Frequently Asked Questions

I found a painting in my grandmother’s house. Is it real? What’s it worth?
The Museum does not perform identifications, authentications, or valuations. The Museum cannot endorse specific appraisers. You can find a certified appraiser at http://www.appraisers.org/FindAnAppraiser/FindanAppraiser.aspx. An auction resource like Christie’s or Sotheby’s or even an online auction site like www.ebay.com or www.artprice.com can help you learn more about the value of your object.

Where can I learn more about a specific artist or type of art?
You can research artists and art in many different ways. Start your search online at a site like www.artcyclopedia.com or www.askart.com. You should also search your local library – librarians are great at getting hard-to-find information, so be sure to ask! The Boise Public Library’s librarians offer online assistance at http://www.boisepubliclibrary.org/Research/Ask a Librarian/. Additionally, the Boise State University reference department is a good resource, or use their librarians’ Ask Us form at http://library.boisestate.edu/AskUs/. For information about outdoor art in Boise, visit http://www.cityofboise.org/arts commission/?MID=001N and click on the link for ‘public art.’

I am an artist. Would BAM consider me for a solo exhibition?
Solo exhibitions are extremely rare. Artists may send exhibition announcements of their work. We’ll happily review these announcements and, in some cases, may attend the show. Artists may e-mail images and portfolios, including an artist statement and bio to Sandy Harthorn, Curator of Art, sandy@boiseartmuseum.org. You can also mail these materials along with a self-addressed, stamped return envelope to:
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Drive
Boise, Idaho 83702
Attn: Sandy Harthorn

How do I donate an artwork to the Museum?
We appreciate your consideration and are happy to review the object with the Curator of Art to determine if the artwork fits our collecting mission and policies. Please e-mail a photograph and a letter about the object to Sandy Harthorn, Curator of Art, sandy@boiseartmuseum.org. You can also mail these materials to:
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Drive
Boise, Idaho 83702
Attn: Sandy Harthorn

Does the Museum buy art?
The Museum occasionally considers art for purchase within its collecting mission and policies. Please send a photograph with a letter about the object including information about how the piece was acquired and the terms of your sale. Please do not bring the work of art to the Museum unless you have made an appointment with the Curator of Art.

May I talk to a curator?
BAM has a very small staff and curators are often heavily scheduled or away from the Museum, so an appointment is absolutely necessary. When making an appointment, please state the reason for your visit. In most cases, questions can be answered through your independent research or by speaking with BAM’s receptionist at (208) 345-8330 ext. 10.

I have an artwork that needs to be cleaned. Who should I call?
The Museum cannot endorse specific conservators. Information on selecting a conservator is available on the American Institute for Conservation web site at http://aic.stanford.edu/public/select.html.

I need to move a large painting or sculpture. How do I do it?
The Museum cannot endorse specific art handling and shipping companies. There are a limited number of companies that specialize in fine art handling and shipping locally and nationwide. For crating or shipping in Boise and the region, contact www.cratersandfreighters.com/idaho  (208) 377-9939 or www.gonavis.com/ID1093
(208)322-9459. For crating or shipping outside the region, you can try www.usart.com or www.atelier4.com.

I need to have a work of art framed. Can you recommend someone?
The Museum cannot endorse specific framing companies. Matting and framing is done by many companies in our area. Some practice the most current conservation methods available. It is up to you to request the level of care you want. The American Institute for Conservation can tell you what kinds of questions to ask. Visit http://aic.stanford.edu/library/online/brochures/matt.html for more information.