Make ‘Hissstory’ with the 2025 Salem Arts Festival Community Art Project!
LEAD SPONSOR
"Hissstory" is the featured Community Art Project for the 17th annual Salem Arts Festival
-
Collaborative Creation
Community members of all ages gather around tables filled with colorful materials, transforming discarded vinyl banners into vibrant snake segments for the "Hissstory" project. Each participant adds their unique artistic touch—cutting, folding, and embellishing their piece—creating a segment that will become part of Salem's collective artistic narrative.
-
Artistic Guidance
Lead artists Linda Mullen and Claudia Paraschiv demonstrate techniques for crafting snake segments using upcycled materials. Participants learn how to incorporate veggie nets, aluminum foil, and other recycled elements into their creations, blending sustainability with artistic expression in this hands-on workshop environment.
-
Materials Transformation
Watch as ordinary materials become extraordinary art! Workshop participants repurpose colorful vinyl banners from past Salem events, weaving together the city's history with new creative energy. The table overflows with vibrant fabrics, netting, and embellishments as community members contribute their piece to this slithering public art installation that will animate downtown Salem during the 2025 Arts Festival.
About the Project
"Hissstory" is the featured Community Art Project for the 17th annual Salem Arts Festival, taking place June 6-8, 2025. Led by public artists Linda Mullen and Claudia Paraschiv, this innovative upcycling project transforms Salem's past into a collective new creation.
The Concept
Vinyl banners from old city events tell a collective history of Salem's vibrant community life. The "Hissstory" project repurposes these discarded materials, inviting community members to craft individual snake segments and add their own artistic embellishments. These segments will be assembled into a larger installation that celebrates Salem's creative spirit and commitment to sustainability.
How to Participate
Community members of all ages are invited to participate in free workshops throughout Salem. Materials are provided, and participants can add their own creative touches to their snake segments. No artistic experience necessary!
See our events calendar for upcoming workshop dates and locations.
Materials Needed
The project is currently collecting recycled materials! You can help by donating:
Veggie nets (the mesh bags that hold produce)
Clean aluminum foil
Bring these materials to any workshop or drop them off at Salem Main Streets located at 265 Essex Street.
The Final Installation
All the individual snake segments will be assembled and displayed in downtown Salem during the 2025 Salem Arts Festival (June 6-8) and beyond, creating a unique public art installation that represents the collective creativity of the Salem community.
Support
This project is made possible with the support of:
Salem Cultural Council
The Lobster Shanty
Salem Public Art Commission
Eastern Bank
Fiesta Shows
About the Community Art Project
The Community Art Project is one of the core features of the Salem Arts Festival. Each year, a new project incorporates hundreds of individual pieces constructed with upcycled materials by the community and assembled into one final installation, embodying the festival's commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
Join us in making "Hissstory" at the 2025 Salem Arts Festival!
