I am having a hard time with the change that the Boise Weekly made with the cover. It was always art before and now it feels so much colder and less like it embraces the artistic spirit. It feels commercial. I haven’t noticed any comment from you on it and wondered why you’ve been so silent and why you haven’t weighed in on this change that affects the experience of readers and artists alike.
—Sincerely,
Inquiring Mind
Dear Inquiring:
I have had a number of write-ins about this and didn’t really feel like it was my place to comment on people’s emotional reactions to change. Since I keep getting inquiries, I’ll address it. Change is an inevitable thing and to me, I think the covers are still showcasing art. Art is so much more than just a painting or a sculpture. Art is intrinsic to many of the things that we consume daily. Highlighting a film project, a dance, a podcast, a photograph or photographer, architecture, entertainers and musicians is also art. It allows attention to still be drawn to creative pursuits in Boise without the cover being limited to people who create art that can be displayed 2-D on the cover. There is still a place for artists within the pages of the Boise Weekly and that hasn’t changed. The auction and the grant money from it, from what I understand, will continue on as well. We live in an ever-changing world with art and creativity all around us. We should all be thinking outside of the box as to what constitutes “art.” So, next time you look at the Boise Weekly cover, think about the artistic elements that have gone into creating it. Take in the subjects being highlighted and think about the artistry of what they are doing. The Boise Weekly has always had an important voice here in the Treasure Valley. It would be a shame to judge that voice by the cover.
