Moscow, a true gem in the Gem State.
Different from any sort of town in Idaho, Moscow is known as the center of artistic life in Idaho with a rich history woven into its identity.
The copious amounts of arts, expression and support from the community are what makes Moscow unique.
So it makes sense that so many alumni from the University of Idaho choose to stay a part of the community.
“I think that the people and the willingness to just enjoy the culture makes Moscow, Moscow,” said Program Head of Art and Design at the University of Idaho Dr. Gregory Turner-Rahman. “The Saturday market, going out on a Friday to go to the gallery, Thursday to go to a performance. The jazz festival. We are really lucky to live here.”
Dedicated to arts and culture, well-known figures like Roger Rowley, Megan Cherry, Jack Alexander and Dr. Gregory Turner-Rahman understand the importance of art in the community.
The community
Moscow is close-knit, thoughtful and friendly. In terms of art, community members always come out to support it.
“Moscow is very inclusive, always looking for new ways to express parts of the community that aren’t always expressed,” said Wild at Art employee Jack Alexander.
Art, specifically in Moscow, ties many different identities together and gives a sense of unity among its supporters.
“Being in Idaho and a university town, we have a potential of a clashing community of all sorts of identities,” Alexander said. “Having art to sort of express those identities and the clash between them is important to establish who we are and what we believe instead of the academics of the university world or the more rural Idaho of our community.”
The history
“Historically, this is the center of intellectual life in the state. It was and still is,” Turner-Rahmen said. “Any university brings experiences for people, one of those is through the arts.”
Moscow’s generosity to those in the community opens tons of opportunities for artists and connections throughout the community.
“Moscow has the oldest arts commission in the state of Idaho,” said Prichard Art Gallery Director Roger Rowley. “The arts have been central to Moscow’s abilities to accomplish things historically.”
Expression of art
Art brings new ideas, beauty and things that challenge people. In a red state, art can counteract some of the harshness of politics and challenge political belief, Turner-Rahman said.
As a small town in a conservative state, art is so important to Moscow’s community as well as expression in general.
“Art is essential to the cultural health of any state, regardless of its dominant political identity at the moment,” said Arts Program Manager of the City of Moscow Megan Cherry.
Art is also used as a way to rebel against any stated norms.
“A mural next to Hodgins, a favorite of the community, shows the individualism and isolationist ideas that are present in a lot of places in Idaho,” Alexander said.
A place
Businesses in Moscow play a vital role for artists in the community, with businesses like One World, Humble Burger and much more artists have a place to perform.
“Venues like Prichard give space for artists,” Rowley said. “They give an ‘expansive view’ of the art world and happiness to present things that are ‘weird and wonderful’ to feel comfortable and almost nurturing.”
Wild at Art is another space that allows artists to express themselves as vistors are able to play and express their creative sides, Alexander said.
But artistic expression doesn’t stop with downtown as UI’s College of Art and Architecture allows students to connect with Moscow’s creative side.
“There is a type of connection the arts college gives to Moscow, connecting the college and the town,” Turner-Rahman said. “They engage with the community, educate and most importantly want to be active partners with practice and artists.”
The City of Moscow is another outlet that allows artists to grow in their work. Cherry takes pride in administrating art with her 12 other co-workers.
The best part about being a part of the art collective is that Cherry gets to hear a lot of “impassioned viewpoints and fantastic stories.”
Being an artist herself, Cherry believes another part of enjoying arts in Moscow would be evaluating a project’s merits or future directions by considering artists’ perspectives.
“I’m an artist in a city that loves art – and that makes me feel right at home.” Cherry said.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected]