OASF Launches Level 2 Gallery
Level 2 Gallery inside the Salem Convention Center (SCC) opened in February 2022 and builds upon the 15 year partnership that the Oregon Artists Series Foundation has had to bring high quality contemporary art to the Center. With major paintings by Salem and Oregon artists installed in the main corridors on the first floor of SCC, Level 2 will present changing exhibits of work by established and emerging artists of the region on the second floor. Exhibits may feature one or two artists at a time or group shows organized around a theme that is relevant to the Salem area.
Level 2 Gallery continues OASF’s work with SCC and acknowledges that the presence of contemporary art in the building adds to the visitor experience and showcases the best of what the Willamette Valley and surrounding area has to offer. The art is a key component of the award-winning Convention Center.
The Gallery will be open to the public during regular business hours and during special events. Work from exhibits may be for sale. Salem Convention Center and Oregon Artists Series Foundation will not take a commission from any sales, unless there is prior agreement between OASF, SCC and the artist(s) that proceeds will be devoted to a particular cause.
The inaugural show in the space is Woven Journals, a collection of mixed media work created by West Salem artist Kristin Kuhns since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While staying close to home, Kuhns and her family took comfort in their regular walks through Minto Brown Park, a familiar place of respite and exercise in her life for years. The works in the exhibit chronicle familiar elements from Minto Brown with a subtext of living during a global pandemic. Each piece weaves contrasting images of comfort and disturbance, with written notes and thoughts journaled within the woven patterns.
The Level 2 Gallery is supported, in part, through a grant from the Marion Cultural Development Corporation.
