Hoffman Center Blog

Our first  Hoffapalooza, held Saturday, July 23, 2011 was conceived as an opportunity to show off the wide variety of programs that go on at the Hoffman Center, and to show them off all at once. In a six-hour timespan we had hundreds of people come through the building. A frequent comment, even from full-locals, was, “I had no idea there was this much going on.” It was great to hear that. It meant we were successful.

Check the gallery for some photos of the big day.

The Hoffman Center Ceramics Program will offer two special multi-week classes during the month of August.

“Sculpting” will be held on Tuesdays, beginning Aug. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. The tuition will be $55, which includes clay and firing.

“Coil Drums and Other Musical Instruments” will be held on Thursdays, beginning Aug. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. The tuition will be $55, and includes clay and firing.

Ilse Witterland will lead both classes. Witterland holds a degree in art and sculpture from Portland State University, and has shown her work in Portland and Lake Oswego galleries. She is also a member of the Portland Sculptors Guild.

Persons interested in attending either or both classes are asked to send an email hoffmanclaystudio@gmail.com.

The classes are limited to 10 students each.

The Hoffman Center in Manzanita host its first Hoffapalooza Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to highlight and celebrate the programs and activities that take place at north Tillamook County’s art, culture and education center.

“We’ve been making physical and program improvements to the Center over the past few months and felt the summertime would be a great opportunity to show off what we’re all about,” said event organizer and board member John Freethy. “Considering the scope of what goes on here, ‘Hoffapalooza’ seemed a great name for the event.”

Visitors will be invited to explore a number of family-friendly activities, including clay, drawing, writing, reading, drama, music, letterpress, and book and paper arts. Program volunteers will be on hand to demonstrate and discuss each activity.

“Hoffapalooza” will also feature performances throughout the day by local musicians, dramatic or comic presentations, and raffle prizes.  Local artists and students of the center will also have their art on display and for sale.  There’s no admission to the event, however proceeds of the raffle and art sales go to the Hoffman Center operating fund.

Kathleen Ryan helps move into the newly remodeled clay room.

The Clay Studio at the Hoffman Center is back in action.  Come on down on Tuesdays, 10 to 4, and Thursdays, 5 to 8 in the evening, to check out all the exciting changes.  Now there’s more room for more participants, natural light from a new window, plus a dedicated sink for clean-up.  We look forward to seeing you there! 

For more pictures go to our page on Facebook:  Hoffman Center Manzanita.

The Hoffman Center is holding evening hours for the Open Clay Studio on Thursday nights.  The Studio will be open from 5 pm to 8 pm every Thursday for anyone to come work on their projects.  All experience levels are welcome and a Studio Host is available to answer questions and offer tips.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost is $2 per hour, which includes glazing and firing up to the finished product.  Clay is $1 per 2 pound section.  For more information, contact Bruce Phillips at longboardmenow@yahoo.com.