Warp & Weft Exhibition
Ends on
Opportunity
The Boise City Department of Arts & History invites artists to apply for the opportunity to participate in an exhibition of fiber arts at the Erma Hayman House. The exhibition highlights the creativity and ingenuity found in textile practices across cultures, examining how artists use fiber-based media to shape identity, preserve tradition, and imagine new possibilities.
Artists can submit up to three existing artworks for consideration, which will be reviewed and selected by a panel. Selected artists will receive a $350 stipend and have the opportunity to offer works for sale to the public. The exhibition will be on display from January – September, 2027.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to artists residing within the United States at least 18 years of age. Strong preference will be given to artists or teams not currently on contract with Arts & History or represented in the Public Art Collection.
Boise City Department of Arts & History does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or disability.
Background
The Department of Arts & History manages the Erma Hayman House, the former home of longstanding resident Erma Andre Madry Hayman (1907 – 2009). Inspired by Erma Hayman’s career as a seamstress and evoking the strength of a community’s fabric of interwoven identities, this will take place at the Erma Hayman House.
Erma Hayman lived in the house at 617 Ash Street for over 62 years, deeply integrated into her neighborhood as a resident and advocate. The Historic River Street Neighborhood was the most ethnically and culturally diverse area of Boise for most of the 20th century, made up of immigrant and marginalized communities from all walks of life. The neighborhood identity was forged through a practice of caring for one another and providing community support.
Selection Criteria and Process
Selection will be made by Arts & History Staff and will score applications on the following criteria:
- Eligibility and application completion (Pass/Fail)
- Artistic quality of work submitted- artist show mastery of media and work clearly reflects intentionality or content (10 points)
- Submitted artwork aligns loosely with exhibition statement for use of fiber-based media to shape identity, preserve tradition, and imagine new possibilities (5 points)
- Uniqueness of composition and material use (10 points)
- Feasibility of installation at the Erma Hayman House- artwork mode of display at EHH includes: wall mounted (there are 2 walls that allow for anchorage of up to 50lbs per artwork; 2 walls that allow for 10 lbs of anchorage; pedestal or free-standing/self-supporting, or ceiling for artworks no more than 30 lbs. (5 points)
Application Requirements:
- Artists must provide a statement for each work submitted for consideration
- Artist must state installation method or hanging/mounting system for each work submitted
Questions & clarifications must be submitted to Kristen Hill khill@cityofboise.org, by September 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm MT.
Applications are due by September 30, 2026, at 1:00 pm MT.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
The City of Boise is proud to be a welcoming community striving to ensure a safe, equitable, and inclusive city that celebrates the diversity of people who live, work, and play in our community and recognizes the fundamental human dignity of all.
Accessibility
The City of Boise is committed to ensuring equal access to all public meetings, programs, and services. Reasonable accommodations and effective communication—such as ASL interpretation, materials in alternative formats and language access—are available at no cost to facilitate participation. To request an accommodation, please contact us at CommunityEngagement@cityofboise.org or call (208) 972-8500, TTY: 711.