About the Hoffman Center for the Arts
The Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita is a place for artists, writers, horticultural enthusiasts and creators of all kinds. It’s for those curious about art and culture, who are looking for immersive experiences. It’s for those who are dedicated to learning and connecting to their creative spirit and to their community. And it’s for those who enjoy soaking up the artistic expression of their north Oregon coast neighbors.
Named for our benefactors, Lloyd & Myrtle Hoffman, the Hoffman Center prides itself on its unique and innovative programming.
Our Vision
The story of the Hoffman Center for the Arts reflects the quest to help transform lives and deepen the human experience through cultural exploration, creativity, and education on the north Oregon Coast.
The Hoffman Center for the Arts is a model for strengthening community and society in a rural area. Dedicated individuals—the soul of the organization—collaborate, inspire artistic and cultural engagement, and provide another reason for people to visit, recreate, and even choose to live here.
Our Mission
The Hoffman Center for the Arts is a welcoming place for north Oregon coast residents and visitors to create, explore and enjoy arts and culture.
Our Values
Engagement: We believe participation in the arts – through fun, passionate and stimulating experiences – enriches and lengthens lives and helps define our humanity and culture.
Inviting: We believe in reaching out to others and welcoming them into a respectful, safe and supportive environment.
Community: We believe engaging and collaborating with all parts of our community help us fulfill our mission and contribute to the heritage of the arts in our region.
Opportunity: We believe in providing an accessible environment where creativity, innovation, and diversity thrive and contribute to personal growth of the individual and the arts.
Stewardship: We believe in maintaining responsible stewardship and prudent financial management to ensure our continued viability, future growth, and long-term sustainability.
Our History
Lloyd and Myrtle Hoffman were long-time and beloved residents of Manzanita. Upon their deaths in 2004, this vibrant, welcoming, and creative couple—she a musician, he a painter—left their modest estate to our community to seed a local center for arts and culture.
Their home, property, and some savings were donated, as well as their dream: the possibility that volunteers, donors and patrons, along with support from the city and county, would create a unique cultural center in the heart of Manzanita. This center would build on the community’s historic legacy of creativity as well as support the library—welcoming residents and visitors alike.
Visionary members of the community stepped forward to take up this dream. The Hoffman home was unsuitable for public use and removed. The founding board used the estate to make a down payment on the building across the street where we still operate —giving life to the Hoffman dream.
On any day of the week—writers, potters, painters, plant lovers, and consumers of the arts, young and old, some completely new, some deeply experienced and some reconnecting with their creative spirit—visit the Hoffman Center and the Hoffman Wonder Garden to explore, create, and connect with others.
