Art Moms, a program founded by Nan Rick around 1986 to supplement art education opportunities for children in Idaho schools began as a true grass-roots organization. No one knows exactly how many parents were working at how many schools at the time, but the program now reaches all corners of the state, from Parma to Pocatello, Sun Valley to Boise, Meridian and North Idaho.
The intent of the program is to get parents into their children’s schools; once involved in the classroom, they typically become involved in other activities for the school’s well being. Rick’s program develops a sense of responsibility and ownership in the schools in which parents assist with volunteer services.
In Rick’s program, children are taught that art is one of the few non-judgmental areas in education – that all kids are equal and have an opportunity to succeed in art. They also learn problem-solving skills and how to approach problems from different angles.
The “Art Mom” Collection at the Boise State Student Union began in 1995 with a donation of a large-scale triptych titled Haunts by famed artist Fay Jones. Since then, the collection has expanded to include a large selection of prints from eastern Europe.
To see the Art Mom Collection, please visit the second floor of the Student Union Building, near the Berquist Room.
