Longtime College of Idaho art professor Garth Claassen’s work is no stranger to public showcases. But his most recent exhibit will be a bit unique.
Claassen’s work has been selected to be featured in Gallery Cushing Terrell, an art gallery located within the architecture firm, Cushing Terrell, in the Zions Bank building in downtown Boise. His work was initially to be featured in the gallery in 2020 but, due to restrictions during the COVID pandemic, the showcase didn’t happen. In fact, the entire gallery was closed.
Until October 2023, when the gallery re-opened.
Claassen will be the first featured artist in the newly re-opened gallery.
“One of the things that excited me about showing there is that the gallery is run by the Cushing Terrell architectural firm, and architectonic structures have often featured in my work,” Claassen said. “Another reason I was attracted to Cushing Terrell was the fact that I know many of these artists and admire their work. Indeed, five of them have also shown at the College’s Rosenthal Gallery of which l was the director. Treasure Valley has a lively artistic scene and it’s great to feel part of that community. Finally, l am happy to be the one they chose to reboot their exhibition schedule after the long COVID hiatus.”
The debut of the work came on October 5 in conjunction with Boise’s popular, monthly “First Thursday” celebration.
Claassen retired from his position as professor in May, though he signed on to instruct one course this fall at the College before putting away the gradebook for good. He’s in the process of building a personal studio at his home in Caldwell.
Gallery Cushing Terrell is traditionally open during regular office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cushing Terrell is located at 800 W. Main Street, Suite 800, in downtown Boise.
The College of Idaho has a 132-year-old legacy of excellence. The College is known for its outstanding academic programs, winning athletics tradition, and history of producing successful graduates, including eight Rhodes Scholars, three governors, and countless business leaders and innovators. Its distinctive PEAK Curriculum challenges students to attain competency in the four knowledge peaks of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and a professional field—empowering them to earn a major and three minors in four years. The College’s close-knit, residential campus is located in Caldwell, where its proximity both to Boise and to the world-class outdoor activities of southwest Idaho’s mountains and rivers offers unique opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. For more information, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.