026 – Saturday January 2, 2027
Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.