Boise, ID

No one would consider Boise to be one of the art capitals neither of the world nor by any means the country. But perhaps in some respects the city is home to some of the finest collections of art I’ve seen in a city of Boise’s size. In Julia Davis Park sits the Boise Art Museum (BAM), across the street from the Boise Library and in front of the rose garden on Capital Boulevard.
Here at BAM I never cease to be impressed by the constantly changing exhibits. What it lacks in size is made up for in quality and presentation. Their permanent collections preserve some old favorites of past visits as well as new purchases I’ve yet to study with my five senses. My most recent visit was one of the best so far.
The museum began with a dramatic entrance, taking the opportunity to allow guests to tactilely explore the one of a kind exhibit inspired by the question “What is worth protecting?” A creation that first debuted in New York City, this sculpture encourages one to explore what others believed was important to protect.
Beyond the web of the entrance hall the American Cockroach, an exhibition of the artistic vision of Catherine Chalmers, infested the main headlining rooms of BAM. Her work was a combination of living material sketches, impressive sculptures, film, and photographic exploration that delivered a changeable emotional impact. While one is first challenged to reevaluate their aversions to these pesky creatures they are comparatively forced to view their own feelings of torture and execution. Around the next corner a different view of western ideals is explored through the eyes of Fredrick Remington and his cowboy turn of the century print culture approach to art.

These are just some of the great works that find their way into the dramatic halls of BAM. On other occasions I’ve observed anything from prints by Chuck Close to Russian Icons that depict religious imagery. Some of the greatest works were one of a kind installations like Ad Infinitum by artist Gerri Sayler. With winding strands of hot glue hung from the ceiling of the hall directly across from the museum entrance, she ties organic themes such as living systems of the body with past traditions like weaving. My favorite experience at BAM was back in February of 2007. Ted Apel, a “sound artist” was introduced to me through his eerie almost space age sound sculptures, that explored and magnified drops of water falling into metallic buckets and electrical currents lighting bulbs.

This is the unique interactive experience of a visit to BAM. One would not find themselves bored speaking with the knowledgeable volunteers or sitting back and observing a masterpiece of scale. Beyond the experience BAM also is home to a great gift shop with unique eclectic items by local artists. During December BAM also hosts a Holiday sale where many Boiseans go to find beautiful decorations and special gifts for friends. For more information concerning the Boise Art Museum visit their up to date website at Boiseartmuseum.org.