Backyard Artists is a non-profit 501(c)(3) founded by Ryan Marsh in 2022. BYA now operates with a dedicated team of 10 volunteers from various careers and backgrounds in art, writing, media, and non-profit work.
Since it’s inception, BYA has:
Worked with over 450 emerging artists of different mediums, primarily in Boise, Idaho.
Granted $11,157 in total to 33 emerging artists.
Hosted 76 events and counting in the Treasure Valley, including readings, galleries, trash pick-ups, open mics, workshops and one-of-a-kind creative community events including Speed Friending and Art by the River.
Showcased artists’ work in collaboration with other local organizations, like Surel’s Place, JUMP Boise, and more.
Established a biannual publication — Paper Plane Press — created for emerging writers to publish their work and share with the community through launch party events.
Bringing affordable studio space to creative artists to downtown Boise.
About Us
Backyard Artists empowers emerging artists in Idaho’s Treasure Valley by providing professional opportunities through community-driven exhibitions, literary events, studio space, and strategic partnerships.
Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive arts community — in Boise and beyond — where emerging artists feel welcomed to thrive, collaborate, and have a lasting impact on the developing cultural landscape.
Our Mission
Meet the Team
Megan White
Megan, “I feel like community and art is integral to the way that I like art and how I like to make art. I want to expand more opportunities to more people, especially people who haven’t had those opportunities.
Ryan, “To see people given opportunity to shine and grow their creative practice gives me immense joy. Also, I love to dream up events and projects that haven’t been seen before.
Ash, “Before joining BYA I saw the the place it occupies– connecting artists in general to one another… it is the gateway. I love to facilitate that growth and connection.
Michael, “BYA gave me the first opportunity I had to share my work in a large scale and its given me a whole bunch. I want to create more tendrils for opportunity and connection.”
