Idaho Commission on the Arts

The history of cowboy boot making in the U.S. has been lost to time, but some women are still crafting the iconic Western gear. For this episode of Expressive Idaho, we go back to a 2022 gathering of artisans called the "Cowgirl Congress."

The Idaho Commission on the Arts and traditional artists will hold a Cowgirl Congress in June in Ketchum as part of an America 250 celebration. This episode of Expressive Idaho, produced by Arts Idaho, in collaboration with Arlie Sommer, Lauren Paterson and Boise State Public Radio, features interviews with boot makers Sorrell Custom Boots, Teichert Custom Boots, and Morgan R. Buckert.

Big news!!

Please join us in celebrating Cary Schwarz of Salmon, Idaho, named a 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellow, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.

An acclaimed saddlemaker and leather artist, Cary has spent nearly five decades preserving and advancing the traditional ranching arts of the American West. His custom saddles are known for their strength, balance, and unmistakable artistry. Each one is a reflection of deep skill, discipline, and respect for tradition.

Through mentorship, teaching, and leadership in the field, Cary continues to shape the next generation of makers and keep these traditions alive.

We’re proud to celebrate this incredible recognition of an Idaho artist whose work carries history forward.

👏 Congratulations, Cary!

Cheer on Monroe as he prepares to head to the national finals of Poetry Out Loud in Washington DC next week!

Congratulations to 2026 Idaho Poetry Out Loud Champion Monroe Williams!

Monroe will join the other state & jurisdictional champions in Washington, DC, later this month for the National Semifinals on April 28! 9 finalists will then advance to the Finals on April 29, where they will compete for the title of national champion and a grand prize of $20,000.

More details available at arts.gov/Poetry-Out-Loud

We’re hiring! 🎉

The Idaho Commission on the Arts is looking for a Communications Specialist to help tell the stories of Idaho’s artists, communities, and creative impact.

If you love:
✨ storytelling + content creation
✨ connecting with communities across Idaho
✨ strategy and creativity
✨ making meaningful work visible

…this might be your spot.

You’ll lead communications, shape our voice, and help bring arts and culture to more Idahoans.

📍 Boise-based
💻 State position + excellent benefits
📅 Applications open until April 19 (or until filled)

👉 Apply now: arts.idaho.gov/opportunities/

Know someone perfect? Tag them! 👇

🎨 Calling Idaho artists!

The Idaho Conservation League is looking for its next Artist in Residence. Founded in 1973, ICL protects the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the lands and wildlife you love. For more than a decade, ICL has collaborated with one Idaho artist annually to explore the intersection of environmental advocacy and art through ICL’s Artist in Residence Program!

Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established name, ICL invites you to apply and help celebrate wild Idaho with us!.

🗓 Application close has been extended to April 3, 2026
To learn more and apply go to idahoconservation.org/artist-in-residence

Big congratulations to Idaho’s 2026 Poetry Out Loud State Champion, Monroe Williams of Mountain Home High School! 🎉

After a powerful performance at the state finals in Garden City, Monroe is headed to Washington, D.C. to represent Idaho at the national semifinals this April.

This year, more than 1,200 Idaho students from across the state took part in Poetry Out Loud — celebrating poetry through memorization, performance, and voice.

We’re so proud of all our finalists and can’t wait to cheer Monroe on at nationals! 👏

⏰ Final call, young artists—deadline approaching!

The Bookmark Design Challenge closes on March 31 at 5:00 p.m. ET. K–8 students are invited to submit a hand-drawn bookmark showing what America means to them as we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

🏆 Prizes: 3 winning designs featured + winners invited to an event at the Great American State Fair
👉 Apply now: arts.gov/Bookmarks

Don’t miss your chance to share your creativity—get your designs in before time runs out!

📢 Call to Artists! This is the final week to apply for Art in the Park 2026, taking place September 11-13, 2026. BAM’s open-air art festival is a popular community event, featuring approximately 240 artists each year. Visit the link below for more information and to apply online. ⏰ Applications are due next Friday, March 20, 2026.

https://www.boiseartmuseum.org/art-in-the-park/aip-info_artists/

(Image description: A green square background with a black silhouette of a bird, with blue and brown dots circling the bird. A larger, blue circle in the upper right has white text that reads “Call to Artists.” A black band at the bottom has text in green and white and reads “Boise Art Museum Art in the Park 2026.”)

✨ Calling all Idaho artists! ✨

We invite you to submit qualifications for an opportunity to design and fabricate artwork for the Erma Hayman House sunroom ceiling located at 617 Ash Street in Boise’s historic River Street neighborhood.

One selected artist or team will receive $15,000 to collaborate with community members to design and deliver artwork that reflects the history and spirit of the site, connects to the existing hanging system, and creates a sense of visual vibrancy.

📝 Information Session: Thursday, April 2, at 12 p.m. (MT) via ZOOM
🙋Questions/Clarifications: Via email by Monday, April 13, at 5 p.m. (MT)
📩 Application Deadline: Thursday, April 16, at 1 p.m. (MT)

This opportunity is open to Idaho artists at least 18 years of age. Strong preference will be given to artists or teams not currently on contract with Boise Arts & History or represented in the City of Boise’s Public Art Collection.

Apply at boiseartsandhistory.org/Opportunities.

🎤 Join us tomorrow for the Idaho State Finals of Poetry Out Loud!

After months of classroom, school, and semi-final competitions across Idaho, the top 11 student finalists will take the stage in Boise to compete for the state championship and the chance to represent Idaho at the National Finals in Washington, D.C.!

Come experience powerful poetry brought to life through voice and performance.

✨ This event is free and open to the public—all are welcome!