Release Date: 4/8/2026

America 250 Exhibition Love Language Opens Friday, April 10

The Erma Hayman House presents Love Language, an exhibition featuring paintings by Boise artist Chris Binion.
 
For 43 consecutive years, Binion has created a painting each Valentine’s Day for his husband, John Roberts. What began as a private gesture of affection has grown into a lifelong ritual—an annual act of devotion and artistic reflection.

Shown publicly for the first time, this collection forms an intimate archive of a shared life shaped by love, aging, cultural change and the evolving landscape of gay rights in America. Together, these works invite us to consider how personal relationships can inspire broader social change, especially when recognition and protection are not always guaranteed.

In the spirit of the America 250 theme, “Unfinished Revolutions,” this exhibition honors love as an ongoing act of authenticity, resilience and quiet activism.

Join us for the opening reception from 6–8 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the Erma Hayman House (617 Ash St., Boise). Light refreshments will be provided. Free and open to all.

Love Language is on view through December 2026. Learn more and plan your visit at ErmaHaymanHouse.org.
 
For a full schedule of city-sponsored America 250 events, visit CityOfBoise.org/America250.
 
The City of Boise is committed to ensuring equal access to all public meetings, programs, and services. Reasonable accommodations and effective communication—such as ASL interpretation, materials in alternative formats and language access—are available at no cost to facilitate participation. To request an accommodation, please contact us at CommunityEngagement@cityofboise.org or call (208) 972-8500, TTY: 711.  
 
About the Erma Hayman House
The Erma Hayman House is a historic site and cultural center that shares a dignity-centered history of the River Street Neighborhood through preservation, interpretation, and culturally mindful public programs. Through collaborative partnerships, the Erma Hayman House offers inclusive on-site programs and experiences that seek to directly support, serve, and amplify Boise’s diverse community. The Erma Hayman House is owned and managed by the City of Boise’s Department of Arts & History. More information: ErmaHaymanHouse.org
 
About the City of Boise’s America 250 Celebration 
The City of Boise is proud to participate in a citywide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. We're celebrating what makes Boise unique: a community grounded in history, strengthened by diverse voices, and committed to building a thriving future for generations to come. Through community events, tours and exhibitions, learning resources, and the Fourth of July celebration, we invite everyone to explore the people and places that have shaped our city so far and ways to participate in and contribute to the American story. All events are free and open to all. More information: CityOfBoise.org/America250