Gallery Cushing Terrell Reopens to the Public Following the Pandemic
Gallery Cushing Terrell, host of local art in the Boise, Idaho, office of multidisciplinary design firm Cushing Terrell, has reopened to the public for First Thursday events. During the pandemic, the gallery took a hiatus but is happy to announce they have welcomed a new artist — Garth Claassen — to display his work.
The public is invited to visit the firm’s office at 800 W. Main Street on the 8th floor of the Zions Bank building for First Thursday on October 5, 2023. The event will be open from 5-8 p.m.
Claassen’s work presents a study in contrasts. He combines elements from the world around him that represent the darkest and lightest sides of modern society. Heavily focused on the figural, Claassen creates a visual metaphor for humanity’s confusion and loss of direction in the changing world. Using world events as a reference, he executes his paintings with vibrant and saturated colors, lending an elegant sensuality to dark and sometimes controversial themes.
Garth Claassen prepares his work to hang at Gallery Cushing Terrell.
Claassen was born and raised in South Africa, spending his first twenty-seven years in Pietermaritzburg. He has exhibited his art in South Africa with works in the South African National Gallery, the Durban Art Gallery, the Tatham Art Gallery, and the University of Natal (now the University of Kwazulu-Natal). Since emigrating to the United States, specifically Idaho, he has exhibited at the Stewart Gallery, the Boise Art Museum, the Herrett Center for Arts and Science, College of Southern Idaho, Takami Gallery of Art, Treasure Valley Community College, and the Idaho State Historical Museum.
Claassen began his artistic career as a ceramic sculptor but has since focused primarily on painting and drawing. Claassen has taught at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho, since 1994 and will retire at the end of the fall 2023 semester.
About Gallery Cushing Terrell
The idea of hosting gallery space in Cushing Terrell’s Boise office was born during the programming phase for the firm’s new offices. Boise office leadership facilitated multiple sessions asking Cushing Terrell colleagues: “What is important to you regarding your working environment?” Through this process, they learned the arts and a connection to the community were among employees’ top priorities. Rather than showcasing their own work, they decided to highlight pieces from accomplished artists within the region. The overarching goal: to inspire the public to visit the Cushing Terrell Boise office and give artists the opportunity to display their work. For more information, visit: cushingterrell.com/gallery.
