A one minute interview with Executive Director Amy Pence-Brown on our history and more, created by Sean McNearney & Lila Streicher in April 2026.

What We Do

In 2009 a group of Boise women in a book club began discussing their common interest in textiles and a concern for newcomers to Boise brought here as we were one of the 200 resettlement communities in the USA designated in the 1980s. They felt many refugees were met with difficulties of adjusting and community misunderstanding and ambivalence. These women wanted to help find a creative and inexpensive way to help our refugee neighbors feel welcome and become a part of the larger Idaho community. The vehicle? Textile handcrafts and an opportunity to connect, learn, create and earn. From the beginning, Artisans For Hope believed that resettlement communities can find creative and low cost opportunities to reach out to these new Americans – to help them integrate, learn how to connect and network in their new homes, strengthen their support and understanding of their children’s education and opportunities, develop competence and confidence in themselves, and provide supplemental income. The relationships formed between community citizens and newcomers provide a critical support system for our challenged newcomers. Turns out we were right. We serve a demonstrable and recognized purpose within the community.


Artisans For Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit teaching Idaho refugees to sew and knit for free in beginner courses and the opportunity to become advanced sewists who sell their wares in our shop and earn a 60% commission. Sixteen years and nearly 1,000 graduates later we remain committed to the same mission!

Teach Refugees

  1. Training in sewing, knitting, yarn and fabric crafts.

  2. How to market handcrafted items.

  3. ESL and community knowledge.

  4. Basic skill development for employment and entrepreneurship

  5. How to foster friendships, collaboration, and healthy connections

Get Involved
Get Involved

Tools We Offer

  1. Tools for creating (fabric, needles, thread, yarn, etc.).

  2. Opportunities and connections to develop crafts.

  3. Studio space to work in.

  4. Friendships and a warm smile.

  5. Safe Environment where all feel welcome.

Donate Supplies
Donate Supplies

Get a tour of our little art studio & shop at 1615 W State Street, Boise, ID, 83702! And come see it yourself anytime Monday-Friday between 9am and 1pm. Video by Sean McNearney & Lila Streicher, April 2026.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM - @artisans4hope

We have lots of eye-popping eyeglass pouches for your reading glasses, sunglasses, regular glasses… even for your phone. Double pouch handles 2 pairs of glasses or other things you need at hand. Stay organized and ready with these! Wander down
Up-cycled livestock feed bags?! Made into large, gotta-have tote bags? Yes!!!! We love them so much! These are so fun and unique- lined with colorful fabrics and nylon webbed straps. Seasonal; get them while we have them- about 6 in stock currently.
Time to put your sunglasses on or somewhere where they are ready to grab! We have lots of colorful eyeglass pouches for your reading glasses, sunglasses, regular glasses… even for your phone. Double pouch handles a pair of glasses or other thi
Do you like our new Artisans for Hope tent signs?! Follow the signs to our little boutique in the lower level of a building we share with other businesses. Our boutique offers seasonal gifts and crafts all handmade by our artisan refugees. Items are
How lucky are we? “May The Fourth” is with us!!! In a lucky stroke of serendipity, Artisans for Hope won the random drawing for Idaho Gives’ “Last Stretch” donation of $250! Such a windfall for our program! Thank you @id
Thank you to our newest donors on Day 4 for holding our hands and lending a helping hand financially throughout this IDAHO GIVES campaign- Jane McK, Kim W, Ronald C, Al and Deb K, Sue S, Barbara R and the JLC Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation,
Last day- Day #4 of Idaho Gives with a Party in the park today! Lost Grove Brewing is hosting a party in Ann Morrison Park today from 4 - 8 p.m. today to celebrate Idaho Gives. There will be beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options that you can enjoy
On day 3 of Idaho Gives we near the $2,000 mark of donations. We want to thank our most recent donors Marian W, Patricia H, Jane L, Elaine G, Steve & Darla, Paula M, Ronda T, and a few who would like to remain anonymous- thank you all for helping
Happy faces at Artisans for Hope! Day 2 of Idaho Gives and we have these generous donors to thank: Gwendolyn S, Sandy D, Trinidad, Dorothy S, Alma D, Susan B, Pam R, Linda J-S, Betty S, Tony S, Lori GB, Sydney R, Ceci B, and Ronda T. @idahogives #don
Thank you, donor Sydney R, for your Idaho Gives gift to Artisans for Hope! We appreciate you! Every bit helps us carry out our important mission! @idahogives #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #fundraising #donate #donatetoday #helpsupportsmallbusines

“A refugee is someone who survived and can create a future.”

Amela Koluder