Boise Art Schools

Like many people, Ernest Hemingway was drawn to the “Gem State” for its natural splendor and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. It was during his time here that he penned the novel, For Whom The Bell Tolls, making him one of a long list of artists who found inspiration in their own private Idaho. Boise, the state’s capital (and largest city), sits nestled along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and serves as the regional hub of arts and culture. In addition to hosting the wildly popular Gene Harris Jazz Festival and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise also boasts a burgeoning cultural center in the city’s downtown area. Among the many highlights, the Boise Art Museum (BAM) is Idaho’s premier art museum. The museum’s permanent collection provides a diverse offering of styles and movements from an even greater diversity of periods, while also featuring 15 exhibitions annually. BAM also offers various educational and public programs as well as myriad special events, such as Art in the Park and the Beaux Arts Societe annual holiday sale. Other notables include the Idaho Historical Museum, the Discovery Center of Idaho, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. Additionally, popular events celebrating the arts are put on by the Boise City Arts Commission, such as Arts for Kids, Performing Arts at the Market, City Harvest, and Worldfest. Moreover, the Downtown Boise Association hosts first Thursdays in the city’s business district, adding to Boise’s already popular artistic appeal. Although the potato (or, more recently, “tots”) merits the state’s great acclaim, Idaho’s natural splendor provides endless inspiration for those who looking to realize their artistic vision, or just enjoy a mountain hike. Likewise, students choosing to study in Boise will enjoy the amenities of a rich city with close proximity to all the beauty that surrounds it.