Arts & Culture

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

This annual event features the work of faculty from within Salem State University’s nationally accredited art + design department. Works by both full-time and adjunct studio faculty in printmaking, painting, design, sculpture, photography and various other media are exhibited. This event takes place in the Winfisky Gallery, Ellison Campus Center. ExhibitionSeptember 2-October 2, 2026

Join fellow PEM members on an exclusive tour of our Asian Export Art gallery with a PEM Guide!

Enjoy a special pop-up display of original artworks featured in the newly released book Boreal Wilderlands: Art, Science, and Adventure in Earth’s Greatest Wilderness by wildlife artist and naturalist Rob Mullen.

Enjoy a special pop-up display of original artworks featured in the newly released book Boreal Wilderlands: Art, Science, and Adventure in Earth’s Greatest Wilderness by wildlife artist and naturalist Rob Mullen. Meet the author, get your copy of the book signed and explore an installation of several works by Mullen and other artists on view outside Morse Auditorium.

“This is a truly remarkable book about one of the most important―and little known―landscapes on planet Earth…And it’s never been more powerfully depicted than in these pages.” ―Bill McKibben, author and environmentalist

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Salem Dance Ensemble and Hip Hop Dance Ensemble

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Members are invited to a private preview and cocktail reception celebrating the opening of Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer”.

Discover the inspiration, planning and creative decisions that shaped Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer” in an insider conversation and Q&A.

Monsters & Myths

“Monsters & Myths” is an open exhibition to members and non-members at our Pickering Wharf gallery to celebrate Salem’s spooky season.

We’ve invited artists to explore the creatures, legends, and stories that haunt our imaginations. From ancient folklore and supernatural beings to modern-day fears and personal phantoms, this show celebrates the power of myth and mystery in all its forms.

This fall exhibition allows artists to delve into the realm of the eerie and the extraordinary, celebrating the rich tapestry of folklore, legends, and the fantastical creatures that haunt our imaginations. As Salem is renowned for its history of witchcraft and supernatural tales, we have encouraged artists to explore their interpretations of monsters and myths, whether they be drawn from personal experiences, cultural stories, or classic literature. "Myths & Monsters" showcases a unique vision of the mysterious and the macabre.

• Opening Reception: Friday September 18 , 2026 6:00 – 8:00
• Exhibit Dates: Saturday September 19 - Saturday November 7, 2026
• Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Join PEM and High Museum of Art curators for a conversation celebrating the opening of Isamu Noguchi: "I Am Not a Designer."

Join Salem’s Poet Laureate J.D. Scrimgeour and PEM’s Director of Learning and Community Engagement David Snider for the official book launch of Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

The Chuseok Festival celebrates one of Korea’s most important cultural holidays, centered around the harvest, gratitude and family reunions.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Inspired by the unconventional life of Elizabeth Derby West, who challenged social order with both her actions and her clothing choices, Grace and Diggs explores the connection between defiance and ostentatious dress in this multi-scene photo shoot environment. From the creator of Miss Havisham's Parlour, Order and Ostentation is a ticketed, reservation-only photo experience. All reservations must be booked on Eventbrite or directly with Grace and Diggs and affiliated event partners. Interested in coordinating a custom experience, such as a professional photo shoot, company outing, or networking activity? Email Linda at Grace and Diggs.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Join us in honoring Indigenous Peoples Day and celebrating Native American arts and culture.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Magician Anton Andresen will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Houdini's death by presenting a selection of mysteries inspired by his life and career.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Annual Member Holiday Showcase
Our Annual Member Holiday Showcase at the Pickering Wharf gallery wraps up the first year in our new space! This festive exhibition celebrates the creativity and community of our members during the holiday season. We encourage artwork that embodies the essence of the holidays, whether it’s a celebration of winter, personal reflections, or the warmth of togetherness.
From painting and photography to sculpture, crafts, and mixed media, this show shares the latest creations intended to find a new home for the holidays!.
Join us as we fill the gallery with color, warmth, and imagination to celebrate another vibrant year of art in Salem and ring in the holiday season together!

• Opening Reception: Friday November 13. 2026, 6:00 – 8:00
• Exhibit Dates: Saturday November 14, 2026 – Saturday January 2, 2027
• Gallery Hours are every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Marking 35 years of partnership, this flag raising honors the sister city relationship between Salem and Ota, Japan. In partnership with the City of Salem and the Peabody Essex Museum .

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.

Weekly Writing Studio at the Salem Athenaeum.