This year 200 artists will take part in the Fair's centerpiece Artist Marketplace and, according to Salem Art Association Executive Director Don Drake, more than 125 of those artists are new and almost 50 percent of the artists are from outside of Oregon.

"There will be a lot of new work to see - it's going to be a great mix," Drake said.

Other offerings at Art Fair include the Artisans Village, where visitors learn about and watch demonstrations of traditional arts by craftspeople working in and around the Willamette Valley. There will be Native American beading, weaving and glass work, Hmong needlecraft, traditional quilting, Ukrainian egg decorating, and Zimbabwean folk arts, as well as woodworking and carving.

There also will be a full entertainment schedule, with performances on both the Mainstage and on the Family Stage. Headliners perform on the Mainstage at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Family Stage will offer comedy improv presented by Children's Educational Theatre, several dance performances and various musicians.

Entrance to the Art Fair & Festival is free, however, a suggested donation of $5 will go to support the Salem Art Association. For more information, and a full schedule of activities, visit www.SalemArt.org.