[5] In the late 1890s, Hoffman joined the Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston; she took classes at Grundemann Studios of the Boston Art Students' Association, and studied with master silversmith George Christian Gebelein.

[6] By the summer of 1906, she returned to make Portland her permanent residence, studying with Frank Dumond.

[5] Hoffman was a "photographer, painter, sculptor, metal worker and weaver" who wanted "to foster the Arts and Crafts movement through classes and exhibitions".

She also helped draft the new society's constitution and bylaws and, as one of its original trustees, its second president, and its primary spokesperson for thirty years, infused the institution with her vision of arts and crafts.

[5] Hoffman believed the Arts and Crafts Society of Portland could help improve the lives of blue collar workers and their families, and she sought a wide variety of accessible venues to sponsor activities and exhibits — "fairs, schools, libraries, department stores".