A note to our community...
To our beloved Salon 21 community:
This week has been a whirlwind of emotions, and it's taken me some time to put pen to paper—figuratively speaking. However, because Salon 21 is all about creating a sense of community, I felt it was important to address some things that have been on my mind and weighing on my heart.
Not every space is intended to be a "space for politics," but when you take on the responsibility of bringing people together, it becomes essential to reaffirm that you are building a safe space—one that welcomes the sharing of ideas, creativity, and open dialogue. At Salon 21, we’ve always believed in fostering a community where everyone can find a sense of belonging. We are a safe haven for artists, a space for education and exploration, and a platform for new perspectives that challenge the boundaries of creativity.
Over the past year, I’ve found so much solace and inspiration from meeting so many of you, and I am continually moved by what we are building together. It’s a shared vision, one that connects us in ways that transcend the everyday.
I want to frame this note around something we all deeply value: art. Art has the power to bring joy to our lives, to open our minds, and to offer us new ways of seeing the world, especially in its darkest moments. It’s one of the most vital tools we have for making sense of the complexities around us.
At Salon 21, we have always prioritized working with emerging artists—both local and international—who offer unique points of view and are eager to be part of the vibrant community we are building here. Through exhibitions like Danielle Kosann’s “The Mysteries That Were Ours,” we were able to raise thousands of dollars for Planned Parenthood and we engaged in a critical conversation about women’s rights. The outpouring of support for our panel discussion was incredible. If you weren’t able to attend, I encourage you to watch a recording of the conversation here. You can also continue to donate through our page here.
Next Tuesday, we’re excited to present a joint exhibition by two female artists who are pushing boundaries with their creative work. This is another opportunity to uplift the voices of those whose art makes a difference in the world, and we are honored to be part of that journey.
On a broader scale, it’s impossible to ignore the challenges that the arts—and education—are facing right now. Under the previous administration, the National Endowment for the Arts faced significant budget cuts, and threats to the Department of Education and public school systems continue to be a pressing issue. We are seeing the erosion of fundamental freedoms like access to knowledge, with book banning and the restriction of arts education, especially in states that are pushing an agenda to silence critical thinking. It’s a scary time, but it’s also a time when we must stay engaged.
So, what can we do? We can uplift underrepresented voices in our communities. We can support the arts—museums, galleries, and artists, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. We can have the tough conversations with our peers and make a conscious effort to improve our media literacy, not relying on social media as our sole news source.
For us at Salon 21, "fighting the good fight" means being a beacon of creativity and open expression amidst an atmosphere of ideological repression. The work we do here—through art, education, and dialogue—is one small yet worthwhile way we can push back against the darkness and remind ourselves of what is worth fighting for.
We hope you will continue to stay informed, stay engaged, and, most importantly, stay creative. We can’t wait to see you back at the salon very soon.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Alex
