Paint & Write the Town is Artists in Action’s perennial and popular signature summertime event. Artists of all skill levels working in any medium meet to create art “en plein air” that’s interpretive of one or more of the scheduled locations in historic, scenic and downtown locations in the Salem area. Poets of the Mid-Valley Poetry Society and others may join in to write poetry inspired by the site. Artists and writers are welcome to simply show up at their preferred location(s) to participate. No pre-registration is required to paint or write over the summer.
In 2025, the weekly on-site sessions for painting, writing and creating begin June 1 and continue thru August 16, culminating in a juried exhibition with cash awards in the October. The scenic sites have been selected and arranged by AiA members, Patricia Young, John Mohney and Diane Forsberg, who hope you will find great inspiration. The registration and submission process to enter your artwork into the juried exhibition will again be done using ArtCall.org. AiA will post the link to the official Call to Artists once those details become available.
Each location is associated with a given date and time when our group has been granted permission to paint and write there, and an event host will be present to welcome you, and provide information. You may visit or return to the public locations at your leisure to start or continue works in progress. Private locations cannot be accessed on other days without prior permission. Artists and writers again have the choice of working at home or another local site if they wish.
Artists should bring their own chairs, sun/rain/bug protection, food and beverages. Also, at every location where we are being graciously hosted this summer, please plan on packing out with you any solvents, wastewater, trash, etc. Nothing should be emptied or discarded on the ground.
Note: Locations and time are subject to change. Please check this page for updates through the summer. Please sign up for Paint & Write the Town Communiques to stay in the loop!
|
Day |
Date |
Time |
Location |
|
Saturday |
June 7 |
10-4:00 |
Sebright Gardens Address: 7185 Lakeside Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305 Phone: (503) 463-9615 Going East on Portland Road, turn right onto Lakeside Dr and go 1.5 miles. You will encounter 3 sharp turns on Lakeside Drive, then at the 4th sharp angle turn, instead of turning right, turn left onto gravel drive on the right side of the Sebright Gardens sign.0 Proceed past first house to end of drive to parking areas, first one near the two story lavender house & garage pls additional parking by turning left in front of the retail shopping area (around the Green shed) just past the bamboo grove. https://www.sebrightgardens.co... |
|
Saturday |
June 14 |
Dawn to Dusk |
Ankeny NWR Address: 130 Ankeny Hill Road SE, Jefferson Phone: (541) 757-7236 12 miles south of Salem in Jefferson Take I-5 South and go right onto Ankeny Hill Road SE Exit. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. The refuge is bordered by Ankeny Hill Road, Buena Vista Road, and Wintel Road to the north, west and south respectively, and visitors can access refuge trails and/or viewing areas from each. Restrooms are located at the new Ankeny Hill Nature Center. https://www.ankenyhillnaturecenter.org/visiting There are many great places to paint at Ankeny. The link above includes map of the refuge. |
|
Saturday |
June 21 |
10-4:00 |
Solista Salem Address: 707 Madrona Ave SE, Salem, OR This is a community where John Eells lives. It has a very nice park-like setting. |
|
Saturday |
June 28 |
10-3:00 |
Arrowhead Lavender Farms Address: 6373 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305 Phone: (503) 508-7389 Their farm is located in the beautiful Willamette Valley in Oregon. What began as a dream to make their farm into something beautiful and abundant, something to do apart from their full-time jobs, is slowly transforming into a reality and taking on an even bigger significance in their lives. They are excited to begin sharing the beautiful and tranquil place they call home with you. https://www.arrowheadlavender.... |
|
Saturday |
July 5 |
10-4:00 |
Artist Choice Location of your choosing |
|
Saturday |
July 12 |
10-4:00 |
Misner Century Farm Address: 37410 Crabtree Dr. Scio OR 97374 Head south on I5 towards Albany. Take Hwy 20 exit toward Lebanon. Drive about 6 miles and turn left on Hwy 226. Then drive about 2.5 to 3 miles and turn left on Crabtree Dr. Follow to the AIA sign. https://www.theresemisner.com/... |
|
Saturday |
July 19 |
10-4:00 |
Downtown Salem check in at the AiA Art Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE |
|
Saturday |
Jul 26 |
10-1:00 |
Gaiety Hollow Address: 545 Mission Street SE, Salem Oregon Gaiety Hollow, is located at 545 Mission St. SE, across from Bush’s Pasture Park. Parking is available on the east side of Church Street just north of Mission Street or at the base of the Soap Box Derby ramp in the Bush’s Pasture Park lot. The Lord and Schryver Conservancy purchased Gaiety Hollow in 2015 and has since restored the garden to its period of significance. The property is listed on the National Historic Register. https://lordschryver.org/open-... |
|
Saturday |
Aug 2 |
10-4:00 |
Eola Hills Legacy Vineyard Address: 1600 Oak Grove Road W, Salem, Oregon Enjoy the spirit and flavors of Oregon at Legacy Estate Vineyard, just a 10-minute drive west of Salem. You’ll find their beautiful Legacy Estate Tasting Room, complete with a generous patio, sweeping lawns, and spectacular views of the vineyard and valley. https://eolahillswinery.com/le... |
|
Saturday |
August 9 |
12-4:00 |
Chemeketa Cellars Address: 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW, Salem Phone: (503) 378-1498 The Northwest Wine Studies Center You are welcome to bring outside food during tasting room hours or enjoy one of our charcuterie platters. The tasing room has a variety of wines for tasting and purchase. During regular tasting room hours, the tasting fee is $15, refundable with the purchase of two bottles. https://www.chemeketacellars.c... |
|
Saturday |
August 16 |
10-4:00 |
Cubanisimo Cellars Address: 1754 Best Rd NW, Salem, Oregon Phone: (503) 588-1763 They have snacks available for purchase, but feel free to bring in your own picnic! Pets and children are welcome! They look forward to serving you and providing an amazing experience! https://cubanisimovineyards.co... |
