Beaux Arts Societe History

            In 1964, a steering committee was formed to help the Boise Gallery of Art out of its financial difficulties.  This committee was comprised of six women who met for over two years to research, strategize, and found what we now know as the Beaux Arts Societe.

            The first membership tea was held on February 8, 1966 at the Gallery (what is now Boise Art Museum).  At this meeting, the first Beaux Arts Societe, nameless at the time, was officially organized.  Events that occurred during the first year included a Home Tour, Art Festival, Arts for Christmas Sale and an Executive Art Ball. Through these various projects, in one short year, $8,900.was raised for the Art Gallery.

            Today we count 180 plus members among our ranks.  Our organization raises funds to finance Boise Art Museum’s exhibits, general operating and administrative expenses, and educational experiences. To help us reach our goal, new projects have been added: a Wine Festival, Children’s Art Festival and BAS Cookbook, to name a few.  To date, we have contributed over $1.2 million.