The Four Artists of Hespeler

Book excerpt: Now part of Cambridge, Ontario, the village of Hespeler has produced some amazing artists. Renowned Canadian painter Frank Panabaker is well-known to art fans. He was born in Hespeler and started his long career there. Less known is the work of Vera Rosenberger. She was a teacher for over 40 years and retired in 1960. People still remember the elaborate works of art she effortlessly drew on the chalkboard. Shirley (Cox) Brent, was the first artist to capture the essence of the community of her beloved hometown Hespeler. Debbie Ellis, continues today in the spirit of Shirley and Vera, prolifically producing drawings and paintings of Hespeler and the surrounding area. For the first time, these four artists’ biographies and a selection of their works are brought together in this book..