The difference between best museum and best gallery would seem to be semantic, but Boiseans: No. 1, can clearly tell the difference based on the runners-up in both categories; No. 2, have strong opinions with regard to that distinction; and No. 3, overwhelmingly see Boise Art Museum as an exemplary gallery and museum. And for good reason: BAM is Boise's largest art gallery, complete with an atrium for large-scale exhibits, more art hanging on the wall than you can shake a paint brush at and a sculpture garden, all for Boise's viewing pleasure. 610 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208-345-8330, boiseartmuseum.org.

Second Place: Visual Arts Collective, visualartscollective.com

Third Place: Art Source Gallery, artsourcegallery.com