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Samantha Baughmanvia Google

about 1 month ago

I am writing to formally share a deeply disappointing and distressing experience I had at the Boise Art Museum while attempting to participate in my child’s school field trip. I arrived at the museum after taking time off work to support my child, his teacher, and his class, at the teacher’s direct request. The teacher has conducted this same tour for many years and clearly instructed parents who were meeting their children at the museum (rather than riding the bus) to enter through the front doors, pay admission, and then be directed to the group. Despite following these instructions exactly, I was immediately treated as a nuisance and an unwanted visitor by the front desk staff. I was told I was “in the wrong spot” and that I “would have to pay,” in a tone that was dismissive and unwelcoming. After a prolonged and uncomfortable exchange—and only after a phone call was made to a front desk supervisor—I was allowed to pay the $9.00 admission fee. Even then, I was scolded and told I would not be allowed in the education room. At no point was I shown where my child’s group would be within the museum. Throughout the visit, I felt closely watched, judged, and clearly made to feel that my presence was neither welcome nor appreciated. There was nothing positive, warm, or inviting about my interaction with staff during this visit. For context, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fresno, with an emphasis in Art. I am a member of this community, a supporter of the arts, and a parent who values arts education. I was genuinely ashamed to have such an experience in my own community—particularly as a mother who made the effort to be present for her child and to support his teacher. The only positive aspect of the visit was the museum guides who worked directly with the children. These individuals were excellent and engaged appropriately with the students and chaperones. However, the experience worsened at the conclusion of the tour. When the children entered the education room, I and the other parents who had entered through the front doors were abruptly and rudely stopped and told, in a blunt tone, that we were not allowed to enter because we did not have name tags. At that point, I requested that my son—who is autistic—be brought back to me so I could say goodbye. This request was met with visible irritation, including huffing at the inconvenience. After I said goodbye to my child, a staff member stated to me, “I think he would have been fine.” This comment was entirely inappropriate. No staff member has the right to tell a parent how to interact with their child, particularly a child with special needs. I am not someone who regularly complains or writes negative feedback. However, this experience was so profoundly negative that I feel compelled to speak up. From the perspective of a mother, a community member, and someone involved in the art community, this visit reflected extremely poor judgment, lack of empathy, and a failure to uphold the values an institution like the Boise Art Museum should represent. This was, simply put, bad form. I am deeply disappointed and hope this feedback leads to meaningful reflection and staff training so that no other parent, child, or educator has a similar experience. Sincerely, Samantha Baughman

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Nicola Linsvia Google

about 1 month ago

Front desk staff friendly, and 1 of the exhibits was down( you are told this after you pay). But also there is a 3 room exhibit that could have been in the larger of the rooms used. It felt like they were just trying to fill space. It felt strange. And maybe other artists work on display. Recommend before going look at the featured artist. It is a small museum.

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C Rvia Google

about 2 months ago

I brought my kids and were followed around by museum employees. My kids were very well behaved, quiet, and respectful of the museum, but unfortunately we were followed around rather than other people in the museum. It made it difficult to enjoy or comment with my children about the art due to someone standing a few feet behind us everywhere we went. Some other adults accidentally set off alarms by standing within the 18 inches of a painting, even so the museum employees hoovered around us instead. We were so uncomfortable we got out of there quick. If this was improved I'd give it a much higher rating.

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Brian Lewisvia Google

3 months ago

The Boise Art Museum snuck up on me emotionally, which is rude for a building with such clean, well-behaved lines. I walked in expecting a quiet stroll and instead got ambushed by an exhibit that made me question whether I’ve been living my life in the wrong color palette. One gallery had a video installation looping something both soothing and vaguely unsettling—like a screensaver having an existential crisis. I lingered way too long. A security guard gave me the “you good?” look, which, honestly, fair. The ceramics section felt like a meetup of objects with secrets; I kept wanting to pick them up even though my inner adult screamed NO. Kids were doing some art project in the corner, splattering paint like joyful chaos gremlins, and it made the whole museum feel more alive. I left with my brain buzzing, my heart weirdly lighter, and the sense that Boise hides its magic in places you don’t expect—like inside a perfectly lit white cube.

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Heather Doughertyvia Google

over 1 year ago

Wonderful exhibits. Really engaging works by each of the highlighted artists. Spent about 45 min there. It's relatively small, as museums go, but was chock full of art you could spend some good time taking in. It's free to enter. Do please consider leaving a donation on your way out near the entrance so this place can continue to provide an inspiring experience to visitors of Cedar City.