Erin Anderson stepped into the role of executive director of the Idaho Botanical Garden eight years ago and in the last 18 months, has led the organization through a private launch and an early construction phase of its most ambitious expansion project to date that will transform 10 acres of undeveloped land into gardens, educational spaces and new visitor experiences.

Anderson shared that growing and modernizing a beloved institution like the Idaho Botanical Garden has had its challenges, but at its core, building relationships, outlining a strategic vision and being an inclusive leader has helped propel it to continued success.

“Our work enriches quality of life, supports workforce development and strengthens Idaho’s identity as a place where nature, art and community thrive together,” Anderson explained. “The opportunity to guide the Idaho Botanical Garden through a period of growth and reinvention has been a perfect fit.”

For 14 years, Danza Azteca Tonatiuh has been preserving and celebrating Indigenous Mexican traditions. At the same time, it has worked to create a place of belonging, education and cultural pride for its 70 members throughout the past decade, which includes more than 30 youth. 

In 2011, Maria Robles, Antonina Robles and Connie Sanchez established the group, with Sanchez serving as the group’s first director, leading with heart and strength. Erika Garcia and Robles are the current co-directors of the group, which performs throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond. In their efforts, Garcia and Robles have expanded the group’s reach to major cultural festivals, including performances at America’s Global Village Festival and participation in the Kennedy Center’s Arts Across America program. 

Danza Azteca Tonatiuh gives performances that showcase authentic Aztec dancing, from elaborate feathered headdresses to sacred conch shell trumpets, with each movement telling stories and offering prayers that honor ancestors. The group performs at diverse venues including cultural festivals, churches and community celebrations across Idaho and Oregon. 

The group’s mission extends beyond entertainment to foster understanding and appreciation of indigenous heritage while building connections across diverse communities in the region. 

Sara Bruner spent 20 years as a professional stage actor, and her journey began at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

She was able to travel all over the world to perform in premieres, musicals and Shakespeare productions, then transitioned to the world of directing before going back to school to earn an executive MBA from Boise State University. Upon graduation, Bruner stepped into executive leadership and a year ago, began her role as the producing artistic director for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

Bruner is excited to help lead the organization through its 50th anniversary this year and she aims to honor its legacy while also working to expand access and education to the next generation.

“I see art, and theater specifically, as an essential part of the cultural diet for every Idahoan,” she said. “Our programming allows arts access to thousands of Idahoans, bringing culture, joy and creativity to every corner of the state. I want to strengthen community partnerships that fuel both artistic excellence and impact, while creating space for bold, visionary storytelling on our stage.”

Melanie Fales has led the Boise Art Museum for 18 years, becoming the first executive director promoted from within and only the second woman to hold the position in the museum’s 93-year history.

Her most significant recent accomplishment was hosting the museum’s first event in collaboration with the deaf community, representing five years of intentional efforts to build relationships and increase accessibility.

“I believe my work has benefited Idaho by opening hearts and minds to greater understanding of the visual arts and the importance of the creative endeavor of art to humanity,” Fales said.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boise State University in art history, painting and education, plus credentials from École du Louvre in Paris as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Graduate Scholar and the Getty Leadership Institute.

Fales is anticipating showcasing artist Jeffrey Gibson’s work next year, coinciding with the national America250 celebration. Gibson, of Mississippi Choctaw and Cherokee heritage, became the first Indigenous artist to represent the U.S. with a solo presentation at the Venice Biennale in 2024.

Music is at the very core of who Eric Garcia is. It began with a childhood obsession with music ― drumming, orchestral percussion and composition, and then conducting. Today, he serves as the artistic director and conductor for the McCall MusicFest and as the music director for Boise Philharmonic.

“Conducting allows me to envision what a composer had in mind while writing a piece ― and bring that vision to life in real time with musicians onstage,” he explained. “Through my work with the Boise Philharmonic and McCall MusicFest, my mission has been to make world-class music accessible to all Idahoans, regardless of musical background.”

At both organizations, Garcia has expanded their outreach, collaborated with local arts groups to showcase the power of civic teamwork and a shared artistic vision, and created educational opportunities for young musicians.

“Music builds human connection and community,” he shared.

Nelli Garibyan has spent three years building Idaho Art Gallery into a recognized creative space in downtown Meridian’s arts ecosystem. Her most significant recent accomplishment has been launching and rapidly growing the gallery from the ground up, establishing a collector base and hosting exhibitions that demonstrate both public interest and cultural value.

“I believe my work has contributed to shifting the perception of art in Idaho — encouraging others to see it not only as a cultural asset, but also as a viable business,” Garibyan said.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business from Boise State University and began her career in advertising sales before acquiring and revitalizing several struggling businesses. After selling her last company three years ago, her father — an artist and gallery co-owner — approached her about starting the gallery together.

“One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced was breaking into a well-established and often insular art community,” she said. “Gaining trust, building relationships and proving value in a space where networks can be tightly held required persistence, creativity and a clear vision.”

Garibyan also owns a consulting firm helping entrepreneurs with business development.