Guilford Free Library Celebrates Closing Reception for Rosanne Vance Hoblitzelle Exhibition

On Saturday, September 19, the Guilford Free Library will open its doors for the final chapter of the “Meet the Artist: Rosanne Vance Hoblitzelle” exhibition, a showcase that spans six remarkable decades of work by one of the town’s most beloved creators.

The reception runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., slipping in right after the Guilford Fair parade. Attendees can wander among oils, watercolors, sculptural pieces, and the newer digital compositions that Hoblitzelle has embraced since a 1997 bout of encephalitis left her with aphasia and limited mobility.

Born and raised nearby, Hoblitzelle studied art in Rome, Georgia, and at Shorter College before putting her talent to scientific use—illustrating fossilized bones for Yale’s Peabody Museum and creating designs for the Connecticut State Lottery Commission. Later, she founded The Sand Castle at Bittersweet Farms and co‑founded Hoblitzelle Graphics, expanding her repertoire to include three‑dimensional paper art, photography, and computer‑assisted graphics.

Now, at 89, she still paints on a screen, fashions hand‑beaded jewelry, and shares stories behind each piece. Visitors will have the chance to chat with her directly, hear anecdotes about her career’s twists and turns, and maybe pick up a favorite work.

In a heartfelt nod to her own journey with aphasia, 10 percent of any art sales will be donated to the Aphasia Programming at UConn, supporting research and community resources.

The event is free and open to the public. For questions about the exhibition or to arrange a purchase, Hoblitzelle’s son, Bill Rowen, can be reached at 203‑738‑9124.