Artist Jason Hoffman with his 22-foot sculpture Constellation. With construction in progress, Hoffman is on the roof of his workshop checking balance and stability of the piece. Hoffman will describe his work as a metal sculptor in his June 16 class for Heartland College’s Personal Enrichment series in Lincoln.

How to make a "Constellation"
Local artist Jason Hoffman will offer insight in HCC Personal Enrichment Series

[May 30, 2015]  LINCOLN - How does one go from having a creative idea to producing a 22-foot tall metal sculpture? How long does that take? What does it cost?

Professional artist Jason Hoffman will take participants behind the scenes to answer these questions in his upcoming class for the Heartland College Personal Enrichment Series. The one-evening event will take place at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S. McLean St, Lincoln on Tuesday June 16, from 6 – 8:30 pm.

Hoffman, who earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Illinois State University in 2005, has exhibited his work around the Midwest and on the East Coast. He will begin the presentation by recounting how his early skill in drawing was transformed during his college years by his introduction to the works of metal artist David Smith. This revelation caused him decide to change his academic major and prepare himself for a career in art. He will trace the development of his skills and approach to artistic expression by showing how some of his key works have been conceived and executed.

Hoffman, who collaborated with fellow artist Moses Pinkerton to produce the metal sculptures Constellation and Cow in the Corn, will describe the challenges of shaping, joining, painting and installing the heavy pieces of steel that form these large public works. He will also take participants on a gallery walk through the Art Institute to review the local art and artists whose works are on exhibit. These artists have a wide range of backgrounds, training and styles, and Hoffman will provide back-stories to the works and their creators.

The class will be limited to 50 participants, and registration can be completed online at www.heartland.edu/communityEd  or by visiting Heartland’s Lincoln campus at 620 Broadway in Lincoln. Registration must be completed by June 9, 2015. A course fee will be charged. As a memento of the class, participants will also receive a set of three greeting cards designed by local artists.

[Jason Hoffman]