Get wrapped up in the Squid
The eighth edition of The North Coast Squid is being released, and the party will last all month.
The publication of local writing and art produced by the Hoffman’s Writing Program in Manzanita will launch with a virtual opening reception on Saturday, Oct. 2, featuring readings from 10 selected authors. The reception kicks off a month-long, in-person exhibit at the Hoffman Gallery, showcasing the work of 20 visual artists included in the issue.
Saturday’s reception will include a video tour of the gallery show, which features two works by each artist: the piece that was selected and another of the artist’s choice. Some artists focus on coastal themes, while others explore different subject matter and abstract concepts.
The show contains work in a wide range of media, including watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, photography and computer-generated images and 3-D sculptural pieces in ceramic, wood and woven materials.
Copies of the North Coast Squid magazine will be available to buy. This newest edition is the largest yet, with 72 pages showcasing the work of 63 writers and artists who live on the North Oregon Coast or have a strong connection to the region. The magazine, published by the Hoffman Center, includes works of poetry, fiction and nonfiction, including memoir. All submissions were selected for publication based on blind judging by noted authors and poets: Margaret Chula for poetry, Apricot Irving for nonfiction and Deb Vanasse for fiction.
The magazine will also be available for purchase at nearby retail outlets, including Cloud & Leaf Bookstore, Manzanita News & Espresso and Wild Grocery and Cafe.
The launch event runs from 4 to 5:30 pm on Zoom. The Hoffman Center for the Arts is located at 594 Laneda Avenue, Manzanita, and is open Thursday through Sunday, from 1 to 5 pm. For more information, go to hoffmanarts.org.
Writing Lounge
Looking to refine and hone your writing skills enough that you’ll make it into a future edition of the Squid?
Join the special “Creative Cutting-Loose,” workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
A small group of fellow writers will meet in the well-ventilated main space at the Hoffman Center in Manzanita to prepare for the fall Writing Lounge, which launches Oct. 19.
Participants will be seated at separate tables as the group dives into the expansive creativity of collage. Supplies will be provided, and a guided process will help to spark creativity for a new writing project or help unblock a character or plot point.
You’ll take home your collage and some new or revised writing.
Bring whatever you normally draft your writing in: an old-school journal or notebook, a computer or even a tablet.
The fee to participate is $10, materials included. The group is limited to six participants and proof of vaccination is required.
If demand exceeds space, a second session will be added on Oct. 12.
The workshop will be held from 10 am to 1 pm. For more information, go to hoffmanarts.org.