BOISE, ID – American Contradictions: A Boise Visual Chronicle Exhibition, originally on view until January 2026, has been extended until the end of March 2026, giving visitors ample time to head over to the Erma Hayman House (617 Ash St., Boise) to see the work of eight local artists together interpreting the “American Experiment” through the lens of life in Boise today.
Opened on August 28 and officially kicking off the City of Boise’s commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, the group exhibition features artwork by Anne Peterson, Devon Smith, Grace Page (McJack), Heather Whitt, Kirsten Furlong, Margaret Pope, Mongina Cole, and Sam Archide.
Each artist’s work reflects on the persistent tension between many of America’s founding values – Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness – and the struggle to deliver on the promise of a more perfect union. For example, Devon Smith’s City of Tomorrow, a series of four digital photographs, explores how our nation’s historical commitment to equality has not always been upheld. In response to Smith’s piece, visitors are encouraged to write down and reflect on inequalities they may have faced or witnessed in their own lives, ultimately putting the “American Experiment” into the hands of its people.
Curated by an independent community-based panel of Boise residents, who developed the theme for the public call and selected the featured artists, the exhibition fulfills the 2025 Boise Visual Chronicle (BVC), a biennial commission of portable artworks for the City of Boise’s public art collection.
Margaret Pope’s Untitled made of barbed wire and thread received a purchase award and will be added to the BVC collection after the exhibition closes. Three additional works were recognized with first, second, and third place jury awards: Margaret Pope’s Untitled, Anne Peterson’s Is Everyone Welcome?, and Mongina Cole’s Polly Bemis. Many of the works are also for purchase.
The exhibition will culminate in a closing reception on Thursday, March 26, from 5-7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more and plan your visit at ErmaHaymanHouse.org
About the Boise Visual Chronicle (BVC)
Initiated in 1996, the Boise Visual Chronicle (BVC) collection is a city-owned collection that captures life and culture in Boise. Together, these works offer a compelling visual record of the city’s changing landscapes, people, and perspectives, forming a unique portrait of artistic vitality in our region. Explore the collection.
About the Erma Hayman House
The Erma Hayman House is a historic site and cultural center that shares a dignity-centered history of the River Street Neighborhood through preservation, interpretation, and culturally mindful public programs. Through collaborative partnerships, the Erma Hayman House offers inclusive on-site programs and experiences that seek to directly support, serve, and amplify Boise’s diverse community. The Erma Hayman House is owned and managed by the City of Boise’s Department of Arts & History. More information: ermahaymanhouse.org
About the Boise City Dept. of Arts & History
The Department of Arts & History is Boise’s local cultural agency dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging through accessible and place-based arts and history. Our mission is to cultivate a distinct sense of place which reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. Our operations empower and serve Boise residents as we create opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s past and its creative economy. More information: boiseartsandhistory.org