IDAHO FALLS — The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho has announced a partnership with Resin Architects to design an expansion of its Education Center.

Alexa Stanger, the museum's executive director, connected with Resin Architects' Graham Whipple through the local art scene. Both shared an appreciation for art and culture, and their relationship evolved into a professional collaboration rooted in a shared vision for art's role in the community.

That connection took on new significance in fall 2022, when a tour of the Archie Teater Studio in Bliss brought artists, community members and architects together. There, Stanger spoke with Whipple about the museum's future and its need for expanded educational space.

The museum had recently completed a feasibility study finding that demand for art education in Eastern Idaho was growing and that current facilities were not meeting that demand. After that meeting, Resin Architects began developing renderings for an expanded Education Center. A design was approved by the museum's Board of Directors in March 2026.

"Graham and the team at Resin understand this community in a very real way," Stanger said. "There's a shared history and a shared vision. This isn't just about designing a building, it's about creating a space that reflects and serves the people who live here."

The next phase will include geotechnical and site analysis as well as continued design development. Final plans are expected by the end of 2026, with construction slated to begin in 2027 and the new Education Center targeted for completion in 2028.

The expanded facility will allow the museum to serve more students, families and educators throughout Eastern Idaho, with a focus on hands-on learning, youth programming and outreach to rural communities.

"This project has always been about access," Stanger said. "We are building something that will allow more people, especially young people, to experience art in a meaningful and lasting way."

This is not the first time Resin Architects has partnered with the museum. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm helped expand access by creating virtual exhibition tours for students and members.

The museum will continue raising funds for the project and invites the community to help shape the future of art education in Eastern Idaho. More information is available at theartmuseum.org.