The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is highlighting the work of local painter Regina “Reggie” Oflock throughout the month of September, bringing her eclectic collection of artwork back into public view after a two-year absence. The exhibition is part of the Chamber’s ongoing effort to feature regional artists and expand the community’s cultural offerings.
Oflock’s artistic journey has been shaped by both her coastal upbringing and her adopted Oregon home. Born and raised in Southern California, she spent much of her youth on the waters of Ventura, where kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, fishing, and evenings spent around beach bonfires created lasting memories. Those experiences instilled a deep connection to nature and the ocean that continues to influence her creative work. In 1995, she relocated to Oregon, where she was captivated by the forests, rivers, and lakes, as well as the welcoming people she encountered.
Her career before art was rooted in the investment and real estate industries, fields where she worked for many years before retiring in Florence. Retirement allowed her to pursue a lifelong dream—devoting her time fully to painting and creative projects. She recently completed the building of her home, gallery, and Airbnb on Woahink Lake, a project that has given her a place not only to live but also to create, display, and share her art with the community. That gallery, the Sea Gypsy Cottage Gallery, is located on Highway 101 just south of Florence.
Oflock describes her current exhibition at the Chamber’s Visitors Center and Gallery as a collection without a central theme, presenting eleven works that showcase a variety of styles and inspirations. All of the pieces are available for purchase, offering visitors an opportunity to take home a unique example of her artistry. She notes that her friends, family, and travels continue to provide inspiration, ensuring her paintings are infused with personal meaning as well as a sense of place.
The Chamber expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Oflock back to the gallery space. Bettina Hannigan, president and CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, said the exhibit provides a fresh perspective compared with many of the chamber’s previous displays, and she anticipates it will draw interest from both local residents and visitors exploring the Oregon Coast.
Over the past several years, the Chamber’s gallery has become an increasingly popular venue for art lovers, with an ever-changing lineup of paintings, photography, sculpture, and handcrafted works from local artisans. This rotating display model ensures that visitors have new experiences with every return trip, while artists gain a valuable platform to share their creativity with the broader public.
The Chamber’s Visitors Center, located at 290 Highway 101, is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those wishing to learn more about the Chamber’s programs, volunteer opportunities, or membership can visit FlorenceChamber.com or call 541-997-3128. Meanwhile, those interested in exploring Oflock’s broader body of work may visit the Sea Gypsy Cottage Gallery or her online presence.
For Florence, September’s featured exhibit represents more than an art show. It underscores how the community’s economic and cultural development efforts intersect, with tourism, local businesses, and creative expression working hand in hand.