Salem chamber opens art gallery | News, Sports, Jobs

This is one of the paintings by artist Kathleen Gray Farthing that visitors can see at the Chamber Gallery of Art beginning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, 210 E. State St., Salem. Visitors can also view the art from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, March 14 through April 7. (Photo provided by the Chamber)

SALEM — The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is offering its walls to showcase art on a monthly basis, beginning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today with the works of Kathleen Gray Farthing.

Visitors can also view Farthing’s art from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, March 14 through April 7.

There’s no cost to peruse the featured artwork at the Chamber Gallery of Art, where the mission is to increase the art presence in Salem and “provide a platform for artists to showcase their creations which honor the past, respond to the present and inspire the future.”

“The Chamber Gallery of Art is a prime example of what the chamber and chamber foundation is all about. When a member has an idea, the boards listen. Since I became executive director in late 2018, the chamber and chamber foundation have always found a way to be involved with the arts whether hosting an art show in 2019, volunteering at Salem Second Saturday’s pARTy in 2020 or sponsoring ‘Chalk the Block’ in 2021,” Chamber Executive Director Lori Jewell said.

In a press release describing how the idea began, Jewell shared that Lucky 7 Studios owner Jennifer Adams moved to Salem in 2016 and was saddened that there wasn’t much of an arts community or local gallery for artists to share their work.

She became the monthly coordinator for Salem Second Saturday’s Art Party as a way to bring artists together with the community at least one day a year. She didn’t feel that was enough so when the chamber moved into its new location at 210 E. State St., she couldn’t help but notice the new white walls and asked about using them for a community gallery.

“We are proud to bring a chamber member’s vision to fruition as the gallery serves the chamber’s mission to foster, promote and develop the advancement of the commercial, financial, industrial, professional and civic interest of Salem and the Greater Salem Area,” Jewell said.

“A very appropriate and fitting line from the movie Field of Dreams – ‘if you build it, they will come’ comes to mind as we embark on this new adventure,” Adams said.

The first featured artist, Kathleen Gray Farthing, appeared for a meet and greet Friday night.

“I am grateful for the support of the chamber, its members, the chamber foundation, and so many more that have been on the sidelines cheering the entire time. I am even more grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this arts movement going forward,” Adams said.

George W.S. Hays, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation President, said the foundation was pleased to partner with the chamber “to provide the equipment necessary to properly display art for the community’s enjoyment. An additional opportunity for local artists to share their talent adds to and enhances the overall ambiance of Salem and will help draw more people to our unique little, big city.”

Victor Maroscher, who owns the chamber building, said “It took a full second for me to say YES when Lori and George first asked if I would approve and help support the chamber’s new Gallery of Art Project. This is just another outstanding example of the good works, outreach, and leadership that the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce provides to our business community. I am glad to be a small part of it.”

The next show will feature artwork by local high school students, with students from United and Salem invited to participate. Jewell said she’s excited about the gallery.

The show schedule open to the public will be:

— April 9 through May 6, High School Display, (Meet the Artist Local High Schools private reception April 8)

— May 8 through June 9, Grant Menough, (Meet the Artist Grant Menough private reception May 7)

— June 11 through July 7, Daniel Rauschenbach, (Meet the Artist Daniel Rauschenbach private reception June 10)

— July 9 through Aug. 4, Sheri L. Liebschner, (Meet the Artist Sheri L. Liebschner private reception July 9).

According to the Chamber Gallery of Art catalog, the Chamber Gallery will continue to accept artist applications on a rolling basis. The committee will meet again in June to select the second set of inaugural artists for solo exhibits during August, September, October, November, or December.

Applications for a solo exhibition can be submitted by:

— applying online at https://forms.gle/Ks5Ym35nZRkbj1ms7

— emailing [email protected] for more information

— calling the chamber at 330-337-3473.

Committee members include Jewell, Adams and Real Surrounding Beauty owner Ryan Boyce.

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