Barbara Hoffman

Main Gallery

Artist Statement:

This body of work has developed over the past three years. Each one is made the same way, using leaves from a single tree, photographed with natural sunlight.

In school long ago, I had studied the process of photosynthesis, and the vitally important role the porous leaves play in life on earth, making oxygen to the benefit of all life.

As an artist and human living on this earth, I recognize how critical it is to pay attention to the small things that make life possible, to not lose sight of our responsibility to the future.

I invite you to look at each picture, find the leaf and then the shadow, and remember that each shadow represents a process so vital, so important to life on earth.

Portfolio 24

Project Space

Exhibition Statement:

John and Jeff Heintzman saw the opportunity to organize and support a portfolio that would reflect the breadth and depth of artistic expression by local artists here in the Peoria area. They identified a group of 15 who agreed to participate in this inaugural project. This group of artists includes:

Aareon Boyd, Bill Conger, Ann E. Coulter, Cathie Crawford, John Heintzman, Barb Hoffman, Ken Hoffman, Patricia Whalen Keck, Knyame Eugene Maison, Susanne Nestory, Lisa Nelson Raabe, Joe Richey, Angela Risinger, Nichole Roller, Zac Zetterberg.

The artists that were invited all have strong ties to the Guild, and were challenged to create original prints for Portfolio 24. The intention for this project was for the portfolio to stand as an important precedent that demonstrates the Art Guild's longstanding relationship with contemporary artists and the print medium.

In 2023 the Art Guild engaged a young printmaker, Angela Risinger, to oversee the print studio and aggressively present more opportunities for classes and workshops. Her expertise in relief printmaking--a viable print discipline that was not only accessible to most artists but also afforded an open opportunity in its ability to translate ideas to a matrix directly.

Working with these local artists--whose ability to explore a variety of materials, colors, textures, and simple nuances, e.g the play of light on all surfaces--gave life to creative ideas that started us on a path where experimentation and pushing the traditional boundaries of relief printing became evident of a unique experience for all involved.

This project has allowed the opportunity to exploit a range of graphic possibilities where artists can use the portfolio to communicate a wide range of ideas and beliefs.

Portfolio 24 represents a collection of diverse expressions through varied images--inspired by nature, abstraction, chance, and simple gestures. Each edition has its own voice but also engages in conversation with others' prints. It is this concert that demonstrates to the public what is so incredible when it comes to contemporary art.

Portfolio 24 Dimensions: Prints themselves are on 14”x 11” paper, and the clam shell box is 14 1/4”x 11 1/4 x 2”

The opening reception for this exhibition will be November 1st, 5-8 p.m.

The work will be on view November 1st - 30th. 15 editions of Portfolio 24 will be available for purchase at that time and anyone who purchases will also become a Collector’s Circle member.

Gallery events are always free and open to the public. Refreshments available and parking on the street is free after 5 p.m.