At the heart of Boise’s growing arts community is Catalyst Arts Collaborative, a vibrant space where creativity thrives and imaginations flourish. Founded by artist and educator Candy Canning, Catalyst is more than just an art studio, it’s a nurturing environment where people of all backgrounds can explore, create, and discover their potential through the power of art.
Candy’s journey to Catalyst began with her own story: a highly creative child in San Antonio, Texas, without access to art classes or extracurricular opportunities. It wasn’t until she was 20 that she took her first art class. That transformative experience, combined with her years as a public school teacher and university instructor, shaped her mission: to create the kind of space she had needed as a child. In 2021, that mission came to life as Catalyst Arts Collaborative—a community hub offering inclusive, high-quality art education for all ages.
“The concept of Catalyst began about 27 years ago,” Candy explained. “I had just started college and was taking my very first art class, as well as a public speaking class. Our project in public speaking was to create a business proposal. My initial idea was a simple building that could be transformed into a large space or multiple spaces, where people of all ages and abilities could come together to create and support each other. Over the years, this concept has stayed with me, a dream that has never left.”
At Catalyst, youth programs are the beating heart of the organization. With after-school classes, mentorships, and seasonal camps, Catalyst ensures that young artists are never short of opportunities. Throughout the summer, week-long camps immerse children and teens in diverse art forms—from hand built ceramics and wheel throwing to watercolor, collage, and fiber arts. Kids spend hours in the ceramic studio and engage with guest artists who introduce new mediums and techniques, ensuring that each camp is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Some of the most beloved programs include Kids’ Clay Play, Animal Masks, and Raptor Nights, where children sketch live falcons and owls while learning from the Idaho Raptor Institute. These experiences go beyond technical skills—they help build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world.
For Candy, supporting youth goes far beyond scheduled classes. The Art Start Fund, Catalyst’s scholarship program, was created to ensure that no child is turned away due to cost. The program has already helped countless kids access art education that may have otherwise been out of reach.
Catalyst also invests in teens and emerging artists through a mentorship program that pairs them with professionals to develop skills and confidence in their work. Students learn not only how to create art, but also how to present and sell it, building real-world experience in a supportive environment.
Looking ahead, Candy hopes to expand Catalyst’s impact even further. With plans to apply for nonprofit status and someday purchase a permanent building, she dreams of reaching more students, schools, and educators. Through programs like professional development workshops and classroom integration support, Catalyst is helping weave art back into the educational fabric of the Treasure Valley.
Ultimately, Catalyst Arts Collaborative is more than a studio. It’s a safe space where children and adults alike are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, and grow, not just as artists, but as individuals. As Candy says, “Art is about taking risks and trying something new, problem solving and critical thinking, plus reflection and perseverance...all crucial to building a strong character.”