Salem artists, families and clay lovers have reason to celebrate. After an intense period of uncertainty, moving, and renovations, the Willamette Art Center is reopening in a bigger and brighter space in SE Salem.
For more than two decades, the nonprofit ceramics studio has been a go-to creative space for people of all ages and backgrounds. Low-cost classes, open studio hours and beloved events like Family Clay Day helped build a lively community of makers right here in Salem.
But last year brought a major challenge. In early 2025, the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center announced it would not renew the art center’s long-standing lease at its location on the north side of the fairgrounds. That decision meant the center had only a few months to find a new home suitable for classes, kilns and community programming.
“We’re really excited about being in a place where we can design it to meet our needs,” Executive Director Lisa Joyce said in an earlier interview with Salem Reporter about the relocation process, noting the difficulty of the old space with its confusing fairgrounds gates and limited accessibility.
After months of fundraising, support from donors and planning with volunteers and contractors, the art center found a fresh start at 3995 Fairview Industrial Drive S.E. Renovations added roughly 1,500 square feet of workspace, and the new studio now includes heating, air conditioning, more parking and a fully accessible entrance, which are features that will make creativity comfortable year-round and welcome even more people to explore clay arts.
Compared to the fairgrounds site, the new location brings bigger possibilities. Summer classes won’t be canceled because of heat, and open studio participants will have more flexibility to work on their pieces even when classes are underway. Plus, the location is easier to find and easier to access.
Of course, growth also comes with increased costs. Monthly operating expenses like rent, utilities and staffing are now about five times higher than before, even as the nonprofit strives to keep classes affordable. Community fundraising efforts (which have raised around $170,000 over the past year) will be essential in supporting the center’s expanded operations.
As the doors open for a fresh year of classes, workshops and community events, the Willamette Art Center stands as a hopeful example of Salem’s spirited arts culture: creative, inclusive and always welcoming to anyone ready to try their hand at making something by hand.
The center will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Read the full story on Salem Reporter: https://www.salemreporter.com/2026/01/02/willamette-art-center-reopens-in-larger-south-salem-studio/
Learn more about the journey that led to this new chapter: https://www.salemreporter.com/2025/02/06/willamette-art-center-seeks-new-home/
