Guilford Free Library Celebrates Closing of Rosanne Vance Hoblitzelle Exhibition

On Saturday, September 19, the Guilford Free Library will throw open its doors for the final day of the “Meet the Artist: Rosanne Vance Hoblitzelle” exhibition. The timing is intentional—right after the bustling Guilford Fair parade—so visitors can drift from the festivities straight into a cozy, art‑filled corner of town.

Rosanne Vance Hoblitzelle, now 89, will be on‑site from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to greet guests, share stories behind her pieces, and answer any lingering questions. It’s not every day you get to chat with a local artist whose career spans six decades, so the library is hoping for a good crowd.

For those who aren’t familiar with Hoblitzelle’s journey, a quick sketch might help. She studied art in Rome, Georgia, and later at Shorter College. Early in her professional life she did scientific illustrations for Yale’s Peabody Museum—think fossilized bird bones rendered in meticulous detail. She also created artwork for the Connecticut State Lottery Commission, a fun little side note that many locals remember from their childhood scratch‑off tickets.

In the 1990s she co‑founded Hoblitzelle Graphics and later started The Sand Castle at Bittersweet Farms, a whimsical space where she explored oils, watercolors, sculpture, three‑dimensional paper art, photography, and eventually computer‑assisted graphics. A severe bout of encephalitis in 1997 left her with aphasia and physical limitations, which forced her to rethink how she made art. The result? A vibrant turn toward digital compositions, blending bold shapes, vivid colors, and her own photographs.

Even with those challenges, Rosanne didn’t stop creating. These days she still crafts digital paintings and hand‑beaded jewelry, all from her home in nearby Branford where she lives with husband Bill. In a thoughtful nod to her own health journey, she’s pledged that 10 percent of all artwork sales at the reception will be donated to the University of Connecticut’s Aphasia Programming.

Light refreshments will be served—nothing fancy, just coffee, tea, and a few sweet treats to keep the conversation flowing. Admission is free, and the event is open to anyone who loves art, community, or simply wants to spend an hour away from the usual routine.

If you’re interested in purchasing a piece or just want more details, you can reach out to Rosanne’s son, Bill Rowen, at 203‑738‑9124. Otherwise, just swing by, say hello, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of creativity and connection.