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 seventh annual springtime event is “Spring Reveries”. This year we called for engaging works of art that conceptualize either ‘Spring’ (in any sense of the word) or ‘spring reveries’ (in any sense of the word) or both. Submissions are due March 8th. The resulting art will be on display during April 2026 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 Spring Reveries. 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 in Salem has not been decided as yet. Last year, it was 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:
- Spring Reveries Best of Show
- Best Representation of Spring (Concept)
- Best Representation of Spring Reveries (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 3rd 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.
Spring Reveries – Call to Artists
Registration/Entry Submission will be open on February 1st, 2026. Closes on March 8th, 2026
This April, Artists in Action presents “Spring Reveries,” a group exhibition exploring the dreamy and contemplative spirit of Spring. We invite artists to submit works that evoke daydreams, fantasies, abstractions, and the trance-like moods inspired by the season. The show focuses on moments when the mind wanders and nature’s renewal sparks imaginative flights.
Artists are encouraged to explore the interplay between the tangible and intangible, using color, form, or texture to express the fluidity of thought and feeling that define Spring’s magic.
“Spring Reveries” will be on view throughout April, showcasing diverse interpretations connected by themes of introspection and renewal. Artists of all styles and disciplines are welcome to participate.
Join us in celebrating this season of awakening, where fantasy meets reality and abstraction invites quiet reflection and imaginative escape.
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 Spring Reveries (live)
Spring Reveries Event Timeline
April Exhibition at Elsinore Fine Art Gallery – 2025
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 3rd 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. 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.