Obituary of Candace Moffett

Candy Moffett, one of Lane County's most influential promoters and supporters of the visual arts over the past quarter century, died from cancer on July 27, at the age of 61. As the longtime owner of Alder Art Gallery until 2008, and tireless volunteer for local arts organizations, Candy was instrumental in sustaining and initiating some of the community's most valued artistic and cultural institutions. "She was more devoted to the artists than to the commerce of art," according to Sarkis Antikajian, a Eugene painter long represented by Candy. "She was a great lady." Candace Hope Seber was born on August 20, 1949 in Newark, New Jersey to Edith and Bernet Seber. She was raised in New Jersey, attended college in Arizona, and moved to Oregon in 1969 with her future husband, Tom Moffett. They were married in Summit, Oregon on April 12, 1970. Settling initially in Philomath, Candy participated in the startup of the first two of a series of businesses she helped established during her career. Corvallis' First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op, where she managed the tea, coffee and spices department, and then the Grass Roots Bookstore, both of which remain vital landmarks in Corvallis. After moving to Eugene in 1975, Candy continued to innovate in the creation of the Eugene Energy Bank, one of Oregon's first business-to-business barter exchanges. Candy entered the art scene with driving passion through her volunteer work at Maude Kerns Arts Center, establishing the Rental Sales Gallery and their Arts Exhibition Program. While there, she organized the "First Friday Art Walk" and produced the first "Art in the Vineyard" event, now in its 28th year. In 1987, Candy opened the Alder Art Gallery in downtown Eugene with the mission to promote the Pacific Northwest's finest contemporary artists. The gallery was eventually moved to historic Coburg. Candy worked closely with local business, promoting her artists' work for sale and exhibition. The two most notable annual events established through her gallery were the "Chocolate Challenge" and "Le Petite" a national juried exhibition. In 2008, Candy transitioned her focus from the gallery to her business of art and antique appraisal. After receiving her certification by the International Society of Appraisers, she served clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. One of her notable appraisals included the Ken Kesey bus "Further". Candy was a leader in many professional and arts organizations. A 20-year member of the Professional Women's Network of Oregon, and of the Emerald Executive Association as well. Lindy Moore, EEA Executive Director, remembers Candy as "one of the pioneering women in what had been mostly a men's club; she was a singular force of nature." Candy's community and civic commitments were varied - from her food booth, "The Function at the Junction," during the beginning years of the Oregon Country Fair, to support for Jewish campus life at the University of Oregon through the Hillel Foundation. Most prominently, Candy was instrumental in the successes of the Eugene Glass School. Founded in 1999, the Glass School, a non-profit institution, is dedicated to quality instruction for emerging and professional glass artists. She served on the school's first board of directors, coordinating many fundraising events. Candy was a driving force in establishing the school's educational programs, including classes for at-risk youth through the Network Charter School of Lane County. In 2010, the Glass School dedicated its alternative high school program to honor Candy for her tireless fund-raising to support its education programs. It is known as "The Candy Moffett Network Charter School Program". The family wishes to express its gratitude to the many friends and volunteers who supported and assisted Candy and her family during her illness. The endless flow of meals, chocolate, visits and other expressions of love and caring are deeply appreciated. The family suggests remembrances to Maude Kerns Art Center or the Eugene Glass School. In addition to her husband Tom, Candy is survived by her sons Aaron Moffett of Corvallis and Brad Moffett of Eugene; her brother David Seber of Eugene; and mother Edith Seber of Del Ray Beach, Florida. Knowing Candy Moffett was no ordinary experience. It was akin to knowing a tornado. She pursued every endeavor with passion, determination, and moxie. Her belief in the importance of art in our lives and respect for artists was unfailing. Candy's mission was to make art accessible to everyone in their everyday lives, and to promote the arts as integral to every part of the community. Together with her devotion to family and friends, she was a remarkable spirit that will be missed far and wide. Happy Trails, Candy! A Celebration of Candy's Life will be held on August 25th at Mount Pisgah Arboretum, at 3:00 p.m.