top of page
Image by Alexander Ant

ABOUT US

​Catalyst Arts Collaborative is housed within the Gem Center for the Arts in the heart of the Bench in Boise, Idaho. Located near the iconic "Washer Woman," the "Cat" primarily operates from a small community classroom setting in the basement, where on any given day you can find art and writing workshops, figure drawing, lectures, film viewings, book clubs, meetings for Arts organizations, and overall, a sense of community and inclusiveness. We understand that everyone is learning different skills at a different pace, and we LOVE to foster creative growth for ALL life-long learners, providing diverse perspectives within our curriculum in a wide range of mediums and topics.

We are always developing new programs to support artists and include the community. Bridging the gaps between separate Arts organizations and encouraging collaboration over competition is an overarching goal, as well. Our passion lies in supporting EVERYONE to tap into their creative potential and to provide opportunities for those who otherwise would not be able to engage in the Arts.

Meet the Cat Team

Meet our talented ensemble of creatives, each bringing a unique blend of artistry, passion, and innovation to the Cat canvas.

Candy Canning

Founder/Director

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Ali Fernandez

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Casey Gurr

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Dana Long

Writing Program Coordinator

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Humberto Valdivia

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Kayla Hanson

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Polly Barrett

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Tawny Olsen

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Drew Stuebner

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Elisabeth Chin

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Mel Strong-Duncan

Marketing Coordinator

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Aryssa Hutchins

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Char Tarashanti

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Elita Burnett

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Janelle Wilson

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Dr. Laura Burlingame-Lee

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Sabrina Dee Valdivia

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Willow Wells

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Elisha - WhimsiMoon

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Abby Egan

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Barbara Balkin

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Chase van Weerdhuizen

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Gretchen Weitemier

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Jessica Henry

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Maryann Weed

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Stephen Aifegha

Teacher

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Jonah Shallies

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Nica Lorber (Poofy Emporium)

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

bottom of page