The Boise Art Museum was established in 1931, as the Boise Art Association by a group of thirty people interested in promoting art in Boise, Idaho. In 1937, the association s goals were realized through a partnership between the Boise Art Association, the city of Boise, Idaho., and the federal Works Progress Administration. Exclusively managed by volunteers from the Boise Art Association, the 3,000-square-foot art deco building was composed of two galleries and a small office space. Although the gallery did not actively collect, it presented local and regional art. Upon completion of the expansion in 1988, the museum was renamed Boise Art Museum to reflect its focus on developing its permanent collection. In 1997, BAM increased its facilities by 13,800 square feet.