James Castle was born deaf, and, while he attended Idaho’s school for deaf and blind children, he never became proficient in reading, writing, or a conventional means of communication. Even so, Castle was clearly passionate about language and communication, and created a large number of works investigating letters, signs, and symbols assembled into dizzying and ever-changing combinations. One of these is his combination of the words “Purse” and “Discusses,” which individually don’t mean what we think they do and yet, collectively, the piece does communicate.

In honor of James Castle’s creative ways of connecting, we celebrate the stories of our incredible deaf community on the back porch of his former house. Tim Blonsky, president of the Idaho Association of the Deaf, will host three featured storytellers intermixed with a community story slam (which is open to all to share on the theme).

Please bring your blankets and low-backed chairs for seating on the lawn. You may also bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine will be available for purchase from Lost Grove Brewing.

Featuring:

Mikkel & April Nelson

JoAnn Shopbell

Sonny Cabbage

Hosted by Timothy Blonsky

with a special appearance by Open Arms Dance Project featuring hard-of-hearing and CODA dancers.

Interpreted for the hearing, deaf & hard-of-hearing by LaVona Andrew & Holly Thomas-Mowery.

Produced by Jodi Eichelberger

Learn more about the James Castle House or visit the house Thursday – Saturdays 11am – 5pm.