From literary readings to immersive art installations and hands-on tech experiences, College of Western Idaho (CWI) community is making a strong and visible impact at Treefort Music Fest 2026. Across Storyfort, Hackfort, and Artfort, CWI faculty, students, and alumni are sharing their talents, creativity, and expertise with audiences throughout Boise.
Storyfort
CWI’s English students step into the spotlight at Storyfort on Wednesday, March 25, at the historic Bishops’ House. Winners of CWI’s 2026 Micro Fiction Contest will present public readings of their work. The event will highlight student creativity, as well as the mentorship and guidance of CWI faculty who support these emerging writers in the classroom.
Micro Fiction Contest
March 25
5 – 7 p.m
Bishops’ House
On Thursday, March 26, Storyfort continues at Ochos Cocktail and Wine Bar (21+ only) with acclaimed author Sam J. Miller. From noon to 1 p.m., Miller will present a reading from his novel, Blackfish City, followed by a 1 – 2 p.m. panel discussion, “The Fact in Fiction.” These events offer students the opportunity to engage directly with a nationally recognized author, enriching their academic experience through real-world literary conversations.
Sam J. Miller Reading & Discussion
March 26
Noon – 2 p.m.
Ochos Cocktail and Wine Bar (21+ only)
Miller will also visit campus March 27 for CWI’s Big Read, further connecting Treefort programming with classroom learning and faculty-led discussions.
Hackfort
March 27 – 28, CWI brings innovation and hands-on engagement to Hackfort at JUMP. Faculty and students will showcase interactive tabletop games, teaching manipulatives, and an AI-powered facial recognition demonstration.
The Hackfort presence highlights how CWI faculty translate classroom concepts into accessible, engaging public experiences with students actively participating in demonstrations and conversations with festival attendees.
Artfort
Throughout the festival, CWI faculty, students, and alumni contribute original artwork to Artfort installations across multiple venues in Boise. Each installation includes on-site recognition of CWI’s involvement, highlighting the college’s deep artistic engagement within the community.
A major feature of Artfort 2026 is Backrooms, a curated series of immersive installations tucked into hidden corners of the festival. Designed to surprise and delight festivalgoers, these experiential works invite reflection, wonder, and playful discovery.
Backrooms includes contributions from CWI Alum Megan White and CWI faculty:
- Eric Mullis – Assistant Professor, Art
- April VanDeGrift – Faculty, Art
- Goran Fazil – Associate Professor, Art
These installations can be found in Boise at:
- Ming Studios – 4290 S. 6th St.
- The Adelmann – 622 W. Idaho St.
- The Shrine Basement – 1118 W. Idaho St.
- Lost Grove Brewing – 1026 S. La Pointe St.
Backrooms also features musical collaborations with regional bands, Grandpa Crump and Dew Point, at Ming Studios, further blending faculty artistry with the broader creative community. CWI’s Carl Della Badia, Associate Professor of English, will bring his band Mercy Giant to the Lost Grove Brewing stage at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 26.
From award-winning student writers to faculty-led art installations and interactive technology demonstrations, CWI’s presence at Treefort 2026 highlights the creativity and talent across the college community. Across the festival, students are performing, creating, and sharing their work with audiences throughout Boise.
