Karl and Mary Hofmann: A Magical Space

Karl and Mary Hofmann: A Magical Space

Exhibition Dates: July 1-August 3
Artist Reception Saturday, July 19, 1-3 pm
First Sunday ARTScrawl Meet the Artist Sunday, July 6, 10 am – 2 pm

When you are indoors and looking out, there is a magical spot where the two environments meet, creating a unique view. Painter/printmaker Karl Hofmann explores the division of space, the brilliant light and the vibrant colors that emerge at that moment. He appreciates the intense hues of the pastel palette and enjoys working with acrylics because they allow for any revision and the incorporation of new ideas.
Mary continues the tradition of Hofmann pottery in Placitas, a journey they began in 1976 and have collaborated on for almost 50 years. Karl’s work at the pottery wheel was legendary, but physically challenging and eventually he no longer had the strength in his hands to work the clay.

There will be both vintage, wheel-thrown pieces from their personal collection as well as the new generation of hand-built pottery available during the exhibit. Hofmann pottery is a New Mexico landscape in clay. Like the mesas, it too will last in beauty and usefulness.
In their early 20s, the petite, dark-haired Midwesterner and tall (6’ 4”) young man with a German accent met on a blind date on Memorial Day 1959. They were married just before Thanksgiving of the same year. Mary commenced working in a series of libraries as Karl continued his studies. He studied art history at Columbia University and then returned to his first love, pottery and sculpture, receiving an MFA degree from Ohio State. They have been involved in art, teaching and community ever since. Their journey together and Karl’s teaching career took them to Michigan, New York, Ohio, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Colorado and finally New Mexico.
When the Hofmanns purchased land in Placitas in 1976, they gained a view of spotted hills, distant mountains and wild horses lazily crossing the road. Mary says “I can’t believe we’ve been here almost 50 years. Our life changed dramatically when we moved to Placitas.”

The artist’s reception will be celebrated with fellowship and refreshments on Saturday, July 19, 1-3 p.m. A First Sunday in the Villages ARTScrawl is scheduled on Sunday, July 6 from 10am to 2 pm.
Wild Hearts Gallery is an artists’ collective, supported by 15 local artists. Located at 221-B State Highway 165, the gallery is open Tuesday–Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday–Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Take a visual tour of monthly exhibits in the gallery at wildheartsgallery.com .