Idaho artist James Castle (1899-1977), who was born deaf and entirely self-taught, produced thousands of artworks in his Boise home and nearby shed with a wide range of materials and content.
Opening May 9, James Castle: Foundations features 36 artworks from the City of Boise’s collection and 20 loaned works from the James Castle Collection and Archive. The new installation explores the unique styles, materials, and motifs that Castle regularly used, including soot and spit, color, books, pattern works, transcriptions, collages, text works, and constructions.
With Foundations, first-time visitors and returning patrons alike can learn about the incredible diversity of work and artistic range of one of the most unlikely and enigmatic American artists of the twentieth century.
The community is invited to join a celebratory opening reception on Thursday, May 23, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments and beverages will be available for purchase.
View Foundations exclusively at the James Castle House during open hours, Thursday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., at 5015 Eugene Street in Boise, Idaho. The exhibition will be on display through February 1, 2025. For more information: jamescastlehouse.org
About James Castle
James Castle (1899-1977) was born on a farm in Garden Valley, Idaho and lived there and in Star, Idaho during his youth, before moving to his Boise home at 5015 Eugene Street with his family in 1931. Born deaf and entirely self-taught, James Castle worked in a wide range of subject matter and media, ranging from his well-known soot-and-spit renderings and color works to paper and twine constructions, resulting in a vast body of work. His art and life story first captured the attention of the art world in the early 1950s and interest steadily grew throughout the remaining years of his life. Castle’s work has since been exhibited around the world. Learn more about James Castle.
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
