The Creative Arts Expo will be Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 from 10 AM until 2 PM. A full day of art, music, history, and hands-on experiences across downtown Salem.

Start Here: What Is the Creative Arts Expo?

The Creative Arts Expo is a one-day, community-wide celebration of the arts, bringing together local artists, organizations, and experiences throughout downtown Salem.

From a large-scale community art display to interactive activities, studio tours, live music, and evening events, the day is designed for you to explore, create, and connect. Whether you visit for an hour or spend the entire day, there is something to experience at every turn.

Main Exhibit: Community & Featured Art

Pow Building | 315 E. State St.
Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Pow Building serves as the central hub of the Creative Arts Expo, offering a layered and immersive art experience in one location.

Throughout the day, visitors can explore:

• Community Art Display
  Hundreds of 5×7 canvases created by local residents, students, and seniors from across the region. This growing collection reflects the creativity and perspective of the community
• Featured Works from the Burchfield Society
  A selection of larger-scale pieces that highlight regional artistic excellence and connect to Salem’s artistic legacy
• Quilt Display
  Presented by a local quilt guild, featuring two quilts on display along with information about their work and craft
• Live Acoustic Music
  Rotating solo and duo performers will provide a relaxed musical backdrop throughout the day

Many of the community canvases will be available to take home with a donation, with permission from the artists.

For most visitors, this is the best place to begin.

Explore Downtown: Art Walk & Activities

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Beyond the main exhibit, the Creative Arts Expo extends throughout downtown Salem with opportunities to explore, interact, and experience art in action.

Studio Tours

Step inside working artist spaces and see creativity up close.

Interactive Art Activities

Local organizations and downtown businesses will host hands-on art experiences at various locations throughout downtown.

A walking map will be available to guide visitors to each activity location.

Plein Air Artists

Artists will be painting throughout downtown during this time. As you explore, you may encounter them working on location, offering a unique glimpse into the artistic process.

Burchfield Trolley Tour

Tour Times: 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

As part of the day’s celebration of art and local history, visitors can take part in a guided trolley tour focused on the life and work of Charles Burchfield, one of Salem’s most notable artists, sponsored by the Salem Historical Society.

This narrated experience includes:

• Visits to locations featured in Burchfield’s paintings
• Historical context and storytelling
• Insights into Burchfield’s connection to Salem

Pickup and drop-off location is the Salem Historical Society 208 S. Broadway Ave. (1 block South of the Pow building and gallery displays)

Tickets are required and will be available at the Salem Historical Society.

Evening Events with the Burchfield Society

Pow Building | 315 E. State St.

The Creative Arts Expo continues into the evening with a transition to a more formal program hosted by the Burchfield Society

6:00 PM – Members-Only Cocktail Hour
This portion of the evening is reserved for Burchfield Society members.

7:00 PM – Art Auction
Open to the public and hosted by Hoffmeister Auctions, featuring a selection of artwork available for bidding.

7:00 PM – Live Performance: Lake Effect Trombone Octet at the Salem Community Theatre (490 E State Street)
There will be a live musical performance by Lake Effect, an all-trombone ensemble led by a local musician and Cleveland State student. (1 block East of the Pow building and gallery displays)

Plan Your Day

Visitors are encouraged to experience the Expo at their own pace. A typical visit might include:

Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Begin at the Pow Building (315 E State St) to experience the main exhibit, then head out to explore the Art Walk, activities, and studio tours.

Midday
Take part in the Burchfield Trolley Tour at 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM. Enjoy lunch in any of the locally owned and operated downtown restaurants.

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Return to the main exhibit, enjoy live music, and spend additional time exploring the artwork.

Evening (7:00 PM and later)
Attend the public art auction or the evening performance of “Lake Effect”.

Join Us

The Creative Arts Expo is an opportunity to experience the creativity, talent, and collaboration that define the Salem community.

Whether you are discovering local art, participating in hands-on activities, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, we invite you to slow down, explore, and be part of the day.