About

Surel's Place Artist in Residence Marshall Toomey’s paintings explore the Black American world through stories and portraits. He wants his colors to add life, not just color to his stories. During his residency, he will work to bring life to a historic event in the black history of Boise. He has chosen Elvina Moulton as his subject, who is recognized as Boise’s only known Black Pioneer. Elvina was born enslaved in Kentucky in 1837, walked the Oregon Trail from Missouri to Boise sometime around 1867, and was a charter member of First Presbyterian Church in Boise in 1878. She will also be featured in an upcoming Women’s Labor History exhibition at the Erma Hayman House in 2026. Join us at the Idaho Black History Museum on December 6 where Marshall will unveil this new painting. This event is free and open to the public. 

About Marshall Toomey

Marshall Toomey is an accomplished artist with a career spanning over 40 years as a painter, illustrator, and movie animator. He was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri but moved to Southern California in the seventies to pursue his artistic career. He worked for 20 years at the Walt Disney Animation Studio with credits including the supervising character lead in the creation of the animation of Rafiki in the The Lion King and Quasimodo in The Hunchback of the Notre Dame. You can see the many films he has worked on at his IMBD profile here. He has also illustrated many books – one of them being the The Lion King book published after the movie. Marshall describes his work as autobiographical. “My own style is blended with traditional techniques to create an enriched view of the life I’ve experienced. I placed myself in the scene along with other characters from my life. I am taking a look at the positives in everyday life; the perspectives, traditions, and routines of being outside of the struggles.”

Arts & History Grant Program

The City of Boise’s Arts & History Grant program funds quality arts, history, and cultural projects that benefit people living in Boise city limits. Since 1997, the city has awarded over 500 grants with a total disbursement of over $2.1 million. Follow along using #AHGrant. Learn more.