Inspired by the idea that displaying art in the public spaces of the Salem Conference Center, the Oregon Artists Mayor’s Invitational was a year-long exhibit featuring work by 25 artists from across Oregon. Shelley Curtis of OSU’s Art About Agriculture Program and Mary Lou Zeek of Salem served as consultants to the Conference Center’s exhibit committee.

The 2nd Oregon Artists Series exhibition featured work by 25 artists selected from 247 works of art submitted. Continuing the series’ tradition, one piece was selected best of show by a panel of judges and purchased for the Salem Conference Center’s permanent collection. Shelley Curtis, curator of Oregon State University’s Art About Agriculture collection and Mary Lou Zeek of Salem assisted the Oregon Artists Series Foundation with exhibition coordination.

Inspired by the City of Salem’s 150th anniversary, the third exhibition in the Annual Mayor’s Oregon Artists Series brought together works from the City’s public art collection. The show was curated by Roger Hull and Nancy Lindburg, with assistance from Kristin Allen.

The 4th Oregon Artists Series exhibition was dedicated to Salem Mayor Janet Taylor who retired in January 2011 and whose term was distinguished not only by dedicated public service but also by her tireless support for the arts and artists in our community.

OASF’s 5th Annual Exhibit, “Sculpture Now!”, opened in 2011, and paved the way for the development of the Sculpture Garden in the Salem Convention Center plaza.