Over 4,000 people attended the Salem Arts Festival June 5 – 7, 2009. The Festival was a huge success. People of all ages came out to admire art work, listen to fantastic music and even learn to dance. From the Boston Ballet School performing the Garland Waltz from Sleeping Beauty to a concert on the common with Machine 475 there was something for everyone. This festival was a fantastic collaboration between Salem Main Streets, the Salem Arts Association, Salem State College, Gordon College, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Film Fest, the American History and Music Festival™ and Salem Sounds.

The Festival brought talented artists from Racket Shreve to Robin Lane of Robin Lane and the Chartbusters into downtown Salem. The festival ranged from Old Town Hall to Pickering Wharf with indoor and outdoor concerts.
All events were free and all performers donated their time to make this possible. Inside Old Town Hall art exhibits filled the building from a photo exhibit of Inauguration 2009 photos to a special showing by North Shore Arc Works. The Juried Art Show was a hit and showcased a wide variety of talent. The Peabody Essex Museum held origami making demonstrations and Arts of Gold led watercolor painting sessions. There was even a talent contest winners showcase performing with the Mamadou band. Artist Row showcased an exhibit “Does Size Really Matter?” and various businesses around town held events.

The Salem Arts Festival would like to thank the Salem Cultural Council for the generous grant of $1,500 which helped make this festival possible and sponsors: the Peabody Essex Museum, Cinema Salem, and Gangi printing. The Salem Arts Festival would also like to thank all their wonderful volunteers and supporters including ArtThrob and the Salem Chamber of Commerce and the artists who donated their time and talent to make this event possible.