Led by public artist Linda Mullen, "Characters of Salem" celebrates the Salem 400+ through a set of free-standing letters spelling S-A-L-E-M-400+, transformed into a whimsical cast of friendly monster "characters." The letters were constructed by the Salem High School CTE program, then handed off to community groups and artists from across the city — each one decorating a letter in its own style, reflecting the diversity and creativity that makes Salem, Salem.

Now, during the 2026 Salem Arts Festival (Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7), all of those characters have come together downtown as one unified public art installation. Come see the full S-A-L-E-M-400+ revealed — proof of what this community can build when everyone brings a hand to the table.

The Community Behind the Characters

Every letter tells the story of the people who made it. This year's "Characters of Salem" came to life thanks to:

• Salem High School CTE Program — constructed the free-standing letters that form the foundation of the whole installation.

• Phoenix School — a Salem independent school whose students brought their own character to the project.

• Salem High School Art Honor Society — student artists lending their talent and vision.

• Brookhouse Home — bringing the creativity of Salem's older-adult community into the mix.

• North Shore CDC YouthBuild Program — young people building skills and leaving their mark on the city.

• Erin Survilas — City of Salem Public Artist in Residence.

• North Shore Glass School — adding a maker's craft to the collection.

• Chad Harris — local artist.

• Gallows Hill Artist Studios — Salem's artist community contributing their signature creativity.

From schoolchildren to professional artists, from youth programs to older-adult residents, "Characters of Salem" spans every corner and every generation of this city. That's the whole point — and we love that for us.

Come find the characters downtown this weekend, June 5–7. Bring your friends, bring your kids, and see Salem's creativity standing tall.