"This body of work I hope captures some of the fun and whimsy I see when I look at a room of beautiful old objects, disparate in character, and ask them to dance together in my mind," Giffin said.  "The outcome can be hopeful and lighthearted or thoughtful, even melancholy."
The show will run December 4 - 24. Mary Lou Zeek Gallery is located at 335 State Street in downtown.

Empty Bowls to benefit Food Share
Local artists are banding together to provide help for the hungry with Willamette Art Center's annual Empty Bowls sale.

The bowls were created by local artists during a 12 hour throw-a-thon in September at the Willamette Art Center. "Empty Bowls" is a national project that takes on its own flavor in each city. The bowls will be on sale through December 21 at the Willamette Art Center, which is located at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. All profits from the sale of these bowls goes to charity.

Artists celebrate being in the red

This December Artists in Action celebrate the 5th Annual "Celebrate December -- Something Red" show. Artwork in a variety of media, including paintings, watercolors, pastels, sculptures and ceramics will be presented. The exhibit opens on December 5 and runs through December 30. The entries will be juried by artist Judy Phipps, Chemeketa teacher and artist Carol Hausser and Willamette teacher and artist Alexander Opie. Mayor Janet Taylor will bestow the annual Mayor's Award to her favorite pick.

The Art Walk is officially held on Salem's First Wednesday from 5 - 7 p.m. Many downtown businesses will be open later that evening and offering refreshments and sales. Artists also will be available onsite to meet with the public at various times. The Awards Reception will be held at 7 p.m. in the Reed Opera House. For information visit artistsinaction.org or call (503) 365-5410.