National Go to an Art Museum Day was on November 9th and was all about going out of your way to appreciate the work of the talented local artists in your community. Luckily, the Boise area is home to many talented artists and art spaces showcasing their work, and any time is a great time to check out the art! 

Our real estate agents have always enjoyed visiting Boise's Freak Alley Gallery when attending to our roster of Boise homes for sale. This unconventional gallery is located at the crossroads between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho, and it's the perfect place to dip your toes into the local art world.  

Origins of Freak Alley Gallery

Freak Alley Gallery began as a single project by local artist Colby Akers. Akers was hired to paint the alley-facing side of the Moon's Café eatery in 2002. His completed painting was so impressive that other businesses around the area began asking for similar work to be done on their outer walls. Pretty soon, the entire alley was covered in stunning vibrant artwork by local artists from all walks of life.  

Akers spent years as the gallery's unofficial curator, reviewing hundreds of proposals for new art for the alley. As of 2020, this role has been taken over by Melissa Nodzu. 

Over the years, the gallery has added some indoor space to its premises to give more artists a chance to participate in this beloved community tradition. Freak Alley Gallery is sustained primarily by donations and volunteer work. If you want to help the organizers continue to do the work that keeps the gallery going, they are always happy to accept donations of time or money to the cause.  

Planning a Visit 

Freak Alley's annual painting even is held every summer, usually during the first Saturday in August. During this event, all the paintings that were on display in the gallery during the past year are painted over and replaced with new, specially curated works. The new murals are primarily painted by specially chosen artists, but ordinary members of the community are sometimes invited to participate as well. Visitors are not allowed inside the gallery for a full week during this time, so be sure to plan your trip for a week that doesn't coincide with this annual refresh.  

Freak Alley Gallery is a hidden gem that is well worth at least one visit in your lifetime, and it's far from the only noteworthy spot for arts and culture in Boise. If you know where to look, this city is full of creativity and expression with plenty of local artists that call this area home.

After your visit here are other local art museums and galleries to view art throughout Boise:

• Boise Art Museum - 670 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
• Boise Art Glass - 1124 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Or spend the day walking around downtown and appreciate the local art in the area! 

Contact us today to learn more about our real estate listings in Boise and how we can help you become a part of this one-of-a-kind community.