James Castle Community Celebration: Bridging Cultures & Making Connections

Date: 9/27/2025 2:00 PM - 9/27/2025 6:00 PM

Join us for the first annual James Castle Community Celebration on Saturday September 27, 2025, 2-6 p.m. at the James Castle House!

In honor of James Castle’s birthday and Deaf Awareness Month, we invite you to an afternoon of art, connection, and family-friendly hands-on activities that celebrate the life of Idaho artist James Castle and Boise’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

This year’s celebration is presented in collaboration with the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Idaho Association of the Deaf, with support from the Boise Public Library, Collister Neighborhood Association, Boise Art Museum, Boise State University, and Idaho Hands & Voices.

Event Schedule

2:30 p.m.

• Opening remarks by Boise City Council Member Jimmy Hallyburton.

2–5 p.m. 

• Artmaking — Explore creative activity stations led by Idaho Hands & Voices, Boise Art Museum, and Boise State University students.

• Bookmaking — Create a keepsake book to remember the day inspired by James Castle's bookmaking practice. 

• Site Scavenger Hunt — Search for hidden details around the James Castle House and earn a prize!

• Play Like the Past — Enjoy classic lawn games like hopscotch and giant Jenga.

• Boise Public Library Excite Trike — Sign up for a library card or check out a book!

3–5 p.m. 

• Artist Open Studio — Meet current James Castle House resident Janhavi Khemka and learn more about her art practice.

5–6 p.m.

• Storytelling — Hear stories from members of Boise’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Featured storytellers include:
  • April Nelson is an advocate for language access and positive self-identity development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
  • Michelle Camara has dedicated her career to serving the Deaf and DeafPlus community and now works as Deputy Director at Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA).
  • Jordan Mowery is a Deaf Idahoan and graduate of the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind who has pursued a career in automotive technology.
  • Holly Thomas-Mowery is a certified ASL interpreter and mother of a Deaf adult child leading her to be deeply connected to the Deaf community through both family and professional roles.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from THE FARMBOY food truck, Lost Grove Brewing, and Sunset Soft Serve. 

Come celebrate with us and experience the creativity, history, and culture that continue to bring our community together. This event is free with no registration required!

The James Castle House encourages persons with disabilities and those who require language assistance to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing accommodation, please email jamescastlehouse@cityofboise.org, as soon as possible before the event. To request assistance, you may also dial TTY 1-800-377-3529.