These 10 Incredible Pieces Of Street Art In Idaho Will Leave You In Awe

While Boise has long been a growing mecca of creative compilations for artists around the state, so too are lesser-known works of art scattered across Idaho, enhancing local economies and creating a source of community pride. Art is a natural and beautiful part of human expression, and large (and small)-scale street art pieces are a unique reflection of a city's culture, as well as a reflection of the larger environment. Rustic, modern, and personal, these 10 art pieces are just a small taste of the diverse wealth of artistic vision and talent in the Gem State.

1. Lewiston

There are more than 50 canoes in this wavelike sculpture by Christopher Fennell. Sitting next to the Interstate Bridge, Fennell's piece is a unique feat of engineering that is mostly recycled and reclaimed.

2. Sandpoint

This rustic, rural metal sculpture is just awesome to look at.

3. Whitebird

This sculpture has an environmental implication: the components were all gathered from the river.

4. McCall

This wheel is representative of McCall's logging industry.

5. "Traveling"

Called "Makin' Hay," this traveling hay man and his two sidekicks will make their way back to Idaho in the next few years. The whimsical pieces were created by artist Tom Otterness as part of a larger series and stand at nearly 18 feet tall.

6. Boise

Designed by Mark Baltes and shaped like a native mountain dandelion, "Aero Agoseris" is a metal kinetic sculpture that stands 15 feet tall. The dandelion seedlings represent the wind with their mid-light appearance, while the dandelion head also rotates with the wind.

7. Mountain Home

Handcrafted one penny at time by artist Randy Miller, with the help of the community, this mural stands 9' x 33' and incorporated over four hundred pounds of pennies.

8. Sun Valley

Roderick H. "Rod" Kagan, winner of the National Endowment for the Arts, was an Idaho legend before his passing in 2010. His sculptures are a creative inspiration and local source of pride in Sun Valley, often featuring geometric shapes and representing Idaho's unique state culture.

While the piece pictured above,"42," is not in Sun Valley, you can visit the rest of Kagan’s work at the Rod Kagan Park in Ketchum, or tour his sculpture garden and home by appointment through the Gail Severn Gallery.

9. Sandpoint

This trellising vine bench is a decorative addition to Sandpoint's already scenic downtown

10. Boise

Freak Alley has long held a reputation in Boise for displaying the "graffiti-style" work of local artists, but you might not know that it is also the largest outdoor gallery in the Northwest.

Which of these pieces stood out the most? Nearly every city has at least one standout work of art at its center -- but what are some of your favorite hidden and under-appreciated pieces in your local community? Please share!