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.