When Ole´ Ole´ owner Eric Canto was looking to find the right packaging décor for his new salsa line, he didn't have to go much further than his own Suffern, NY restaurant's walls.

Over the years, the commissioned Richard D. Hoffmann painting hanging in the front bar area entitled "The Sun" had become identified with the restaurant, much more so than the gallant but universal bullfighter originally selected as its logo.

So when it came time to give customers what they had long wished to take home with them after sampling it at the restaurant, the choice for the 15-oz glass jar was pretty clear. It was only natural that Canto transfer some of the high energy that comes with the bright colors and Latin look and feel of "The Sun" to the container that holds his highly sought-after salsa.

A painting that floats

Completed and installed in October 2000, the painting intrigued restaurant goers from the start.

"When it was first installed people would come over to look at the piece since it was floating off the wall and was backlit," said artist Rich Hoffmann. “Some of the patrons were not used to seeing larger paintings that appear to hover in front of a wall. But people also commented on how well it fit with the décor of the restaurant and Eric was happy with the painting. So it's been kept in the same location in the restaurant ever since.”

Canto had been looking for a painting that would fit a particular space and complement the feel of the restaurant when he turned to Hoffmann, a then well-known artist residing in Suffern.

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