Hotchkiss at Hotchkiss art show

SHARON — In 1893, Maria (Bissell) Hotchkiss donated the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon to the town. More than a century later, the library will host its first exhibition of the art of the Hotchkiss family through the months of June and July. The art on display will be the work of DeWolfe Hotchkiss, the second cousin of Benjamin Berkley Hotchkiss, and his sons J.D. Hotchkiss, Ben Hotchkiss and Joel Hotchkiss. The exhibit will feature the art of all three sons and their father, who was their inspiration to become artists. DeWolfe Hotchkiss started his art career as a commercial artist, designing a character called “Scuttlebut Sam,” and a painter of landscapes in the northwest Connecticut area. Ben, DeWolfe’s oldest son, became an abstract painter hailed by New York Times art critic Roberta Smith. Joel Hotchkiss is a sculptor who designs mobiles which hang and move. J.D. Hotchkiss, DeWolfe’s youngest son, is a graphic artist and art representative. He represents his brother Ben and has worked for D.C. Comics and Dark Horse Comics as an artist. In addition to the art exhibits, one of the cars manufactured in France by Benjamin Berkley Hotchkiss will be on display. The 1939 car was purchased by DeWolfe and J.D. Hotchkiss and was driven at the head of the Sharon bicentennial parade. An opening reception will be held at the library on Sunday, June 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. All three Hotchkiss brothers will be in attendance.

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less