Artist Ellen Mansfield Explores Deaf History and Celebrates Deaf Culture and Identity in James Castle House Residency 

Boise, ID – The James Castle House is thrilled to welcome multidisciplinary artist Ellen Mansfield (she/her) to Boise, Idaho for a 10-week residency. Selected after a nationwide call and announced in October 2023, Mansfield’s work explores themes of Deaf history and identity, and celebrates American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Inspired by James Castle’s creative practice and life experiences as a Deaf individual, Mansfield plans to use a variety of techniques, including drawing, watercolor, acrylic, oil, tile painting, hand-built ceramics, as well as nature-sourced canvases, like wood, to create a new body of work during her time at 5015 Eugene Street in Boise’s Collister Neighborhood.   

“Growing up, I was enrolled at a public school that did not use sign language. As a result, I did not understand much of what was taught, spoken, or happening around me,” says Mansfield. “It was only when I discovered sign language that I finally found myself and felt like I belonged. James Castle’s work, like mine, is a testimony to his incredibly hard work, his roots, and his life experiences. He developed a wonderful sense of wonder and awe about the world around him, like many of us who were deprived of language also have. When my world offers visual arts, I feel even more at home.”  

Currently residing in Frederick, Maryland, Mansfield channels her experience as a Deaf individual to explore themes of Deaf history and life through drawing, painting, ceramics, and other media. This includes creating in the style of DE’VIA (Deaf View/Image Art) to celebrate and promote ASL and Deaf culture.    

Mansfield holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, as well as training from Moravian Pottery Tileworks in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She has been featured in over 60 solo and group exhibitions since 2005, including a 2018 solo feature at the Dyer Art Center in New York, and a virtual group exhibition with the US Consulate General in 2022. Learn more about Ellen Mansfield at ellenmansfield.com.  

The community is invited to engage with Mansfield and her work at the following events (all times MT):  

Inside the Studio   

• March 2, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

• March 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

• March 23, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Workshop    

• March 9, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.  

Final Presentation (Hybrid)    

• April 5, 5:30 – 7: 30 p.m.  

Learn more about the James Castle House residencies on our website.

About the Boise City Department of Arts & History
The Department of Arts & History is Boise’s local cultural agency dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging through accessible and place-based arts and history. Our mission is to cultivate a distinct sense of place which reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. Our operations empower and serve Boise residents as we create opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s past and its creative economy. More information: boiseartsandhistory.org

Jennifer Yribar, Communications Manager jyribar@cityofboise.org 208-608-7051