Large abstract paintings, etchings, block prints, monotypes, and collages compete for attention with beautifully painted watercolors that perfectly capture our shimmering coastal light. In honor of Valentine’s Day, one wall holds five exuberant individual Valentines gifted annually from the artist to his beloved wife. Never satisfied with working in only one dimension, there are also painstakingly carved, modernist, sedimentary stone sculptures and, because John was an avid hunter, traditionally carved waterfowl decoys.
Stahl was a Renaissance man who loved contemporary art. He enjoyed expressing and challenging himself to master a wide variety of artistic mediums and styles while always maintaining his personal identity. John and his wife, Jan, built a house on Netarts Bay in 1979. They fished, hunted, grew their own vegetables, and were constantly inspired by the stunningly beautiful environment surrounding them. This exhibit demonstrates the strength, persistence, and clear vision of a gifted artist through 50 years of artistic accomplishment.
We invite you to view this exhibit February 3 through 25, Fridays through Sundays from 1-5 pm. An opening reception will be held 2-4 pm on February 4 during which the artist’s wife Jan Stahl and exhibit curator Bonnie Laing-Malcolmson will speak about the artist and answer questions. A lecture on John R. Stahl’s life and work will be held at the Hoffman at 1:30 on Saturday February 18.The not-for-profit Hoffman Center for the Arts is located at 594 Laneda Avenue, Manzanita, Oregon. For more information about Hoffman Center, go to www.hoffmancenter.org