SCC sculpture court looking east on Ferry St.jpg — Who We Are

The Oregon Artists Series Foundation collaborates with the City of Salem and the Salem Convention Center to site a wide range of artworks throughout downtown – artworks that pique the public’s interest and encourage people to explore.

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Sculptures in salem

OASF pioneered the installation of public sculptures downtown and the development of the outdoor Sculpture Court at the Salem Convention Center.

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Mayor’s art exhibitions

We began our work with a series of Mayor’s art exhibitions at the Salem Convention Center. Works were purchased and are on permanent display in that award-winning facility.

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anNUAL SPECIAL EVENTS

Since 2015, OASF has presented an annual event to raise awareness of public art and recognize key arts leaders and innovators in Salem.

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Public art benefits the whole community.

Over time, salem’s public art collection will form a visible link connecting Willamette University, the State Capital mall and park, the Convention Center, the public library and Riverfront Parks.

Who are we?

We're a committed group of business and community leaders, artists, designers and others who believe that public art enriches our community and creates an environment that is good for residents, visitors and business. We continuously seek to engage and partner with others who can help advance our work.

What do we do?

We work closely with the Salem Convention Center and others to make art an integral part of downtown Salem. Our partnership with the Convention Center has placed multiple works of art by Northwest artists inside that building. We've sought and secured sponsorships to create the outdoor Sculpture Garden at the Center and the new Level 2 Gallery which opened in 2022.

SCC Sculpture NOW interior Great Hall long view.jpg

How do we do it?

We use our nonprofit status to seek grants and major gifts to acquire public art. We've also successfully brokered the gift of major works of art that we've then gifted to the City of Salem. Our annual fundraising event, now Flip for Art, generates both public excitement and funds for more artwork. We've developed strategic partnerships with the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette for the loan of major paintings for the Salem Convention Center.

The Result

With the addition of public art by Northwest artists, Salem has an enhanced downtown which is a stronger and more vibrant environment for business, residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.