Community Calendar

Learn the ins and outs of throwing on the wheel, or use your registration to utilize our space and resources. Perfect for beginner, intermediate, and advanced potters alike. Even if you don't need guidance, there will be a Cat Clay staff member available in all sessions to provide support and answer questions!

For the first time ever, Idaho Botanical Garden is welcoming a traveling exhibition, transforming pathways, gardens, and gathering spaces into an immersive outdoor adventure. Woodland Wonders features 21 larger-than-life woodland creatures and botanical sculptures, inviting guests of all ages to explore a world of art tucked among the beauty of the Garden.

Wander through the landscape and discover towering foxes, a curious owl, a graceful deer, colorful pollinators, and other whimsical creations inspired by the natural world. Around every bend, you’ll find a new opportunity to pause, look closer, and experience nature through the lens of art.

Lamont Lyons states: When I go out with my camera, I don’t ask myself what can I take a photograph of, but rather what I will be given. Minor White, a noted photographer and teacher, said “One should not only photograph things for what they are, but for what else they are”. Often, I see in my mind’s eye something very different from the ordinary view. I might compose from a different angle; I might imagine it in high contrast black and white or with colors manipulated in unexpected ways. In the end, the photograph becomes something seen differently or ‘for what else it is’. It is a whole in itself. It does not require interpretation of explanation, leaving plenty of room for ambiguity and wonder. As you view each photograph in this exhibition, I invite you to just be there with it. Be still. Live with it a few moments. Perhaps you will feel the joy I felt while making it.

In her artist statement, Stephanie Orton states: After emerging from a nine month major depressive episode, I created this body of work in response to my mother’s rapid decline from Parkinson’s Disease. September 7th 2025 was her first stroke; and her subsequent death occurred on February 22nd 2026. Studying Revelations per her recommendation, and Genesis, I read Homer’s The Odyssey, and I blasted Ozzy Osborne while creating work in my Boise studio, The Yamada. Using Historical, Biblical, Lunar, and floral iconography, I created the paintings. Allegorical Revelations proclaims a blood moon which happened 02/17/2026, and the lunar eclipse 03/03/2026. It also references angels. While visiting the Dry Creek Cemetery and found a statue of Gabriel which I recreated in oil. Tyrian Purple mixed with Damar varnish, I layered the works with the rarest color which dominates the series. Giving all works an eerie reddish tone, I introduced a new tone to my repertoire, whereas my past works have been subjugated by blues and grays. I scoured stamp collections, photographed the moon phases, amassed vintage postcards and Christian iconography assembling the imagery you will see in the exhibit.

Boise, ID: Rediscovered Books and The Egyptian Theatre are excited to welcome NYT bestselling author Ariel Lawhon to Boise during her nationwide tour to celebrate her newest book, The Pirate Queen. She will be speaking in conversation at The Egyptian Theatre, 700 W Main S, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 

At the event, Lawhon will be on stage in conversation to discuss her newest book. Following, she will be signing copies for attendees. Tickets are available for $65 to include one hardcover copy of The Pirate Queen and $35 for event attendance only.

This six-week introductory nature journaling workshop for adults will meet on certain Wednesday mornings at the Garden City Library from July 1 to September 16, 2026.

Please be available to attend all 6 classes

Each 1.5 hour session will include instruction indoors, followed by outdoor sketching, writing, and recording about nature observations and explanations, then indoor/outdoor sharing of experiences. The classes are designed to enhance nature connection and build a community of nature journalers.

The first class will include an introduction to phenology wheels, a creative way to document seasonal changes. Additional sessions will include an introduction to nature journaling techniques, and then a focus each week on using words, pictures, and numbers on your journal pages.

Participants will be encouraged to focus on one of the five senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, touching) each week too, as well as considering their experience of birds, flowers, insects, and trees. The last class will end in a celebratory conclusion while enjoying the final sense (tasting!).

The course is suitable for adults and seniors of all skill levels. Please commit to attending all six classes if you register.

You don't need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin - you can learn nature journaling and practice these skills anywhere, anytime - and develop your own personal style over time. Let's get started!

The class is limited to 10 participants to ensure maximum attention. Some supplies will be provided (sketchbook, pens and colored pencils) but you are also welcome to bring your own. Handouts will be provided, as well as additional resources. 

Lamont Lyons states: When I go out with my camera, I don’t ask myself what can I take a photograph of, but rather what I will be given. Minor White, a noted photographer and teacher, said “One should not only photograph things for what they are, but for what else they are”. Often, I see in my mind’s eye something very different from the ordinary view. I might compose from a different angle; I might imagine it in high contrast black and white or with colors manipulated in unexpected ways. In the end, the photograph becomes something seen differently or ‘for what else it is’. It is a whole in itself. It does not require interpretation of explanation, leaving plenty of room for ambiguity and wonder. As you view each photograph in this exhibition, I invite you to just be there with it. Be still. Live with it a few moments. Perhaps you will feel the joy I felt while making it.

In her artist statement, Stephanie Orton states: After emerging from a nine month major depressive episode, I created this body of work in response to my mother’s rapid decline from Parkinson’s Disease. September 7th 2025 was her first stroke; and her subsequent death occurred on February 22nd 2026. Studying Revelations per her recommendation, and Genesis, I read Homer’s The Odyssey, and I blasted Ozzy Osborne while creating work in my Boise studio, The Yamada. Using Historical, Biblical, Lunar, and floral iconography, I created the paintings. Allegorical Revelations proclaims a blood moon which happened 02/17/2026, and the lunar eclipse 03/03/2026. It also references angels. While visiting the Dry Creek Cemetery and found a statue of Gabriel which I recreated in oil. Tyrian Purple mixed with Damar varnish, I layered the works with the rarest color which dominates the series. Giving all works an eerie reddish tone, I introduced a new tone to my repertoire, whereas my past works have been subjugated by blues and grays. I scoured stamp collections, photographed the moon phases, amassed vintage postcards and Christian iconography assembling the imagery you will see in the exhibit.

Register now for the FREE Family Advocates, Family Resiliency Course. A course aimed at reducing stress in families and encouraging healthy bonds. Recipients receive a certificate of graduation for successful course completion.
This course will occur every Wednesday from July 13 - September 14, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, at Caldwell Church of Christ.
Includes: Children's Programming, Sack Meal, Resources, and Transportation Options.
To register email enroll@familyadvocates.org or call 208-345-3344 X 1015

Please join us for a celebration of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, 13th century Persian poet, philosopher and Sufi mystic. Poetry, conversation, Persian desserts and tea!

Everyone is invited to bring a Rumi poem to share, in English or Persian. Please join us for a celebration of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, 13th century Persian poet, philosopher and Sufi mystic whose writing continues to be studied and honored worldwide by people of all faiths. Both newcomers to his work and longtime admirers are invited for an evening of poetry, conversation, Persian desserts and tea. Divine Lotus Tea Company generously provides tea.

English translations are interspersed with Persian-Americans sharing Rumi’s poetry in both Farsi and English. Persian speaking readers are especially welcome. We are blessed to experience the musicality and rhymes of the original Persian, plus English translations. Whether you are a poetry lover or not, Rumi's beautiful words will meet you where you are, wherever that may be.