Jill Falk
Ben Will
Ryan Beard
Nancy EngThe Timeless Talisman Gallery
Dana Marie
SPECIALS AND EVENTS FOR FIRST WEDNESDAY!Go Downtown Salem!
November Events!
FIRST WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER, “Harvesting the Arts”Go Downtown Salem on Nov. 3 and celebrate the season change with art, music, dining, and good old shopping fun. Don’t let the change in daylight hours or a possible light rainy night stop you from enjoying an evening out. After all, there are only 54 days until Christmas and you can shop early-discover your own Christmas wish list or checkout gift ideas for others.
During this time of year, First Wednesdays kick off the Go Downtown Winter Blues Series. From November through March, a different blues, rock, or something-new type of genre concert will take place at 7:30 to 9:30 PM. This month’s concert will be held in the Reed Opera House and tickets will be $7.00 at the door. November’s featured band is Phamous Phases. Phamous Phases won the Best Band Poll at the International Pop Overthrow in Liverpool, England, in 2005. They are a band that has been together since 1993, playing a brand of music that is Beatles-esque in the White Album tradition. They have had 4 European tours. Guitarist Jesse Ruggles has been playing guitar for 47 years and within the circle of NW professional guitar players is considered one of the most, if not the top, talented guitar players around.
Added to this year’s Winter Blues Concert Series, participating downtown restaurants will be offering special pre-concert dinner specials. November’s featured restaurants include Brown’s Towne Lounge at 189 Liberty Street, Copperjohn’s at 195 Commercial St., Alessandro’s Ristorante and Galleria at 120 Commercial St., Jonathan’s at 136 High St., Wild Pear at 372 State St., McGrath’s at 350 Chemeketa St., and Bentley’s at The Grand Hotel. Menu selections can be viewed at gofirstwednesday.info. web site. Reservations are not required but are recommended. With over 60 restaurants in the downtown area, a quick bite, appetizers, or a glass of wine can be found almost on every block downtown.
After dinner and before the show you will have time to take the Artisan and Gallery Tour. There will be wine tasting and refreshments offered in each of the gallery stops.
Two new galleries begin the tour, both in the Reed Opera House. Ale Studio and Boutique in Suite B4 in the Underground is the creation of three talented, lively, and entertaining women. The name, Ale comes from the first letter in each of their names. The studio features exquisite woodwork, jewelry, and art. All the art and offerings are made by local artisans.
The Timeless Talisman Gallery on first floor is a family owned and operated gallery that features contemporary works from talented Oregon Artists. The gallery will provide a “friendly and inviting atmosphere for a unique art experience that is accessible to art lovers and patrons alike.”
The Salem Arts building at 155 Liberty St. features two local artisans. Calusa Studio, in the lower level, is home to artisan Helen Nute Wiens. Each piece of her jewelry is hand made in her studio and reflects classic, elegant jewelry simple and beautiful in design. She works in fine silver.
On the mezzanine level is Blackthorn Gallery Tattoo Studio. Discover one of Salem’s premier body art studios, which also exhibit canvas art in figurative art, ancient religion themes, as well as an extensive selection of body art designs.
The Mary Lou Zeek Gallery on 335 State Street will host an artist reception for Jim Koudelka from 5 to7 PM. Man Cans and Boy Toys is the featured exhibit and runs through November.
Jim Koudelka takes on a further extension of his former industrial/ mechanical interests, these pieces merge with new influences from his interactions and observations of his little boy “Jasper James” and his playthings. Being immersed in parenting and playing with his son has affected his current creations. These pieces have elements extracted and interpreted from industrial, agricultural, and nautical containers and objects that as an adult male Koudelka has been attracted to, but also new ones from his boys’ toys, which have now permeated his life and space. Primary colors, bold patterns, graphics, stacked shapes and simple interactive devices are now present in both Jim’s visual and mental worlds. His sculptures are his new “Big Boy Toys”. We hope that they simultaneously convey an adult sophistication along with some childish whimsy.
Next door to Mary Lou Zeek, in the Guitar Castle at 349 State St., is William Bragg and Tim Knight’s combined micro gallery. William’s work in commercial photography specializes in editorial, portrait, and music photography. Also on exhibit are acrylic and oils by Timmie. Plan for live music.
Celebrating the second month being open, Rountree Gallery at 241 State St., is a gallery of the visual arts that showcases many talents local to the Willamette Valley. Artists exhibiting now through December are Carol Rountree Bednarz-oils; Jason Domogalla-photography; Nancy Eng-oils/acrylics; Christine Karch Gilman-encaustics, Jackey Rae Jones-acrylic; Kathy Wood-mixed media; Patricia Young-oils; Muhatman Wildman-photography; and guest artist Von Crow-fractal art.
Where the Sidewalk Begins at 233 Commercial St. is the Salem Keizer Education Foundation retail destination. They will feature student art from middle and high school participants.
Downtown Salem is fortunate to have two artisan goldsmiths with over 60 years experience between them. Something from both fine jewelry artisans should be on everyone’s Christmas wish list this year.
Dave Wilson at 216 Commercial Street is a master jeweler specializing in hand made designs in 14k, 18k, and platinum. He uses gemstones and diamonds he personally selects from resources around the world.
Discover Roy John Designer Goldsmith at 315 Court Street. For 35 years, Roy John has created fine jewelry fashions in precious metals and stones. Roy John’s custom design in solar elements was recently featured in the Fashion Week in Portland, Oregon.
Pheromone Gallery is always a delight to tour. At 255 Liberty Street, Pheromone Gallery is not your typical gallery. It is a one of a kind exhibit of art; simple to elaborate in design with special attention to symmetry and selection using the most diverse organisms in nature. Works in insects, carnivorous plants, orchids, crystal specimens, and sea life are the creation of artist Christopher Marley.
The Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery at 444 Ferry Street is featuring artist, Cynthia Herron specializing in mixed media. In addition, a variety of other regional artists and artwork are on display and are for sale.
Downtown shopping is always fun on First Wednesdays. As the holiday season approaches downtown stores are filled with exciting merchandise. Many stores will be offering First Wednesdays Surprise, you never know what will be offered from month to month. Watch for the First Wednesday Surprise signs in the window and stop in to browse, make your shopping gift list, or indulge.
Go Downtown Salem. There’s Something Going On!
