Surels Place Inc

“Surel's Place is the most significant development in Southern Idaho’s arts scene over the past 20 years, and it has brought national recognition to the state of Idaho, becoming THE destination to witness, hear and interact with artists in a creative, non-institutional environment.”
—Richard Young, artist, professor, and former chair of the BSU Art Department

Surel's Place is the first live-in non-profit artist-in-residence program in Idaho, and it honors the legacy of artist Surel Mitchell by offering her home and studio to artists of promise, and of renown, for month-long residencies and professionally supported art events. In this inspiring live/work space artists of all disciplines are given time and freedom to reflect, create, and share their work with the Idaho community.

OUR ARTISTS, FROM IDAHO AND BEYOND

Our residents are established and emerging artists who are eager to share their work and processes with the public. They are given a month of uninterrupted time to think, experiment, and explore new territory in our modern live-work space near the Boise River. In just over three years, we have hosted 35 artists-in-residence, including visual, literary, and performance artists.  

In addition to offering residencies, we also curate, market, cater, and host Flash Shows, workshops, lectures and performances on behalf of local artists. Since our founding, we have served over 50 local artists.

OUR AUDIENCE

The interaction between our visiting artists and local community fosters creative understanding, appreciation of art, and a sense that art is an accessible and necessary source of quality of life for all people. Our packed events are filled with Idahoans of all ages and backgrounds.  It's not odd to have a workshop with an age range of over 60 years!  

Because our events are at Surel's Place, a welcoming live-work space, and because we insist that our events are accessible to art novices and art experts alike, everyone feels welcome and comfortable enough to participate. Our artists consistently tell us that our audience is one of the  most curious, engaged, and friendly that they've ever come across.

OUR FUNDING

Since starting up with funds generously donated in Surel Mitchell’s memory after her death, Surel’s Place has consistently won grants from both government agencies and private foundations.  In the near future, we aim to be in the running for larger-scale grants and sponsorships, and we aim to be self-funding in 2-5 years. 

We want to ensure that this important organization is a permanent gift to the citizens of the Treasure Valley and to artists, near and far.

Private donations are also crucial to our longevity. Your donation is crucial. Every dollar matters a great deal to our artists, patrons, staff, and volunteers.  Thank you for supporting this important addition to the art landscape of Idaho.