Furlong awarded prestigious 2025 Alexa Rose Foundation Fellowship

Night Passages: Bobolink (detail), Acrylic and ink on paper, 2021

Boise State is proud to announce that Kirsten Furlong, director of the Blue Galleries and lecturer in the Department of Art, Design and Visual Studies, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Alexa Rose Fellowship.

Created in honor of longtime Boise resident, teacher and artist Alexa Rose Howell, the foundation's primary goal is to support the work of individual artists in the community. This $25,000 unrestricted grant recognizes Furlong's remarkable contributions as an artist, curator and educator.

Furlong has been a pivotal figure in Boise State's arts community for over two decades, mentoring countless students and fostering critical conversations about the intersection of art, ecology and identity. Her leadership at the Blue Galleries has transformed the space into one of Idaho's few venues dedicated to showcasing deeply researched and thought-provoking exhibitions, elevating local, regional and international artists.

In a statement provided to the Alexa Rose Foundation, Rachel Reichert, residency manager at the Ruth Foundation for the Arts, said, "Under Furlong's leadership, the Blue Galleries have become a cornerstone of Idaho's arts ecosystem. Her influence extends far beyond the university, inspiring students, colleagues and art lovers alike."

Furlong's artistic practice complements her educational work, blending technical mastery with conceptual depth. Her widely acclaimed piece, "Promise and Purpose, the Ancestor's Dream," was acquired by the Portland Art Museum and explores themes of identity, history and the natural world. This and other works highlight her ability to engage with complex subjects, from the impact of climate change on Idaho's landscapes to the historical significance of locations like Lowndes County, Alabama.

Kirsten Furlong, photo by Peter Lovera

In addition to her studio achievements, Furlong has curated over 100 exhibitions and advocated for fair opportunities for artists. She emphasizes the importance of linking her practice with her role as an educator: "I cannot separate my studio work from my teaching, curating and mentoring. They all inform one another and strengthen the broader arts community."

Courtney Gilbert, assistant director at the Sun Valley Museum of Art, lauded Furlong's fearless approach to materials and ideas in a statement provided to the foundation: "Her openness to experimentation and her mastery of everything from gold leaf to sculptural forms make her work unforgettable. Boise State is fortunate to have such a visionary artist and educator shaping its arts program."

Unchopping a Tree, Acrylic, ink, hemp twine, and metal leafing on wood

Furlong's work is currently featured in Boise State's 2025 Biennial Faculty Exhibition at the Blue Galleries, running from Jan. 21 to March 28.

Boise State congratulates Furlong on this incredible achievement and looks forward to her continued impact as an artist, mentor, educator and leader in the arts.

For more info on the Alexa Rose Foundation and their work, please visit their website at alexarosefoundation.org.

Story by Rachel Reeves

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