Salem Public Library has a new space dedicated to exploring artwork created by Salem area artists. Located inside the main entrance to the library, the Art Hall will host a series of temporary exhibitions that will change throughout the year.

The first exhibition features the work of West Salem artist Kristin Kuhns. The new collection titled An Artist's Vocabulary: Place, Tools, Methods, Materials features 13 different mixed media artworks that will be on display in the Art Hall through May 31, 2022.

The works in the Art Hall reflect Kristin Kuhns' life and upbringing in western Oregon and the time she spends at treasured spaces like Minto Brown Park, Baskett Slough and Zena Forest. They consist of collaged and painted elements, stitched and marked using various methods and tools. The pieces complement a companion exhibition to the artist's current show, Woven Journals, on display at Level 2 Gallery inside the Salem Convention Center. Those artworks also reflect familiar elements from walks in Minto Brown Park with a subtext of living during a global pandemic. The pieces weave contrasting images of comfort and disturbance, with written notes and thoughts journaled within the woven patterns.

The Art Hall space has been generously provided by the Salem Public Library in collaboration with the Salem Public Library Foundation, the Salem Public Art Commission, and the Oregon Artist Series Foundation to present rotating art exhibitions to the general public throughout the year.