Dear Friends of Hoffman,
Every gift to the Hoffman Center for the Arts sparks a story of transformation. Today, I’d like to share one of those stories with you—and invite you to help make more of them possible as we work toward our $40,000 year-end goal.
When Mathew Goodrich first walked into a basic drawing class at the Hoffman Center in early 2023, he wasn’t sure where it would lead. Having recently moved to Manzanita and still recovering from a traumatic brain injury sustained nearly a decade ago, he was simply looking for a way to reconnect with art and with his new community.
“[My partner and I] picked Manzanita as a place to live specifically because it has a vibrant art community and an art center where we could continue taking courses in art and writing.”
I first met Mathew in that same drawing class. I was brand new to Hoffman and, like Mathew, looking for a way to get to know my community. I marveled at how he stood out.
While the rest of us were struggling to complete the simplest of drawings, Mathew found his stride almost instantly, returning to class each week with dozens of completed drawings and paintings.
“Taking that drawing class really catapulted my art forward. It also helped with my social confidence.”
Fast forward to 2024. Mathew continued to explore his creative voice. Building on his success and confidence from the drawing course, he applied to the Hoffman Gallery and was accepted.
With the support of the gallery team, he learned how to prepare, present, and share his art publicly for the first time.
“The Hoffman is a unicorn in the art scene… having a show gave me the confidence to pursue art full-time.”
What began as one drawing class has rippled outward in remarkable ways. Thanks to your support, that single opportunity has grown into confidence, connection, and creative momentum that continues to build.
Since that first class, Mathew has become an important part of our community: attending our life drawing classes, contributing to our literary and art publications, and participating in monthly gallery receptions. Recently, he shared the exciting news that his artwork is now represented by Imogen Gallery in Astoria.
“I don’t think a gallery would have been in my future without my show at the Hoffman. Having a gallery represent me is a huge relief. The chasm between an unrepresented artist and having a place in a reputable gallery is huge, and with my brain injury it felt all but impossible. Now I have the freedom to work on art full- time and let the gallery do the rest.”
Stories like Mathew’s are only possible because of your year-end donations. Your gift—no matter the size—helps artists take the next step in their creative journey and discover what is possible with community support.
As we look ahead to the new year, we hope transformative stories like Mathew’s will inspire you to give generously to help us meet our $40,000 goal by December 31. Meeting this goal will help us continue to provide opportunities, from youth programs to rotating gallery shows, workshops and new community collaborations.
Thank you for believing in what art can do and supporting the mission of the Hoffman Center for the Arts. I am so grateful for the care you show for artists, art, and our community.
Please reach out at any time—I love to hear your stories and ideas and talk about what we are building together.
With gratitude,
P.S. Join our circle of Arts Advocates! Your monthly gift provides the steady support that helps artists and programs thrive all year long. It’s one of the best ways to make a lasting impact.
P.P.S. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mathew Goodrich for sharing his story. You can find more of his work on Instagram at @m.goodrich.art.