Local Artist Lauren Hofmann Larkin will open an art supplies store at the original location of her grandfather’s welding supply business in San Marcos. (Courtesy Legacy Arts)
Hofmann’s Supply, a welding supply business, was founded in San Marcos in 1937 by Fred Hofmann. His granddaughter will soon transform the original shop location into an art supplies store and personal studio.
The gist
Local artist, graphic designer and creative Lauren Hofmann Larkin will turn her grandfather’s shop into Legacy Arts, a space carrying a variety of art supplies for Texas State University students and local creatives.
Her grandparents lived in the location in the 1930s before Hofmann opened his business in what was their garage, Larkin said. Larkin’s father then built the current building sometime between the 1970s and 1980s.
While Hofmann’s Supply is now under new management, Larkin will carry on the family torch of operating within the original space.
“I want it to be colorful and inviting,” Larkin said. “It's not just art supplies, it'll be gifts and just whatever funky trinkets we can find.”
Hofmann Supply was founded by Fred Hofmann in 1937, grandfather to Lauren Hofmann Larkin, owner of Legacy Arts. (Courtesy Legacy Arts)
About the owner
Larkin opened an art aisle in her father’s shop in 2022, selling supplies needed by Texas State art students.
“Now that I have a chance to expand, I'll probably be bringing some extra goodies into the store,” Larkin said. “I'll probably also be using this space as a personal studio for my own artwork.”
Larkin makes artwork in a variety of mediums, including:
Watercolor
Simple reupholstery restoration
Fabric design
Commercial real estate watercolor commissions
Wedding announcement paintings
Logo graphic design
Website design
“I call myself a ‘Jackie of all trades,’” Larkin said. “Any kind of creative project that's handed to me, I'll figure it out. I don't look at challenges as something intimidating; I look at it with some curiosity and enjoyment.”
Another thing
The Legacy Arts building may require repairs due to its old age, possibly impacting an expected opening date, Larkin said. There will be an online store if the physical location’s opening is delayed.
