Annual Springtime Call to Artists & Exhibition
Each spring Artists in Action presents a fresh artistic challenge to Salem-area artists that results in an April exhibition. The theme for our sixth annual springtime event is “The Colors of Spring” This year we called for engaging works of art that conceptualize either ‘Spring’ (in any sense of the word) or ‘colors of spring’ (in any sense of the word) or both. Submissions were due March 1st. The resulting art will be on display during April 2025 at Elsinore Fine Art Gallery in downtown Salem. Opening night coincides with Salem’s First Friday events.
AiA’s latest approach to judging and awards continues for The Colors of Spring. Rather than traditional “place” awards, we will recognize those artists whose artwork exemplifies the event’s theme in multiple categories. We believe this method stretches the creative muscle, promotes a winning balance between newer and established artists and distributes the kudos and prize money among more individuals. The following “Best” awards will be bestowed by a qualified, unaffiliated judge. This year’s judge is Salem artist Margo McCafferty. You can see more about Margo and her art here.
Critiques will consider general art and design principles in addition to the corresponding category:
- The Colors of Spring Best of Show
- Best Representation of Spring (Concept)
- Best Representation of Colors of Spring (Concept)
- Best Botanical Composition
- Best Spring Landscape
- Best Still Life
- Best Abstract Art
- Best Use of Unconventional Materials
- Honorable Mention
- Elsinore Gallery Award
- People’s Choice (after exhibit)
An Opening Night Reception coincides with Salem’s downtown First Friday Art Walk event on April 4th between 5:00-8:00 p.m. The Awards Ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. The show runs through April 30th. Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery is located at 444 Ferry St. SE. Hours: M-F, 9am-6pm; Sat 10am to 5pm.
The Colors of Spring – Call to Artists
Registration/Entry Submission will be open on January 15th, 2025. Closes on March 1st, 2025
“The Colors of Spring” is the theme for our sixth annual springtime event, and we are calling for engaging works of art that conceptualize either ‘Spring’ or ‘The Colors of Spring’ (in any sense of the words). We are using the ArtCall platform to manage the call.
AiA’s latest approach to judging and awards is similar to the awards for last year’s Spring Fling event. Rather than traditional “place” awards, we will recognize those artists whose artwork exemplified the event’s theme in multiple categories with “best” awards. We believe this method stretches the creative muscle, promotes a winning balance between newer and established artists and distributes the kudos and prize money among more individuals. See the official Call for full info and prize list.
Official Call to Artists for The Colors of Spring (live)
The Colors of Spring Event Timeline
April Exhibition at Elsinore Fine Art Gallery
The Colors of Spring art exhibition is held during April at Elsinore Fine Art Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE, in downtown Salem, Oregon. An Opening Night Reception coincides with Salem’s First Friday events on April 4th between 5:00-8:00 with the Awards Ceremony at 5:30 pm. The show runs thru April 30th. While you’re there, be sure to cast your vote for People’s Choice.
Elsinore Fine Art Gallery Website
The Color of Spring 2025 Gallery of Exhibited Art, Event Video & Awards
See the gallery of the exhibited art and watch the event video when they are available in late march, which will feature an awards presentation by the event judge, who will be announced soon. Also, see which artists received awards (after the announcement at the opening reception).
Last Year’s Spring Renewal Event Video
Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery
Attention Artists! Need Framing? Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery offers local artist discounts not available to the general public. Pick up your artist resource packet in the gallery, 444 Ferry St SE, or visit their framing-specific website or call 503-581-4642 to request one.
We realize that quality framing for your creations can be quite expensive and we will work with your budget and design needs to make sure that your artwork is framed properly without breaking the bank.” —Elsinore Framing
About the ArtCall Platform (Registration Site)
AiA manages its Calls to Artists using the ArtCall platform. ArtCall.org is a distinctly separate site from the AiA website and requires registering for an ArtCall account to participate. You only need to register once; then simply log in for all future AiA calls. Please note, each “official” Call has its own unique web address (URL) which is your starting point to view the call details and participate. Using ArtCall provides an easy way for artists to pay the entry fee and submit images and descriptions of their art and provides AiA agents with an effective way to manage all aspects of the call including fee payments and jury process.