River Sculpture
River Sculpture
- Creator: Alison Sky
- Date: 1999
- Location: The Grove Hotel
- Types: installations (visual works), sculpture (visual work)
- Materials: granite (rock), glass (material), grout, metal, electrical components
- Collection: Site-Based Works
Carved into the granite façade of the Grove Hotel, River Sculpture transforms the building into a symbolic river flowing vertically through downtown Boise. Designed by artist Allison Sky, the piece honors the Boise River and the city’s historic irrigation canals—lifelines that shaped the region’s development. Originally unveiled in 1999, the artwork integrates granite, fused glass tiles, LED lighting, and mist (originally a fogging feature) to reflect the energy and movement of water. The sculpture underwent a major restoration in 2015, replacing the background with more than 140,000 glass tiles and updating the lighting and filtration systems. Nearly all of the original granite was preserved. Part public art, part architectural landmark, River Sculpture celebrates Boise’s connection to nature, water, and transformation.
