One of the amazing things about Salem is the amazing local art scene that continues to impress and reinvent itself every year, and this year is no different! A new outdoor exhibit located in the Salem Wax Museum’s Haunted Neighborhood, is currently delighting and spooking both travelers and residents alike.
Those who visit are met by “the enchanters”, a group of eight figures made from PVC and cast-iron piping, all sporting a pumpkin or skull head and wearing 1970s inspired fall trench coats. The leader of the group is located ground level to allow visitors to take a close-up photo. The others float above the crowds attached to the surrounding buildings.
Stylist Madison O’Neil’, Marblehead resident and student at the School of Fashion Design in Boston, said she “was inspired by Salem’s retail history Salem’s 1970s retail history when it was home to the area’s destination stores attracting shoppers from Boston and throughout the North Shore”
All the clothes featured in the display all came from local businesses “The trench coats were thrifted from various stores in Salem, Beverly, and Danvers. Beverly Bootstraps was vital for providing the accessories like scally caps and gloves,” said O’Neil, “Two of my favorite coats in this collection are from Witch City Consignment at the Jerry’s Department Store on Essex Street.”
The Haunted Village, located on Liberty Street adjacent to the Charter Street Cemetery and the Witch Trials Memorial, is thrilled to have collaborated on this project which they consider to be a “win-win.” Taylor Dunn, spokesperson for the Salem Wax Museum said that the display, “elevates our festive ambiance and encourages visitors to take photos and enjoy our attractions outdoors.”
The installation will run through October but don’t worry! It will be expanded and brought back in 2022.
About the Salem Wax Museum and Salem Witch Village
Established in 1992, the Salem Wax Museum and Salem Witch Village are year-round attractions offering history and entertainment. Both are located on a dead-end street across from the Peabody Essex Museum and adjacent to the Tricentennial Witch Trials Memorial and The Charter Street Cemetery – reputed to be the 2nd oldest burial ground in the country.
The Salem Wax Museum is a self-guided, open gallery depicting Salem’s history from the witch trials hysteria to bold seafarers, including “The Hanging Judge” John Hathorne and the witch trial memorial statue. The Salem Witch Village is a guided presentation by a practicing witch focusing on the myths and the facts surrounding witches and their craft.
During October’s world-famous Haunted Happenings, they transform Liberty Street into the Haunted Neighborhood offering additional attractions like a candlelit walking tour, spellcasting, and the city’s oldest haunted houses. Learn more at SalemWaxMuseum.com
