Saving the Past, Preserving the Future
Saving the Past, Preserving the Future
- Creator: Mark Manwaring
- Date: 2010
- Location: Boise City Hall West, 1st Floor, Lobby
- Types: paintings (visual works)
- Materials: oil paint (pigmented coating), canvas
- Collection: Site-Based Works
This painting commemorates the Boise Fire Department’s heroic response to the 2000 fire at the R.Z. Johnson Building—a historic architectural landmark and longtime symbol of downtown Boise. Thanks to the skill and determination of Boise’s firefighters, the building was preserved and continues to stand today as a vital piece of the city’s heritage. Nationally known for his portrayals of emergency personnel, Mark Manwaring captures a pivotal moment in local history. This work, commissioned for City Hall West, honors the bravery, precision, and community commitment embodied in the department’s everyday service.



