Oregon Artists Series Foundation’s “Fall for Art” Awards and Auction Set For November 2

The first annual awards Celebrating the Arts in Salem will be a highlight of the Oregon Artists Series Foundation’s “Fall for Art” fundraiser Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Salem Convention Center.  Guests are invited to bid on more than 30 pieces of “twice loved” art in a silent auction and honor two Salem artists, two arts supporters and an arts activist and institution.

“This is a great opportunity for Salem to honor the people who put Salem on the map in the Northwest art world, as well as to raise funds to place more sculptures in downtown Salem,” said Jim Bauer, foundation president.

This is the second annual fundraiser for the foundation, which was created in 2008 to foster the exhibition of art in public spaces in Salem.  As part of its mission, the foundation partnered with the Salem Convention Center to create the Sculpture Garden at the Center, and partners with the City of Salem on an ongoing basis to place sculptures on downtown Salem streets, enhancing the urban landscape and contributing to the development of tourism.

This year’s honorees include artists Rob Bibler and Susan Trueblood Stuart, both mainstays of Salem’s arts community, John Olbrantz and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette and Joan and Garth Brandow.

Bibler, known for drawings and paintings exploring contemplation and investigation, launched the art program at Chemeketa Community College, where he taught for 30 years in drawing, painting, printmaking and film studies. He also created the Wednesday Evening Film Series, held at the Historic Elsinore Theatre.

Stuart, who studied at Willamette University and the University of Oregon, is known for her vigorous and colorful paintings of the Northwest landscape. She also has been an educator and activist for the arts, serving on the board of Salem Art Association for seven years.

John Olbrantz and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University have created programs that bring cultural tourists to Salem.  Olbrantz is the Maribeth Collins director of the museum and currently chair of the Salem Public Art Commission. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art has been a partner with the foundation, sharing works from the museum collection for exhibitions at the Salem Convention Center.

Joan and Garth Brandaw will be honored as arts supporters for their investments in the arts.  Garth Brandaw is best known as a senior principal and founder of CB Two Architects of Salem. His design and project management experience dates back to 1985 with more than 250 projects throughout the U.S. and Canada, including WaterPlace and Salmon Run in Salem.  Joan and Garth Brandaw have made a major commitment to expand the foundation’s program to place sculpture in downtown Salem.

The “Fall for Art” fundraiser is open to the public and will run from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with hosted appetizers and a cash bar. The Salem Convention Center is at 200 Commercial St., Salem. Information: www.oregonartistseries.com or (866) 614-1900.