Bold Women, Soft Walls
A Women’s History Month Exhibition at Create Gallery and Frames

When Joan first opened submissions for Bold Women, Soft Walls, she had a number in mind. A manageable, curated group. Something intimate.

But the work kept coming in.

And it was good. Really good.

So, she kept saying yes.

We ended up accepting 21 women artists, a mix of Idaho creatives and artists beyond our state, because the quality demanded it. Submissions had to be turned away. And still, it felt hard to narrow it down.

That alone says something.

If you know Joan, you know supporting women isn’t a marketing strategy. It’s personal. She’s involved in women-led business communities. She believes in women owning their worth, building real careers, stepping fully into their talent.

This exhibition is an extension of that.

We even painted the gallery walls specifically for it.

Yes, pink.

Not a trendy pink. Not a loud pink. A soft, calming pink that lets the artwork speak. There’s something powerful about placing bold, unapologetic work against something traditionally labeled “soft.”

Strength and femininity don’t cancel each other out.

They live together.

When you walk through this exhibition, you’ll notice it doesn’t present one version of womanhood.

There are strong female figures. Some nude. Some abstract. Some layered with texture and symbolism. There are pieces that explore motherhood and vulnerability. Others that feel fierce and grounded. There are florals that feel delicate at first glance, until you really look at them.

None of it feels decorative.

It feels intentional and honest.

We want women to walk in and feel seen. Not in a surface-level way. In a real way. We want them to recognize parts of themselves in the work, ambition, tenderness, resilience, confidence.

And we want everyone who visits to feel the scale of what 21 talented women artists look like on one set of walls.

It’s impressive.

One of the things we’re most excited about is accessibility.

This show ranges roughly from $200 to $8,000. That means there are entry points for first-time buyers who have been waiting for the right piece. There are statement works for collectors who know exactly what they’re looking for. There are pieces that would live beautifully in homes, in women-owned businesses, in medical offices, in design-forward spaces.

Most works are available for purchase and can be taken home upon exhibition ending.

And because of the submission size requirements, several pieces are smaller and priced lower than what visitors typically see in our gallery.

If you’ve been wanting to start collecting original art, this is a very approachable place to begin.

Behind the scenes, this show required real effort.

We rearranged the gallery.
We repainted the walls.
We reviewed submission after submission.
We made difficult decisions.

And we expanded beyond what we originally planned because the talent deserved it.

Joan said during curation that she wanted women to “occupy the walls as boldly as they occupy their lives.”

That’s exactly what this feels like.

Behind every piece in this exhibition is a woman with a voice, a vision, and a story. Bold Women, Soft Walls brings together work by 21 women artists whose creativity spans mediums, styles, and perspectives. Together, their work fills the gallery with strength, softness, and undeniable presence.

Featured Artists:

Amy Granger
Bonnie Peacher
Braelyn Moorhead
Carol Hackney
Carrie Cornils
Elizabeth Hilton
Elizabeth Van Tassel
Jane Harvey
Jen Parks
Karyn Neklason
Lisa Flowers Ross
Liz McDevitt
Luma Jasim
Martha Channer
Nina Sloan
Pamela Trail
Penelope Frizzell
Sheila Hazelton
Sunny Dawn Freeman
Suzanne DeSoleil
Tatiana Stroganova

Women’s History Month isn’t just about acknowledging the past.

It’s about showing up in the present.

Supporting women artists means buying their work. Displaying their voices. Investing in their careers. Choosing to surround yourself with art that has something to say.

This exhibition is calm. It’s strong. It’s layered. And it’s meant to be experienced in person.

Bold Women, Soft Walls will be on view March 1-31 at Create Gallery and Frames in the Garden City, Idaho.

Our Artist Reception is March 12 from 4-7 PM.

If you’re curious, come see it.
If you’ve been waiting to invest in original art, come early.
If you just want to feel something, come walk the pink walls.

We’d love to see you.

Create Gallery and Frames

3520 W. Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID 83714

Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM

Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest at @creategalleryandframes for artist highlights, upcoming events, and behind-the-scenes moments.