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Artists putting their brushes to work in Freak Alley

Posted at 7:51 PM, Aug 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-11 15:36:29-04

A variety of different local artists are putting their brushes to work with week keeping the colors alive in Freak Alley in Downtown Boise.

Known as the largest outdoor gallery in the Northwest, Freak Alley got its start 15 years ago as an artistic expression a business' back door.

Since that day Colby Akers, the founder, has received permission from every business and building owner to turn Freak Alley into what it is today.

Julie Pegan, one of the artists, said sometimes she forgets how popular the alley has become until she tells people about her work in the alley. 

"It's one of those things I don't really think about until I say it to someone and they are like oh freak alley! I'm like yes actually Freak Alley. It's a fun little thing to have on the resume because local people seem to know it so well," explained Pegan.

Pegan said having her work in Freak Alley pays off literally. 

"Through the alley and through Colby I've been able to connect with people and find mural work and other design and freelance work because of it," said Pegan.

Every year they take submissions of artist's ideas for the walls. Pegan said if your work fits in with the alley and they like what you are doing they can usually find a spot for you. That sometimes means painting over previous work, but Pegan said that process of renewal is part of what the alley is and stands for. 

"I like to look at it as like if your piece was here it's just being sealed into the alley with other awesome artwork so it's still there, it is just under others work," said Pegan.