Lee and Nancy Bondurant have been supporters of the Boise Art Museum since the 1970s when they became involved with the Museum early on. After initially becoming BAM members, Lee joined the Board of Trustees in 1987 and Nancy joined the Beaux Arts Société and later the Docent program. Both developed a special interest in BAM that led to involvement such as fundraising and volunteering for the Museum for years to come. Lee fondly remembers his time as a Trustee, “It was during a time of major expansion. There was tremendous community support and enthusiasm for the arts and for BAM. We were able to tap into that excitement and, through fundraising, build a foundation of long-term support and stability for the Museum.”

Lee and Nancy are continuously heartened by the community’s support for BAM and hope that their legacy gift will inspire others to consider planned giving to the Museum. “We [BAM] would never be where we are without our supporters,” said Nancy. Making a legacy gift provides security and gives opportunities to BAM and the community that may not normally be possible. Lee and Nancy are enthusiastic about the ways gifts to BAM’s Endowment Fund, and other support, make visible impacts to the Museum’s programs. “You’ll see your contributions come to life every time you visit BAM. We remember a time when the Sculpture Court and Education Studios weren’t there. The last expansion of the Museum improved BAM’s ability to reach out into the community and has provided more options for programs and events, like the Free School Tour Program, ArtReach, collaboration with the Osher Institute, and artist lectures.”

The couple feels that BAM is central to Boise’s creative community, functioning as an ambassador to visual art for many people in the area and further. Nancy says, “Art nurtures your soul and expands your horizons. Viewing other human beings’ creations can truly change your perspective.”