Salem Art Association showcases students' work

By Lupita Gonzalez, Corinne VanLier, and Bernice Garcia

Do you love to draw, paint, or anything else that has to do with art? Do you want to show it off? Then the place to be is at the new art show with all of your paintings, drawing, and other art. Want to see more things that might go on at the Bush Barn Art Center? Then you could go to there web site at http://www.salemart.org/ for information about Salem-Keizer art on display through April 11.

We asked Sandra Burnett, Executive Director of the Salem Art Association, about the ongoing show. This is what we learned.

Q: What is the goal of the art show?

A: Our goal is to harness the power of the arts to enhance creativity, improve lives and foster a more vibrant and connected community. Join us in exploring the arts and local history – we’ll all be richer for the experience.

Q.What's the most people that have been in the Art Show?
A: In terms of artists, we have some art shows that feature artwork by several dozen artists, and other art exhibitions that showcase many works of art by just one artist. In terms of visitors, I’m not sure if I know the show with the highest visitor attendance to a show, but there were 671 visitors to the opening reception for our recent Kindergarten-5th Grade exhibition and dozens more came to see the show in the days following the opening. We have a total of approximately 10,000 visitors to our galleries each year.

Q: Is there a limit of people that can be in the Art Show?
A: The limit is determined by how many works of art we can hang on the wall and exhibit on pedestals. The more works of art by each artist, the less artists we have room for. So the number of artists changes with each exhibit.

Q: Is it for everyone or only for elementary, middle, and high school students?
A: Some of our art exhibitions feature artwork by students and other exhibits feature artwork by adults. We offer both kinds of exhibits.

Q: Do you enjoy seeing this artwork?
A: Yes, it’s fun and exciting to see different kinds of artwork.

Q: How long has this show taken place?
A: The Bush Barn Art Center has been hosting art shows for more than 40 years.

Q: Is it only here in Salem, or is it in other places too?
A: We only host art exhibits here in Salem, and we like to feature artwork by local artists.

Q: Can people just enter, or do they have to get nominated or something?
A: We have both kinds of exhibits. A show in which artists are nominated is called an invitational show. A show in which artists apply is called a juried show.

Based on what we saw at the website, there are many talented artists showing their work from here in Salem. If you go, then we hope you enjoy it and please let us know how about what you saw on your visit.