The James Castle House is thrilled to welcome mixed-media artist Jasmine Best (she/her) to Boise, Idaho for a 10-week residency. Selected after a nationwide call and announced in October 2023, Best’s work is rooted in the memories of her upbringing in the American South, and how the manipulation of those memories creates new dialogues about Southern artists, folk histories, and Black femme identities.
Inspired by James Castle’s creative practice and personal world-building through his art, Best plans to use drawing, papermaking, storytelling, and her ongoing research of folk histories to create a new body of work during her time at 5015 Eugene Street in Boise’s Collister Neighborhood.
Best obtained her BFA in Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is currently enrolled in the MFA program at the University of Georgia. She has participated in solo and group exhibitions, including the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh, SECCA, and the African American Museum in Dallas. She has held resident positions at Olive’s Porch, Grow Residency, Stay at Home Residency, Elsewhere Residency, and Dear Artists, Artist with Anxiety Residency. Best’s work has also been published in Vox Populi, Paper Machine, and Commonthreads Press. Learn more at jasminebest.com.
The community is invited to engage with Best and her work at the following events (all times MT):
Inside the Studio
Workshop
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June 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (details forthcoming)
Final Presentation (Hybrid)
Learn more about the James Castle House residencies on our website.
About the James Castle House
The James Castle House is a historic site and museum serving as a testimony to the legacy of self-taught artist James Castle. As stewards of this legacy, the James Castle House is responsible for managing Castle’s historic living and working spaces, art and artifact collections, and offering public opportunities to engage with the site. More information: jamescastlehouse.org
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
