About Outside the Box
Artists in Action Members and Salem-area artists are encouraged to think ‘Outside the Box’ and create fantastic embellished boxes for a AiA’s annual fundraising auction. Its a festive showcase of creativity, held during the Salem Art Fair & Festival in July.
One-of-a-kind, weird and quirky boxes are what the public has come to expect and appreciate at this event. Mediums and techniques have included painting, carved wood, assemblages, metalwork, fiber arts, glass, tile mosaics, ceramics and more. Artists graciously donate their box creations and sale proceeds directly support AiA to help our artist community continue to thrive.
The Salem Art Association made their fair a virtual one in 2020. AiA took our event to the internet as well and held a successful online auction. In 2021, the virtual-ness continues for both Outside the Box and the Salem Art Fair & Festival. The events run concurrently for ten days! Of course, we all hope to get back to the park in the future.
Call to Artists
Calling all AiA Members and Salem-area artists to create and donate a box for our annual fundraiser. See the pages below for call details and timeline.
Call to Artists for Outside the Box
Outside the Box Donation/Participation Form
Call for Bidders
The auction will be held Friday, July 16 thru Sunday, July 25, 2021. The boxes are being created now and will be listed on the auction site beginning Friday, July 9 for a one-week PREVIEW prior to the start of bidding.
Art Department to Host Boxes
Downtown Salem’s go-to for creativity supplies, Art Department, 254 Commercial St NE, has enthusiastically agreed to be our central location for artists to drop off their boxes. They will also display the boxes in their shop during the auction so be sure to see them in person! Winning bidders will pick up their new treasures there as well.
Auction Site Powered by Better World
AiA will again conduct its auction online using Better World which is a non-profit organization that offers online fundraising tools to other non-profit orgs free of charge. The site provides a secure, easy way to place bids.
Salem Art Fair & Festival
The Salem Art Association is the organizer of the Salem Art Fair & Festival which has been held in July for 72 years. This year’s fair will be virtual and run for ten days – Friday, July 16 thru Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Visit the Salem Art Fair Website
