Viviana Hollenbeck is not just the wife of Eric Hollenbeck, the founder of Blue Ox Mill and Historic Park. She is also the co-founder of the Blue Ox Village Programs for Youth and Veterans, a non-profit organization that provides hands-on learning opportunities for at-risk youth and veterans suffering from PTSD. Viviana is a passionate advocate for the healing power of craftsmanship and the preservation of traditional skills and arts. In this article, we will explore her life story, her vision, and her achievements.
Early Life and Marriage
Viviana was born in Mexico City, where she grew up surrounded by art and culture. She moved to the United States when she was 18 years old, and met Eric Hollenbeck at a dance in Eureka, California. They fell in love and got married in 1973, when they were both 19 years old. They had four daughters: Melody, Harmony, Symphony, and Rhapsody.
The Creation of Blue Ox Mill and Historic Park
In 1973, Eric and Viviana bought a piece of derelict property on Humboldt Bay with a $300 bank loan and a leap of faith from the local building department. They started a salvage logging company, and gradually built a historic park that showcases the craftsmanship and heritage of the Victorian era. The park features a working mill, a blacksmith shop, a print shop, a pottery studio, a schoolhouse, a general store, and a radio station. The park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Kinetic Sculpture Race, the Craftsman’s Days, and the Dickens Christmas Fair.
Viviana was instrumental in the development and management of the park, as well as the promotion and marketing of its products and services. She also helped design and decorate the buildings and the grounds, adding her artistic flair and attention to detail. She was the driving force behind the creation of the general store, which sells handmade goods and souvenirs made by local artisans and craftsmen.
The Blue Ox Village Programs for Youth and Veterans
In 1973, Eric and Viviana started working informally with kids who were struggling in school or in life, and taught them woodworking and other skills. Over time, they realized the therapeutic and educational benefits of their approach, and decided to formalize their programs and expand their reach. In 1999, they founded the Blue Ox Village Programs for Youth and Veterans, a non-profit organization that offers alternative education and vocational training for at-risk youth and veterans.
The programs are based on the philosophy of “learning by doing”, and aim to foster self-esteem, confidence, creativity, and resilience among the participants. The programs also teach the values of teamwork, responsibility, respect, and community service. The participants learn various crafts and trades, such as carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, printing, radio broadcasting, and more. They also work on real projects for clients, such as restoring historic buildings, making furniture, and creating kinetic sculptures.
The programs have been recognized and praised by various organizations and institutions, such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the California Department of Education, and the Humboldt County Office of Education. The programs have also received numerous awards and grants, such as the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the California Arts Council.
Viviana’s Vision and Legacy
Viviana Hollenbeck is a visionary leader who has dedicated her life to the preservation and promotion of craftsmanship and culture. She has inspired and empowered countless people, especially young people and veterans, to discover and pursue their passions and potentials. She has also contributed to the economic and social development of her hometown of Eureka, California, and the surrounding region. She is widely respected and admired by her family, friends, colleagues, and community.
Viviana is often referred to as the “Queen Mother” of Blue Ox Village, a title that reflects her role and influence in the organization and the park. She is also a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She continues to work and live at Blue Ox Village, where she enjoys spending time with her family and her animals, as well as creating and selling her own art and crafts. She is a living example of the motto of Blue Ox Village: “Dream it, then do it.”