The Hoffman Center for Art, Culture and Education in Manzanita will preview a mural planned for one of its buildings Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the event, which will be held at the Hoffman Center Annex, 594 Laneda Ave.

“We invite everyone to meet the artist and see the proposed mural designs,” said board president David Dillon. “This will be the last meeting before the design is finalized and painting begins.”

Lead mural artist Justin W. Howard will present his own artwork as well as the designs he created for this mural. His sketches incorporate community suggestions, which came from mural workshops, held in January and February.

Howard’s mural is being created for the east side of the Annex. A group of local artists is already at work designing a larger mural for the west side. “The Hoffman Center was created to provide artistic experiences for everybody – residents and visitors,” said Dillon. “We think Lloyd and Myrtle Hoffman would be proud of these art projects.”

Howard grew up in Manzanita and graduated from Neahkahnie High School. While still a student, he painted the large mural on the outside of the Garibaldi Museum.

Howard’s mural will be painted with the help of five NKN High School art students serving as apprentices. Each student will receive a small stipend plus at least 10 hours of community service credit toward graduation requirements. “I am excited to be able to share what I’ve learned about mural painting and community art,” said Howard.

Persons interested in learning more about the projects or getting involved, including underwriting, are asked to call (503) 368-3846 or email hoffmancenter@nehalemtel.net.