05/18/2026
The Salem Main Streets Community Art Project has been a favorite project for several years now & it is time for it once again. Nothing says, “spring”’like this does!
This year’s project, dreamed up by SMS Arts Festival Committee almost a year ago (with further development by Elise & me), is a celebration of Salem’s 400th birthday. It is also a big shout-out to the cast of colorful characters one is likely to find here in Salem. We were inspired by the furred & feathered characters on Sesame Street & The Muppets and the early lessons they taught about diversity & kindness. After all, aren’t we all just a bunch of wild & furry muppets?
We asked Salem High CTE Department to build giant letters spelling out “SALEM 400+” and then asked different community groups to texturize the letters with different materials & colours. We wanted lots of hands from a wide variety of demographics to work on these. It is such a joy to watch this come together! Keep an eye out for the letters being wheeled around town and come see the finished product at Salem Arts Festival!
So many people care enough to make community art happen and we are grateful. Here are notes about them:
Salem Arts Festival is organized by and . The project is funded by a grant from the Salem Cultural Council with support from The Marblehead Bank. The letters were constructed by Salem High School Career & Technical Education students. Community groups who are adding texture & colour include The Phoenix School, Salem High School Arts Honor Society, Brookhouse Home , North Shore CDC Youth Build students, , Erin Survilas .artist , North Shore Glass School, , and Gallows Hill Artists Studios . We appreciate you all so much and can’t wait to see the finished product at 2026 Salem Arts Festival!
