Kathleen Keys, professor of art education in the Department of Art, Design and Visual Studies, is the guest curator of the Boise Art Museum exhibition “James Castle: Perspectives,” on display through Jan. 18, 2026.
Keys has long explored the life and artwork of James Castle and the role of art in early Deaf education, drawing from the historic “American Annals of the Deaf,” and conducting archival research at Gallaudet University and schools for the Deaf in Idaho, Texas, New Mexico and Kentucky. Additionally, American Sign Language (ASL) Lecturer Kristi Dorris and Keys are collaborating to work with art, art education and ASL students interested in contributing to the design and implementation of the exhibition’s forthcoming extended programming.
Support for this project and its programming was generously provided in part by the School of the Arts and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Boise State University, and the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies. An exhibition opening celebration with a no-host bar will be held from 5-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14. Event admission is $15 or free for Boise Art Museum members.
James Castle (1899-1977), born in Garden Valley, Idaho, is internationally celebrated for his prolific, lifelong artistic practice and contributions as a Deaf artist. Featuring BAM’s Permanent Collection, the exhibition includes recent gifts never shown before and explores the role of art in historic Deaf education, James Castle’s formative experiences at the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind (1910-1915), and the Deaf perspectives represented in his artwork. The approach of James Castle: Perspectives is deliberately different from the traditional museum interpretive model. American Sign Language is preferenced as the primary language, while only minimal written English is included in the exhibition. This approach is intended to welcome the Deaf community to the Museum, present a unique, immersive opportunity to consider the artwork of James Castle in a new way from multiple points of view, and increase appreciation among all audiences for the experience of James Castle as a Deaf artist. Written text and audio descriptions are available through QR codes, cell phone guides and on BAM’s website. Large print binders are also available for checkout at the admissions desk.
In its 21st year, the Boise State / BAM Partnership Agreement makes it possible for all current Boise State students, faculty and staff to access the museum for free during regular open hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.