statestreetsalem

Walk down to the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery

2012-02-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

The Art in Communication/100 Artist Show will open this evening at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery.

This year’s 100 Artists theme was inspired by a First Day Cover stamp art collection found by gallery owner Mary Lou Zeek at an estate sale. All of the 1960’s first day of issue postage envelopes were addressed to Dennis Rowley of Snowflake, Arizona, with special artwork printed on the envelopes and an old school font style that only a ribbon-style manual typewriter could produce. This ephemeral collection conjured up ideas of pen pals and hand-written letters… a correspondence style that now seems a rare luxury in this modern day of email and short message texting.

With theme in mind and envelopes in hand, Mary Lou divided the 100 artists into pairs. She assembled a packet of instructions along with an envelope from Rowley’s collection for each artist. The artists were given the name of their correspondence partner and asked to use the blank sheet of paper included in a Rowley envelope to create a correspondence piece to mail to their assigned art pal. The message could be a letter, a poem, a drawing. Whatever the artist chose to do was fine as long as it was done by hand.

But the instructions didn’t end there. After creating their correspondence, artists were asked to mail it along with the Rowley envelope to their show partner. In return, their show partner would do the same for them. Then, in creating show artwork artists were asked to use correspondence that arrived in their mailbox as inspiration. To sum it up, artists were given a two-fold assignment this year:

1. Create a hand-written message and send it to the assigned art show pen pal.

2. Then use the correspondence received from their art show pen pal as a catalyst for creating their piece of artwork.

We invite you to spend as much time as you like viewing this show and it’s many layers. The artwork is displayed by names, and correspondence between the two artists is available upon request. We encourage you to become a part of the art of communication by writing down or sketching your thoughts and impressions of a particular piece of correspondence, the artwork created or the idea of communication in general. While visiting the gallery online or in person, we encourage you to “write” to one or more of our artists. Send or give us your letter and we’ll happily pass it along to them. We like the idea of written communication going full circle.

As is the tradition with each February 100 Artists show, proceeds generated from silent auction sales will benefit a worthy project. This year we will use funds to create Art of Communication activity kits for loan to teachers, after school clubs and home school programs, and perhaps even senior centers. Just think of the creative possibilities that an art pen pal activity can provide for all ages and skill levels and the interesting conversations it can provoke! Where would history be without the hand-written correspondence between John and Abigail Adams? Is cursive writing a dead skill that shouldn’t be taught anymore in school? How do you know that what you heard is what I meant? Shared meaning… necessary or possible?

State Street is sweet!

2012-01-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

Meg set out looking for ideas for her special valentine...(Gramps) and was on quite a mission. She didn't want to miss a thing and while crossing the street, Meg noticed that it may be a good idea to stop into Cookes Stationery for a fancy pen to write her "sweet nothings". These Parker pens are fantastic...she wonders if she can get her paws around them?

Wait....Meg sees they have Valentiine cards too! Oooooh.. Grampies will love that dog one!

Meg scurries across the street to see what the Arbor has for Valentine gifts.

Lots to see! Guess what? The Arbor is having a party! They've been in business for one full year. They even gave Meg an invitation...here it is! They hope to see you there!

Let’s all eat cake!

Pink champagne, hors de orves, live music, too

Celebrating our first year with you!

Then mark your calendar for the week to come

As the celebration continues with something for everyone!

Simon Pearce, VSA, Lollia and John Derian

We have new products for you to view

Make Valentine’s Day extra special for you!

Right next door Meg rushes into MaValise and notices that Janet has some fabulous clothes and lovely jewelry....Meg does have a "special valentine" that takes her for her walks. Meg may need to buy her master something to wear!

While walking outside along State Street, there are so many cool buildings to see, this great historic architecture knocks Meg off her paws!

Meg runs looking for her owner at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery. The 100 Artist show opens on February 1st with Art in Communication. This show has artists from all over the country! A must see!

Did you know they have jewelry? Plus many other items for Valentines!

After walking on State Street, it may be time to grab a snack at the Wild Pear. Walking along the street, you will see spectacular buildings along with airy trees.

Yes, there is always blue sky on State Street.

Wild Pear is also planning a special Valentine dinner...check this out!

http://www.wildpearcatering.com/menus/valentine_menu.pdf

Finally done for today, Meg sets out to see one of her favorite people from Sugar.Sugar.

Cupcakes and candy can be the perfect gift for Valentines Day! Dana also creates dog treats which make Meg very happy.

Happy Valentines and xox from all of us on State Street!

Take a walk down State Street and see....

2012-01-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

Wednesday evening Art Opening of "The Letter", a group show.

These are actual postcards that can be mailed, created by Sandra (sloy) Nichols. Click onto the website to see more work by Robert Bibler, Dave (nic) Nichols, Sandra (sloy) Nichols and Emily Stuart. A must see at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery.

Don't forget to get that sugar fix while visiting the gallery with sugar.sugar., located two doors down from the gallery at 329 State Street.

Ask about Sugar.Sugar's "Bring a friend" coupon. Get two free cupcakes (one for you and one for your friend!) when you bring in your friend to this fabulous cupcake and candy store.

Pick up this special coupon from the store.....one per person please....no strings attached, just sugar.sugar. This special ends February 1st, 2012.

After eating lunch at the Wild Pear, take a stroll, take in some art and visit the shops along the street while grabbing a little sweetness. Life is good on State Street!

Deer visits State Street....

2011-12-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

not really, but we did get your attention!

Our wonderful shops will be open for these last frenzy days of shopping. Remember that the State Street shops are owned and operated by people who live in your community.
We are small businesses trying to make a difference...we love Salem.

See you on the street...State Street that is!

Buying Locally.

2011-12-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here is an example of what someone can do and be creative in the process.

Recently Garth Brandaw (owns WaterPlace in downtown Salem) decided to brainstorm an idea to support downtown Salem and it's merchants.

Mary Lou Zeek (from Mary Lou Zeek Gallery) helped him by creating a tray from a map of downtown Salem...on the map are cupcakes from Sugar. Sugar., along with a small dish that was purchased locally...Mary Lou Zeek Gallery (you can't see it in this photo) with a card that says...YOU ARE HERE!

After eating the cupcakes, the map is exposed showing all the downtown streets where people can shop!

We LOVE to see people invest in their community and thank Garth from thinking of our street.

Do you recognize me? It's me...Meg

2011-12-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

I decided to dress up in my reindeer horns and head out to visit my friends on State Street.

Figuring out where to go first was easy....My first stop was Sugar.Sugar. notice the reindeer food? Thank you Dana for thinking of me.

I may grab one of these delicious swirled suckers...what a nice gift for my friends.

I'm going to have her box me up a dozen cupcakes too. EVERYONE will love me for this gift.

I'm going to stop in and say "hello" to Mandeep at Unique Arch.

Mandeep thought she could do some threading on my eyebrows but I think not...dogs are suppose to be fuzzy.

I scurried down the to Arbor on State and found a perfect gift for one of my friends. Luckily they wrap so I could hide the package.

and yes...I love kitties!

Whoa friend...It's me, Meg posing as a reindeer.

Off to MaValise.

I think this ornament will look perfect on my tree at my house. MaValise has sooooo many to choose from.

awwwwwww.

Time to take a lunch break at the Wild Pear!

They serve martini's!!!!

I met so many wonderful people today!

You may not know this about me but I buy ALL of my craft supplies and paper from Cooke Stationery. Robin helps me find the things I need.

Notice...the Cat Lovers book? What a fun gift for Apple the cat.

One of my favorite people in the world is my owner, she owns the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery.

In case you need to visit me, I'm at the gallery...usually sleeping in my soft bed that's upstairs. I love visitors!

I love these little prints by Margarie Weiss. Dogs of course.

Time to nest with Jan Gassner's woodcarved door.

Visit State Street!

We are dog friendly!

Meg goes shopping on State Street...

2011-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

Where should she start? So many choices!

Candles from the Arbor?

Of course I LOVE art (my mom has taught me well) and need to hang out in the gallery to see the latest!

Lunch...hmmmm, not sure if they carry my kind of food but I know EVERYONE loves the Wild Pear so I must stop in to see them. dog bones anyone?

Sugar.Sugar. loves to see me walk in their door. Dana gives me lots of kisses and scratches behind my ears....grrrr (that's a good grrr for Dana!)

Walk this way....

2011-12-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

and you can see all sorts of great shopping on State Street.
1. Fill up on a great lunch at the Wild Pear. Beware though...you may see ALL your friends and you won't even get a word in edgewise. It's the place to meet!

2. Head over to Cooke Stationery to pick up that pen and paper for writing out your shopping list....don't forget to see the amazing building and say "hello" to Kip and Colleen.

3. Cross over to visit MaValise. You can find all sorts of items to fill your bag.

4. Right next door is the Arbor. Be sure to take time to gaze at their front windows. They REALLY have the best windows in town for "window shopping". We think Kelly has quite a knack for decorating!

5. Not far down the block you will find Will Bragg photography. If you pop in to meet him, you will see his entire setup! He loves photographing his subjects and makes everyone feel comfortable with his smile. Before you know it, he has taken the shot, you look amazing and he zips it off to your email. Talk about fast!

6. Right next door you may want to get an "art fix". Walk into the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery to see the latest show for the month! Walk on back to see the one-of-a-kind jewelry for that special someone on your list.

7. Now it's time to relax in the chair and try some threading from the Unique Arch. Really, this only takes a second and Mandeep can shape your eyebrows better than you've ever had them shaped. No waxing, no pain...it's over in a minute and you walk out looking fab.

8. Last but not the least is Sugar.Sugar. Dana has given Salem a shop unique for our town. Once you walk in you think you are in "Sugar Heaven". Bring your sweetie, your sweet ones or just you...It's a place to end the day on State Street.

See you soon!

Up close and personal...Let me tell you about State Street!

2011-12-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

State Street is unique to downtown Salem. You can shop, meet the owners, have a bite to eat AND support your local economy! Join us in supporting State Street and downtown Salem!

A few facts as to why you should stop and shop at these stores.
Did you know....
When you buy from a locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other businesses, service providers and farms?
Did you know...
Non-profits receive an average of 250% more support from small business owners than larger businesses?
Did you know...
Where we shop, where we eat and have fun; all of it makes our community home. One-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of our community?
Did you know....
Small local businesses are our largest employers?
Did you know....
Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of what they are selling and take more time to know their customers?
Did you know...
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community and are less likely to leave, and are more interested in investing in the community's future?

So....why not buy what YOU want and not what someone else wants you to buy!

Let's go for a peak at what's happening on State Street, just follow the pointing finger!

Journals at Cookes

Great small record keeping books too!

Handmade ceramic bowls at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery

Found object clocks at the gallery!

Christmas goodies at MaValise

Bowls, books and goodies at the Arbor..oh my

Perfect for the home too!

After all that shopping, you need to re-energize at the Wild Pear!

Stop into Sugar. Sugar. for that sweet fix!

Also....yummy cupcakes!

Meet our shops!

2011-12-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

Each shop on State Street is unique and one-of-a-kind....the perfect place to buy local and support your community.

The Arbor!

Stop in to meet Kelly and her dedicated staff!

MaValise!

Did you know that Janet carries clothing?

The Wild Pear!

What else can we say but "It's the best lunch spot in town!"

Cooke Stationery!

This place is a landmark for Salem...the place to go for all your stationery needs.

Will Bragg Photography!

If you need family photos, business shots or an "outside the box" look....Will is the guy to talk to.

Mary Lou Zeek Gallery!

You won't just find paintings at this gallery but all kinds of artwork from Northwest artists.

Unique Arch

Stop into see this salon...eyebrow threading is the latest for tweezing the eyebrows!

Sugar.Sugar.

This is the perfect place to stop and get that sweet tooth fix! Dana has opened this "slice of heaven" on State Street...don't miss checking this out.

State Street has a new blog!

2011-12-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

Our street in Salem, Oregon has the greatest shops!

Stop in to see the Wild Pear, the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery, the Arbor on State, MaValise, Unique Arch, Sugar. Sugar, Cooke Stationery and William Bragg Photography.

We are a small street but we have BIG ideas for Salem.