Sale at Silver Lining Boutique continues through fall

Sept. 2, 2020 — First Step Florence will be the beneficiary of an art show over Labor Day weekend at Silver Lining Boutique, 2217 Highway 101. The stunning still-life paintings by Florence artist Wolfgang Hofmann are now available to view at firststepcommunity.com.

According to First Step, which seeks to find solutions for housing security in the Florence area, “Our society is creating conditions where, increasingly, families are forced into a situation where they are without a secure, stable and safe place to live. It is the mission of First Step to help meet the needs of such families.”

Funds raised from Hofmann’s art sale will go to support First Step.

Hofmann and his wife Dora lived a quiet and private life in the Florence area for 20 years.

The Hofmanns bequeathed a collection of his art to further the mission of First Step to provide transitional housing for families in need.

The artist emigrated from Germany to Australia and then to the United States, where he served in the U.S. army. He lived in Arizona before retiring in Florence.

The collection of works obtained by First Step represent somewhat of a chronicle of the life Hofmann observed. He was a man of keen perception of nature, capturing subtle nuances, creating mood and an invitation, almost, to touch a curling petal of a flower, a pollen-filled center, the feeling of porcelain, the delicate needlework of Schweitzer linen or a walk through the forest. He also used light in a masterful way to bring his creations to life. His garden in Florence provided the inspiration for much of his work, as did Native American cultural art.

Hofmann’s artwork will be on display at Silver Linings from Labor Day weekend through the fall.

Putting the show together has really “taken a village,” organizers said.

Beginning with the Hofmanns, who provided the collection, multiple people made the show happen. This includes Priscilla Washington, who created an exemplary website for First Step to advertise and facilitate sales of the works; and Jo Beaudreau of BeauxArts Fine Art Materials, who provided biographical information from the artist and helped provide materials to restore some of the works; Cameron of Pacific Framing, who assisted in framing, and Moira of Frames of Florence who had her hand in bartering for framing; and Kimberly Fleenor who offered the boutique for the sale.

In addition, the staff at Laurel Bay Gardens and Nancy Rickard helped identify the flowers in the paintings. and finally, on Hwy 101 as the place for the show. The show could not have happened without them all.

Hoffman’s artwork can be viewed on firststepcommunity.com.

Everyone is invited to attend the show at Silver Linings Boutique.

First Step is grateful for all who have and will participate in meeting their goal.