All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray in Salem this time of year, but enough pockets of colorful art and joyful noise exist to liven up the drab winter.

The Bush Barn Art Center on the Bush Park grounds is celebrating with its Holiday Showcase until December 31. That means it’s the last chance to get special items not available during the rest of the year, said Curator Cara Baldwin. The seasonal display is on the second floor of the center and includes items by local and regional artists. According to Baldwin 120-140 artists have their work on display year-round; more during the holidays.

“I would say across the board fine art and fine crafts are the most popular,” Baldwin said. “We added photography this year, which is exciting.”

Some artists who have their creations on display are from the annual summer Art Fair, the only other time they are here.

“We’re just trying to emphasize local shopping, which keeps money in the community, supports artists and the Salem Art Association, directly helping art programs in public schools," said Meghan Rutledge, marketing coordinator.

The center is located at Bush Park on the corner of Mission and High, and parking is available off High Street. Call (503) 581-2228 for more information.

Another fine example of hidden sunshine is the Blue Pepper Café, which actually started out as a relatively small picture framing shop and art gallery in South Salem a few years ago.

“We bought the business almost six years ago, and moved it downtown in May 2005,” said Derek Finholt. He is one of four co-owners who keep the establishment in tune with the changing needs of its customers.

“The original idea was to have people come in, sip their lattes, and look at the art,” Finholt said.

The Blue Pepper offers shelves of ceramics and sculptures by local artists for sale besides the prints and paintings on the bare red brick walls.

According to Finholt, the changing economic trend forced the demise of framing art for the general public earlier in the year; however, the Blue Pepper still will take on special framing projects.

“We’re able to drop things that don’t work so well and put energy into those that do,” Finholt said. "The café, meeting, and entertainment aspects are becoming the primary focus because of the customers’ needs. There’s a thriving local artist community that we strive to stay involved with.”

The Blue Pepper is located at 241 Commercial Street; call (503) 371-4600 for business hours and events.

Mary Lou Zeek Gallery offers a wide variety of local art for those who want to add some sparkle to their homes and businesses.

“I’m an artist myself, for over 30 years, and wanted to share what my artist friends do,” she said.

She represents area painters, jewelers, and sculptors.

"A lot of people come in off the street just for an art fix to brighten up their day!”

The Mary Lou Zeek Gallery is right downtown at 335 State St. Call 503.581.3229 for more information.

Another little shop nestled among the State Street stores is Et Cetera Art Gallery.

“The purpose is to buy and sell vintage art,” said owner Cynthia Day. “Mostly Oregon artists from 1859 to 1959, and some of their later work.”

She displays works by three Oregon artists who have made their mark both at home and abroad. She has paintings by Carl Hall, who taught at Willamette University for 40 years, Demetrios Jameson, an instructor at Oregon State University for 32 years, and Andrew Vincent at the University of Oregon. A fourth Oregon artist, John Oberdorf, is still producing vivid landscapes not only of Oregon, but of the rest of the country as well.

“I’m always looking for new art,” she said, “It’s fun to discover paintings by [Oregon] artists.” Day also said that people may bring things in for appraisal, and she sells on consignment as well as buying outright.

Et Cetera Antiques is located at 3295 Triangle Dr. SE, and you can stop by the art gallery at 329 State St. Call (503) 589-1600 for more information.