Welcome to another season of art shows at the Historic Salem Courthouse, with opening receptions slated for the first Fridays of the month.

All openings, except for the Aug. 2 premier featuring works by the Lunch, Learn and Play students, run from 5-7:30 p.m. The LLP opening will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Drinks and light refreshments will be available for purchase; the receptions are free and open to the public, although donations to support Courthouse programs and renovations are greatly appreciated. 

Currently, the Great Hall Gallery is a showcase for items for bid during the online auction, the Courthouse’s second-largest fundraiser. There is an eclectic display of original art, crafts, furniture and other items that would make wonderful additions to one’s home or gifts for graduations, weddings, or Mother or Father’s Day.

May 3 is the opening of “Illustrious Illustrators,” featuring works by Logan S. Kline, Heather M. Bellanca and Alese Osborne; this opening also includes Tarot readings. June 7 marks the opening of “Cornfields: The Rhythm of Life,” displaying paintings in oil on canvas and linen by Hannie Varosey.  More information about Jeri MacDonald’s July 5 opening will be forthcoming.

The Aug. 2 opening showcases the talents of Lunch, Learn and Play students under the guidance of art teacher Gabi Moore. The show is inspired by the works of Alexander Calder and Ann Gillen. In September, artist Paula Krieg presents “Folded Transformations of Pattern & Paper,” and the season concludes with an Oct. 6 multi-artist show entitled “It’s All Wood,” described as “creations and collections to admire or buy.”  Among the featured woodworkers are Randy Dumas, Tom Kerr, Christy Little and Dan Mitchell.

Plan to make “First Fridays” a regular event and support local artists and the Historic Salem Courthouse, located at 58 E. Broadway in Salem.