Arrived unsure if I'd be allowed in, as this was clearly a very exclusive, very VIP gallery (red…read morevelvet rope did make me question my worth). Thankfully I knew a few of the performers, so I slipped past security. Inside, the attention to detail was incredible -- matches to burn things, bookmarks to mark, truly culture everywhere. Think Moulin Rouge meets open mic night. Great art, elite vibes, zero notes. *haven't technically watched the full movie Moulin Rouge, but I recall smoke.

Great vibes. Couldn't have asked for a better night!! Service and entertainment were stellar. My…read morehusband and I can't wait for the next time we get to go.

Located on the grounds of the historic Bush estate, the free art museum is a wonderful place to see…read moreart exhibits and installations at the Bush Barn Museum by local artists and by handmade jewelry, soap, bags, and other gifts that are all works of art in their own right. It's also where tickets can be bought to tour the grand Bush House, a museum house in Salem built 100 years ago! The park is also a lovely place to walk around and hang out.

To be honest, I've been here once…read more I was eight years old and my chalk drawing of a clown was being featured. I was the star of the evening, and I basked in the rays of admiration from my followers.... I remember the Bush House vividly, like it was just yesterday that I was there. I assume that the memory is ingrained so deeply because it was the first (and last) time that anything artistic of mine was displayed in public. From what I remember the place was weird and creepy. I remember brown carpet, low ceilings, and an eery quiet that really made gazers of my clown painting uncomfortable. Perhaps I should go back some time.

It's a very nice small Art center, the art generally is for sale although out of my price range,…read morefor art I think it's quite reasonable. Came here recently to see the exhibit for the Women who've died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The beat of the native drum circle and jingle dresses felt like home as we entered the event…read more Helpful volunteers were identified by the T-shirt they wore bearing by brother's design. In exchange for his work, we were provided 'VIP' access that included a tent with a prime view of the main stage and refreshments to cool down in between our rounds (shout out to the friendly and attentive VIP tent volunteers). Positive energy and pride exuded throughout Riverfront park during this long standing cultural festival as groups were decked out in regalia and traditional dress in preparation for a performance. The diversity and representation witnessed as I made my way through made my heart burst with joy. Making a choice on what to eat was tough, as there were more food trucks and options than I had seen before. ChoicesI went with Flourish Spices & African Food's 'Little bit of everything' plate and added a puff puff. It included black eyed peas, plantains, chicken and fish (they were very popular and had run out of rice that was normally included). My tastebuds agreed with my selection and savored every bite of food that perfectly complemented the other. The fish was well cooked and seasoned, very easy to separate from the bones. The puff puff was a fried dough, like a cross between a beignet and a hush puppy, but savory, and was a nice addition to my meal. I only wish I would've added vegetables, but had plenty to satisfy my appetite. There were also a lot of beverage options including specialty coffees, Aqua frescas, Hawaiian ice, flavored lemonades, and a beer garden with wine, cider, and brews. Vendor booths offered everything from turban wraps, native beaded earrings, and felted hats to African braiding, henna tattoos and cultural wares. A dedicated children's area had activities to keep the littles entertained while learning. Story tellers from across the globe shared folk tales and exposed guests of all ages to other cultures. I enjoyed watching traditional dancing and performances on multiple stages throughout the venue. Dragon boat races brought a thrill from the waterway below. Acosia Red Elk, an international award winning jingle dancer and enrolled member Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, took the stage explaining the origin of her regalia and shared an inspirational message with the crowd about intentions and connection. Supaman, a Native American dancer, hip hop artist, inspirational speaker and member of the Apsáalooke Nation on the Crow Reservation, leveled up; bringing energy to the outdoor amphitheater by inviting guests up to the stage to contribute to a beat box compilation with DJ Element, throwing out CDs for crowd participation, and ending with fan favorites. The Parade of Lights awed the audience with their flaming headpieces, wings, and torches as they made their grand entry around and up to the stage while members blew conch shells. This stunning and well thought out event drew interest across Salem, selling out tickets on Saturday. Many people I spoke to had been attending, volunteering, or participating for up to 15 years. Bravo and congratulations on a truly spectacular weekend!

Solid 4 star experience. 2015 fest review…read more Located on salem waterfront admission was $5 a person $15 for entire families. It was a fun time. It was not the best world music festival I had ever been to but it was nice. 3-4 stages of performers with folk dancing performances on the grass. Lots of ethnic food options, but they need more variety as far as countries represented. We had cuisine from the Greek and the Ethiopian food stalls. Both were flavorful and we would get them again. The young lady running the Ethiopian stall must have been having a bad day because she vibrated that feeling to her customers and was very unfriendly. We enjoyed the performances. The Iraqi music Ronny and Sherzad on guitar and keyboard was our favorite. Iraqi fusion music with latin and other cultural influences. We also enjoyed the Gamelan group. If I was the planner of this fest I would put the Gamelan Group farther away from the other performances. Gamelan is quiet and they were drowned out by the taiko drumming taking place at the next stage over. My Mr. said he would have liked if all the stages were spread out a little farther as to not drown out the other performances. The people running the salem drum circle group were very friendly and we jumped right in and jammed with them. They invited me back to perform with them on stage later that day, but we had limited time so we could not take part. There were a few vendors selling their wares. Much of it was the same- skirts, scarves, tapestries,boho gear,incense, etc. A few of the booths had really reasonable prices and we scored a few things. I would have liked to have seen more of a variety of clothes and wares offered up for sale. We had fun it was not that far of a drive 45-60 min from Portland ..we will return to this festival again. Plenty of on street parking. Sunday was not crowded with just the right amount of people in attendance.

My 11 year old son and I have taken many art classes from Dena. She does an amazing job helping…read moreeveryone to feel welcome in the class. She encourages you to personalize each painting with your own style. Each painting looks very much like hers, but with your personal touches. We always walk away feeling like we created a masterpiece. She is always very patient and encouraging to my son. This was his first experience with painting. She helped him to build his confidence in both his painting and in himself outside of painting. We really enjoy painting with Dena. We will continue to participate in her classes. We have created an amazing art space full of great memories at home.

Dena is such an incredible artist and an amazing instructor to those of us who have never painted…read more(and those that have)! My friend and I attended one of her classes at Firesteed Cellars in Rickreall. It was so fun and the camaraderie she creates with the students makes you feel right at home! We had a blast and now I can't wait for her private party she will be doing for me soon!

They have the best teachers and classes! Such a wonderful place and I love the new studio!read more

Wonderful, positive atmosphere with great classes and helpful staff. Instructors are very…read moreknowledgeable and encouraging. Highly recommend.

What an absolute wonderful gallery this is. The art is nothing I've seen before, very…read moreunusual/authentic and unique pieces. There is steampunk/found art jewelry as well as found object/collage diorama pieces etc. The prices are very reasonable also. The gallery itself is nicely set up and very well taken care of. Not to mention the little town itself feels like the new kid on the block ready to blossom. It's got a great vibe all around.

Have to admit, I was surprised to see my photo posted, but I'm just a humble painter trying to show…read morepeople the pictures that I get in my head. Glad someone likes them! And I will never get a haircut, or work as a landscaper.

The Salem Art Fair has been a staple a Salem summers for years. The art is impressive and moving…read morethe stage out from under the oak trees was a good decision. However, I wish the booths for individual artists were still under the shade of the trees and the food options are disappointing. The addition of Gilgamesh Brewing is promising, but I think bringing in food trucks, or some new vendors, could provide better options.

There was a time that I really loved attending the annual Salem Art Fair. It was when I was a kid…read more Set amongst the beautiful shady trees at Bush Park, it was a nice summer time activity that didn't result in heat exhaustion. My mother and I used to always go together and get the delicious chocolate and almond dipped ice cream bars. It was fabulous. Then, after several years of not visiting, I finally went summer of '09 since I now live within walking distance (parking is a nightmare). What a shock. Just shock. At least half of the artists aren't even from Oregon, let alone the Salem area. There were people as far away from Colorado and Arizona slinging their "art" for rip off prices. Yeah, I said rip off. Look, I understand that art may take time and that these people might do this as a living. That's not my problem. As a consumer and a customer, I refuse to believe that the salt and pepper shakers they painted took so much time and effort that they warrant that $90 price tag. Am I an idiot? No. In addition to the above rip-off, the Salem Art Association will now be charging admission to "enjoy" the fair. They believe that "it's a good deal.... and $5 isn't that much money..." You're right, it's not a great deal of money, but that really isn't the point. It's a craft fair, not a museum. It's purpose is to allow patrons to purchase art, not rip people off. But I can't be too harsh, can I? The SAA reports that they ONLY made $215,000 on last years art fair. Boo hoo hoo. They also further justify this $5 fee by claiming that this art fair is one of the best in the country. I don't know the source of this information, but considering what a dump Salem is, I have a hard time believing it. Gah! Just another reason to avoid Salem.