About SALON

The 27th International Decorative Painters Salon "SALON"

The International Decorative Painters Salon brings together master decorative painters from over 25 different countries who share their work and techniques in this exhibition and live painting event.   Participants of Salon include independent artisans, master technicians and teachers including finishers, restoration artisans, sign painters, scenic artists, gilders, and muralists.  

Salon showcases many of the unique traditions of decorative painting, which are  shared amongst the participants, and ultimately, passed onto their students and apprentices, inspiring the future generations of skilled artisans.

SALON San Francisco 2023

THANK YOU SAN FRANCISCO!    This year we welcomed over 1250 visitors to Salon, including our local and national sponsors; local designers and builders; students and other members of the interested public; and dozens of visiting decorative painters, many of whom traveled  from across the country to see the event. 

Visitors watch casual demonstrations within the exhibit of Salon San Francisco 2023, at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture,  Gallery 308

MORE ABOUT SALON:   The Salon is non-profit event, hosted by a well-respected Participant in their home city, and moves to a new place every year. The event is funded entirely by donations, sponsorships, and the participants themselves.  It is not a trade show nor is it an art exhibit.  Participants apply to join the Salon, create an exhibit panel especially for it, and will then casually demonstrate their skills to share their expertise, tools, and techniques. A collaborative group mural is painted, and lectures and featured demonstrations round out an educational event aimed at inspiring the best quality work and helping to inform those interested in working in, or with, this creative and in-demand trade.

See more of our history on our main website salonforever.net 

Salon San Francisco 2023   the 27th Gathering of Salon was organized by San Francisco artist Lynne Rutter, and sponsored by Artistic License, A Guild of Artisans, Inc.  a Registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization | EIN #83-2871780.    

Donations to support Salon are fully tax-deductible in the U.S. as allowed by law. 

A featured  demonstration at Salon in Lecce, Italy