More than finger painting

Parents everywhere are known for displaying their little darlings work on the front of the refrigerator for people to notice. Sure, it’s probably a high traffic area of the home, but beginning in April kids from the Salem-Keizer School District have a chance to display their art like professionals.

Sponsored by Bob and Marypat Hill along with Umpqua Bank, children as young as kindergartners through high school have the opportunity to showcase their work through Salem Art Association at the Bush Barn Art Center April 2-May 10.

This annual exhibition begins on April 2 with the Elementary Art Show Opening, with receptions scheduled for 4-5:30 p.m., and the same time on April 9. The first transition is on April 13 when the middle school artwork replaces the younger kids’ work. Their opening reception is held on April 15, also from 4-5:30 p.m.

Toward the end of the month, high schoolers receive the opportunity to showcase their creative talents. On April 28, the oldest youth take over the gallery. The show is judged the following day.

For more information on the show, visit www.salemart.org

An artistic career on display

One Salem man has traded in medical instruments for a brush, and his patients for a canvas. Retired Dr, Sameul Rouslin now paints watercolors, depicting outdoors scenes, including one of Oregon Capitol in Salem.

Currently, his collection of paintings that were donated to benefit the Salem Chamber Orchestra are on display at Reed Opera House downtown through April 31.

Local artist Dr. Rouslin gave his original paintings to the orchestra, of which his son Dan Rouslin is the concert master, so that all proceeds can go directly to benefit the organization.

Dr. Rouslin’s work is a mixture of impressionism and realism. He takes recognizable subjects and paints in a light colored impressionist style.

Guests can view his collection for free.

A professor’s collection of paintings and prints

Hallie Ford Museum plays home base for professor James B. Thompson collection as it is the first of four galleries that will host his work through 2011.

In the Atrium Gallery and Print Study Center, Thompson’s collection “The Vanishing Landscape,” features prints as well as paintings that show the transformation of the rural western United States. Accompanying his artwork is a 52-page monograph written by an Oregon State University professor Henry Sayre.

Thompson has been a part of the art faculty of Willamette University since 1986.

The galleries are closed Monday. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and students. Children younger than 12 are admitted for free, and Tuesday is an admission-free day. For more information, call (503) 370-6855.

Call for VAST artists

Artists with studios in Salem, Keizer, Independence, Monmouth, Dallas and Rickreall are encouraged to apply for the Visual Artist Studio Tour, a self-guided public tour of local artist studios.

Any visual art or craft medium is acceptable. Art must be original, not from kits or commercial patterns. Registration costs $70 per artist before June 1.

Printed applications will be available at Art Department, Inc., Bush Barn Gallery, and the Willamette Art Center River Gallery.

For more information, call or e-mail Cynthia Herron at 503-363-9040 or cynth.herron@gmail.com.