Artists’ Row

Artists’ Row is a City of Salem arts space initiative in historic downtown Salem, across from Old Town Hall and Derby Square. The row includes four artists’ stalls, a restaurant and a public restroom, all set in a spot originally built as a marketplace that remains a thriving public plaza and pedestrian way. A rotating cast of artists and artisans offers handcrafted work there in maker and gallery spaces.

The program is seasonal and gives creatives space to build an audience or business through daily contact with residents and visitors. The city treats a stint on the Row as a springboard for artists at any stage of their careers. Along with shopping, visitors can catch classes, demonstrations and workshops, such as pottery wheel work, plus creative public events for all ages. The city sees the arts as a way to bring diverse people together.

What to Know

• The stalls operate seasonally, from May through November.
• All stalls are open to the public on weekend afternoons, and weekday hours vary by stall.
• Julie Barry, the city’s senior planner for arts and culture, is the program contact.
• Profiles of the current artists on the Row are posted online.