Canvassing Boise with Mitsuko

Mitsuko is one of the Treasure Valley’s most brilliant gems as an artist. Her art continues to catch the eye of many art connoisseurs near and far. Mitsuko is a Boise native who draws inspiration from a diverse background which includes Japanese, Navajo, and Basque heritage. She grew up sacrificing a lot of her social time as a teen practicing her craft and investing in her future as a creative.

When speaking about her love surrounding art, Mitsuko commented, “If I have an ethos for art it is connecting people, that is really important to me, and using art to make those connections.” Much of Mitsuko’s art is centered around people and capturing what it means to be human.

Mitsuko recently purchased a house in Boise with her husband and was able to build a studio space. She will now have room to create more renderings, like her portrait series regarding the Academy nominated film “12 Angry Men.” These will be on display at the Catalyst Arts Collaborative.

“Every face tells a story," Mitsuko mused while commenting on this kind of art.

Much of Mitsuko’s art is illustration and she produces much of this work for commercial purposes. This art is fun, cartoony, and focuses often on cats. Mitsuko has a BFA in Illustration and is very skilled. One can find several examples of her illustrations on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mitsukomeow/ .

Mitsuko has had her art displayed at Cinder Winery, she was also a featured artist at Dawson Taylor Roastery, and in Boise’s infamous Freak Alley.

In 2011, Mitsuko did her first mural in Freak Alley after being selected by a jury of her peers. When commenting on her most popular mural in Freak Alley Mitsuko stated, “The one I get the most photos of and tags on Instagram, it was a black and white. I used to love drawing rabbits, and coincidentally we had the 'Year of the Rabbit.' It was unfortunately vandalized, so about four weeks ago I went down and re-did it with a dragon, as it is now the 'Year of the Dragon.'

In January of 2025, Mitsuko will have an art exhibit at Catalyst Arts Collaborative in Boise displaying many of the portraits she has created. These can be observed in large scale and full color. Mitsuko’s portraits will feature people she finds interesting including celebrities.

Like many other artists, Mitsuko has recognized the importance of community and she has enjoyed the benefits a space like the Catalyst brings to an artist's life. When thinking about her time with Catalyst Arts Collaborative Mitsuko commented, “Being a part of Catalyst specifically within the last six months, I’ve met a lot of cool people who I wouldn't have otherwise”. Mitsuko has made connections at Catalyst Arts Collaborative.

Mitsuko also conveys the importance of spaces like the Catalyst Arts Collaborative in the Boise community, “For any artist who has reached a dead-end, I don’t know where to go, I don’t know who to seek out, Catalyst has created opportunities for all of us. And I think that is really important to know because Boise is still growing, but is pretty small when it comes to the art world. Candy (Canning) knows so many people and makes so many opportunities. Events like Arts and Roses that she has taken on is no small feat. It’s pretty impressive.” To enjoy more impressive art, visit Catalyst Arts Collaborative.