Artist Biography

Nikki Hoff is a California-based visual artist rooted in the Monterey Bay, whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, dimensional environments, and charcoal drawing. Widely recognized as a leading charcoalist in the region, Hoff’s work is distinguished by her eclectic charcoal compositions—moody, immersive pieces that blend realism with subtle surrealism. Her charcoal works evoke a sense of depth and emotional weight, drawing viewers into spaces that feel both familiar and dreamlike.

Hoff pushes beyond traditional boundaries by creating 2D and 3D charcoal sculptures that challenge the distinction between drawing and sculpture. Her dimensional environments further expand this vision, constructing layered, seemingly endless spaces that transport viewers into fully realized worlds. These installations are not simply observed—they are experienced, inviting viewers to step into the scene and engage with the narrative physically and emotionally.

Alongside her painting practice, Hoff is also a well-known charcoalist in the Monterey Bay area, with works exhibited throughout Santa Cruz and Capitola. Her art consistently explores themes of memory, place, and shared human experience, offering a contemplative journey through landscapes and structures that resonate on both personal and collective levels.

Beyond her studio work, Hoff is deeply engaged in her artistic community. As a past Event Director for the Central Coast Art Association and an active participant in local art collectives, she dedicates time to fostering creative opportunities for others. Her piece, The Loft, was selected for the Monterey Museum of Art’s Biennial Exhibition, reflecting her alignment with themes of resonance, reflection, and regional artistic innovation.

CV

Visual Artist | Painter | Charcoal | Mixed Media | Dimensional Sculptor
Monterey Bay, California



Present and upcoming exhibitions-2026


Contemporary Art — Reflection Elegante Fine Art Gallery, Monterey, CA

Upcoming-Tahoe Blue (Lake Tahoe Series)-71st NCA Bold Expressions International Show, Sacramento, CA, Oct 6 - Oct 31, 2026

Upcoming-The Lost Library- The Attic (Charcoal series)- 60th National Mother Lode Art Exhibition, Mills Station Arts & Culture Center- Rancho Cordova, California 

Oct 27-Nov 23rd, 2026

Upcoming- AI and the Environment- STEAM Art Exhibit Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, 

Adaptation and the Infinite (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)

Monterey Penincula College Library (Building # 16)

Nov 3-Dec 3rd, 2026

Upcoming- 20th annual juried exhibition at the Monterey County Government Admin Building (Arts4MC)

Charcoal and Landscape series 

Nov 16th, 2026-Oct, 2027

5th Annual Landscape Art Exhibit (Juried Exhibit)-Artist Space (2026) Exhibit

Featured Artist as The Curator's Pick. Visual artist Hoff was selected by the curatorial team of Women United ART MAGAZINE, Special Edition, September 2026


Past Exhibits 


2026

The Decades -Solo Exhibit— Reflection Elegante Fine Art Gallery, CA, April 25th, 2026

Dimensional Sculpture exhibit 1970 Chicago- Reflection Elegante Fine Art Gallery, April 25th-July 25, 2026

Through a Community Lens — Monterey Peninsula College Art Gallery, CA, April 10 – May 31, 2026

Bay Exhibition — Piccolo's Restaurant, Monterey, CA, January 2025 – April 2026 

The Decades 1965 -Artist in Residence — The Green Spot, Santa Cruz, CA, June-July 2026

The Decades-1965 San Francisco — Dimensional sculpture, Cruz, CA, June 2026

Landscape and Idiom Collection-Open Studios 2026,  Carl Cherry Art Center, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, Sept. 12th-Sept 20th, 2026

Idiom Series- Oldemeyer Art Center, Seaside, CA, August 5th- Oct 1, 2026

2025

Central Coast Art Association — Acting board member-Event Director, Monterey, CA  2025
Santa Cruz and Landscape collection-Artist Residency— 3Bros, Santa Cruz, CA August 1 – November 2025
Monterey Bay Landscape — Woody's at Monterey Regional Airport, July – April 2026
The Loft (Charcoal Collections) -Biennial Exhibition at the Monterey Museum of Art, Monterey, CA May 17 – August 31, 2025
Seaside Lanscapes-Spring Jury Exhibition  at the Pacific Grove Art Center, CA, May 2 – June 27, 2025

The Lost Libaray-Alternative Processes-Monterey Peninsula College, CA, May 2025
Fading Sculpture-The Glitch Expo-Sculpture Exhibition —Monterey Peninsula College, CA, May 1 – May 15, 2025

Tri-Annual Juried Exhibition — MOW Pacific Grove, CA, April 28 – June 26, 2025

Carmel Garden-Annual Juried Exhibition — Sunset Cultural Center, CA, January 10 – March 3, 2025

2010 – 2024

Bay Exhibition — Woody's at Monterey Regional Airport, CA, November 15, 2024 – July 2025
Monterey Bay Coastal Views-Juried Exhibition — MOW Pacific Grove, CA, November 8, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Juried Exhibition — Walter Avery Gallery, CA, November 5, 2024 – January 30, 2025

Active studio practice with a focus on indepenedent projects 2010-2024


Residencies

Artist in Residence — 3Bros, Santa Cruz, CA, August – November 2025

Artist in Residence — The Green Spot, Santa Cruz, CA, June-August 2026


Selected Works & Mediums

  • Charcoal Drawing
  • Painting
  • Mixed Media
  • Environmental / Dimensional sculpture 


Community Involvement & Education

  • Active volunteer supporting local art collectives, galleries, exhibitions, and community-based events throughout the Monterey Bay region
  • BA in Visual and Public Art, Minor in Communication Media, California State University Monterey Bay (2025-2027)
  • AA in Art, Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA (2025)
  • AA in Drawing, Monterey Peninsula College, CA (2025)
  • Board Member & Event Director, Central Coast Art Association, CA (2025)
  • Grant Panelist/Juror, Individual Arts Fellowship, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
  • Peer Review Panelist, California Arts Council Central Coast Fellowship Program (2026)
  • Featured Artist, as The Curator's Pick. Visual artist Hoff was selected by the curatorial team of Women United ART MAGAZINE as an international 'Artist to Watch' for the Summer 2026 edition (Issue XIV). The special feature showcases Hoff’s exceptional contemporary art practice to a global readership.. Available for purchase or online