Salem Arts Association

Salem Arts Association is a nonprofit community arts organization with galleries and a gift shop among the shops and restaurants of Pickering Wharf on Salem’s historic waterfront, next to Salem Maritime National Park. Visitors can browse affordable work by local artists, including fine art, crafts, jewelry, photography and unique gifts. Exhibitions change through the year, many of them open calls to area artists, and workshops and community events round out a calendar aimed at art lovers of all ages.

Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2007, the volunteer-driven association began as a collaborative gallery with Salem State’s Campus Center Arts Program as part of the city’s Artists’ Row, then ran its own gallery there starting in 2008. It has since produced hundreds of exhibits, events and workshops, nearly all free, reaching more than 100,000 visitors. Collaborators have included the Salem Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Salem Main Streets and the Peabody Essex Museum.

What to Know

• Anyone can join, including artists, performers, writers and art lovers.
• Members get discounts on workshops and savings at local businesses.
• Members can access the North American Reciprocal Museums Program.
• Seasonal shows tie into Salem themes, such as a fall exhibit on monsters and myths.
• The association organizes a holiday market.