Salem’s Gallows Hill Artists Opens Expanded Studios for Free Public Tour This September
Historic tannery building now houses 28 artists across 12,000 square feet of renovated creative space
Salem, Massachusetts is set to showcase its thriving arts community when Gallows Hill Artists presents Open Studios on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12:00 to 6:00 PM. The free public event will offer visitors the chance to explore Salem’s newest and largest artist collective in a historic building with deep ties to the city’s past.
Major Expansion Creates Salem’s Premier Artist Community
Gallows Hill Artists has undergone significant transformation in early 2025, responding to the growing demand for creative workspaces in Salem. The communal studio space now encompasses 12,000 square feet across two floors and houses 26 artist studios supporting a dedicated collective of 28 artists.
The expansion reflects the high demand for creative workspaces in Salem’s vibrant arts scene. As the press release notes: “Responding to high demand for creative workspaces, Gallows Hill Artists now hosts an expanding and diverse community engaged in a broad array of artistic styles and media.”
What to Expect at Open Studios
The September 13th event promises a comprehensive arts experience for visitors of all ages. Attendees can explore renovated galleries and studios, meet artists in their working spaces, shop at the artist market, and discover the creative process behind various artistic mediums.
The diverse artist community includes practitioners working in photography, painting, digital art, glass arts, multi-media, fiber arts, illustration, printmaking, mixed media, puppetry, jewelry, fashion design, wearable art, and immersive environments.
A Historic Setting with Storied Past
The artistic community is housed in a building with remarkable historical significance. Located at 16 Proctor Street, the structure was “constructed around 1900 as The Arthur J Mulholland Company, one of Salem’s great tanneries and a rare survivor of the Great Salem Fire of 1914.”
The location adds another layer of historical intrigue, as the building sits “just steps from Proctor’s Ledge—the infamous site of the 1692 hangings.” This proximity to one of Salem’s most significant historical sites creates a unique atmosphere where art and history intersect.
The building’s character enhances the artistic experience, with “aged wood structure mingling with sunlight streaming through weathered windows, creating an atmosphere that blends historic character with vibrant artistic energy.”
Supporting Local Creative Economy
Beyond showcasing individual artists, the event will feature additional local creative businesses housed in the same building, including North Shore Glass School and North River Design Woodworking Studios. Local artists from the broader Salem community will also participate in the artist market, creating a comprehensive celebration of the area’s creative talent.
Practical Information for Visitors
When: Saturday, September 13, 2025, 12:00 to 6:00 PM
Where: 16 Proctor Street, Salem, MA (third and fourth floors)
Cost: Free and open to the public
Important accessibility note: The studios are located on the third and fourth floors with no passenger elevator. The organizers encourage visitors with accessibility needs to “contact us in advance so we can assist you and help make your visit as comfortable as possible.”
Parking: Available in the lot on Proctor Street and at nearby Gallows Hill Park. Visitors are asked to “park responsibly with respect for our neighbors and local parking laws.”
A Community Built on Resilience and Creativity
The press release emphasizes the connection between the building’s industrial past and its artistic present: “Today, Gallows Hill Artists continues this tradition of resilience and creativity, fostering a vibrant community where artists draw inspiration from the building’s storied history.”
For those interested in learning more about the artists and upcoming events, complete artist biographies and portfolios are available at GallowsHillArtists.com.
The Open Studios event represents not just an opportunity to see art, but to experience how Salem’s creative community is transforming historic spaces into vibrant centers of contemporary artistic expression.
Media Contact:
James Bostick
(978) 618-6633
Studios@GallowsHillArtists.com
Note: The studios are working artist spaces and are not open to the public outside of special events like Open Studios.
