Get involved with Backyard Artists!
What We Do
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Literary Publication
Under the direction of co-editors Blake Hunter and Sophia Hue, BYA publishes Paper Plane Press — a biannual collaborative literary publication distributed digitally and in physical copies (available for purchase).
Paper Plane Press Volume 1 published 13 emerging Boise authors in three genres: poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. BYA also auditions visual artists to design the cover and illustrate each edition. Stay tuned for Volume 2 — Coming soon!
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Visual Art
BYA collaborates with emerging Treasure Valley artists to host engaging community-based visual art galleries, installations, and events. In 2024, BYA partnered with 15 local artists of varying mediums to create a large installation “Dreamscape” for JUMP Boise’s Illumibrate Festival.
Through donations and partnerships, BYA strives to provide monetary support to the emerging artists featured in our events. This April, BYA will be partnering with Surel’s Place for an installation-style gallery with work from 4 Boise artists. BYA anticipates opening applications for another TBD visual art event later this year.
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Readings & Open Mics
Following each publication of Paper Plane Press, BYA hosts an official Launch Party with readings from each published author. Check out the reading of Volume 1!
BYA also hosts public Open Mics for readers and performers of all ages and experience levels — often partnering with other local businesses and orgs, like Death Rattle Literary, Mad Swede Brewery, and The Lit Room.
Interested in participating in an Open Mic?
Check out our event page for our latest opportunities. -
Community Events & Workshops
BYA is proud to host mix-and-mingle style community events to facilitate creativity, connection, and collaboration within the Boise art community. Some of our past events include: Speed Friending, Artist Mixer & Karaoke, Art by the River, and more!
Occasionally, BYA also presents specified artistry workshops to give community members the opportunity to learn new art techniques and skills, like collaging, poetry reading, and framing artwork.
Interested in teaching a skilled workshop?
Reach out to us on Instagram!
Illumibrate Festival March 2024
Backyard Artists brought together a team of 15 local artists to create an immersive, larger than life, multimedia installation. Under the festival’s theme of “DREAMS,” the BYA artists’ team utilized hanging sculptures, lighting design, found objects, dance performances, soundscape, and more to transform JUMP’s Pioneer Room into an ethereal Dreamscape, all centered around the custom-designed inflatable brain.
Paper Plane Press:
Volume 1 Reading
After selecting and publishing 13 emerging authors in the first edition of Paper Plane Press, BYA hosted the Volume 1 Launch Party where authors had the opportunity to read their original pieces to an audience of about 140 people.
