Boise State Blue Galleries Hosts Language of the Hand

The new exhibition showcases drawings and sculptures from 63 artists through October 28.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Fine Art

Boise State Blue Galleries Hosts Language of the Hand

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Boise State Blue Galleries is currently hosting Language of the Hand, an exhibition that centers on drawing as a foundational practice for visual artists. The show features works from 63 artists including drawings, collages, and sculptures.

Why it matters

The exhibition highlights how drawing serves as a core medium for artists to connect their ideas. By bringing together diverse contributors, it explores the physical and collaborative nature of contemporary visual art.

The show highlights 63 artists and displays 3 pieces by James Castle alongside 5 mixed media works by Garth Claassen. All featured drawings are created on 11-by-14-inch paper pieces that physically connect to works by other artists.

The players

Boise State Blue Galleries

This institutional gallery space on the Boise State University campus regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

James Castle

He was a renowned Idaho artist known for his unique drawings and found-material constructions who died in 1977.

Garth Claassen

He is an artist featured in the exhibition who contributed five mixed media pieces to the display.

Katrina Kopeloff

She is a participating artist who contributed an interactive sketchbook titled I Started a Garden to the exhibition.

Astri Snodgrass

She is a contributing artist whose work in the exhibition includes a paper sculpture titled Tell It Slant.

The details

The exhibition includes a collaborative piece titled Still Utopia/Broken Links and an interactive sketchbook by Katrina Kopeloff titled I Started a Garden. Additionally, Astri Snodgrass contributed a paper sculpture titled Tell It Slant.

James Castle passed away in 1977.
Planning for the exhibition began in 2023.
The exhibition is open to the public through Oct. 28.
The gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Industry Dynamics

This exhibition follows the academic tradition of the Boise State University visual arts research curriculum by connecting legacy artists like James Castle with contemporary practitioners. It signals a move toward collaborative, interconnected curation that bridges different artistic generations.

Visitors can view the exhibition for free during the gallery's standard Tuesday through Friday hours. Those interested in the specific works can visit the gallery before the exhibition closes on October 28.

The takeaway

Drawing remains a vital, foundational skill that allows for seamless collaboration across different artistic styles. Attendees can gain insight into the process by observing how individual 11-by-14-inch pieces connect to form a larger collective display.