Sylvia Adrienne Brofos

Contoocook, NH Sylvia Adrienne Brofos of Contooook NH passed away unexpectedly on October 8, 2024 at the age of 91. Sylvia was a cherished watercolor artist and dedicated mentor and her artistic legacy and profound influence on generations of painters will be remembered and celebrated by her students and friends and the broader art community in New Hampshire. Born in England on July 9, 1933, Sylvia endured the hardships of World War II, arriving in the United States at the tender age of seven. Evacuated from London during the bombing, she traveled alone without family or friends to start a new life in a new country, a journey that would later inspire her memoir, which she was diligently writing and illustrating until her final day. After the war Sylvia returned to England, completed high school, graduated from the Chelsea School of Commercial Art in London and began her art career at a London advertising agency. In 1955 She returned to the US, joined Young & Rubicam in New York City, one of the largest advertising agencies at the time, as the first woman hired at the agency since 1940 and later promoted to Art Director. In 1961, she moved with her husband, Frederick Brofos, to Warner NH, where she raised a family and pursued watercolor painting. Sylvia's passion for watercolor painting blossomed early, leading her to become a prominent figure in the local art scene. For nearly her entire career, she dedicated herself to teaching watercolor techniques at various local institutions including the New Hampshire Institute of Art (where she received the Teacher of the Year award in 1995 and an Honorary Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1998), White Pines College, Kimball Jenkins School of Art, and her private studio. She also taught art to the inmates of the NH State Prison for Women in Goffstown NH and was involved in various short-term programs with Elderhostel and Special Arts NH for the physically and mentally challenged.. Sylvia painted a range of subjects, often in a whimsical style. Originally hoping to become a children’s book illustrator, she entered the teaching field when she was invited to teach art at a summer camp. “I really got into it and I’ve been teaching ever since,” she said. Her teaching philosophy emphasized exploring the endless possibilities of watercolor, encouraging students to experiment with materials and styles ranging from impressionistic to abstract. Over the past three decades, Sylvia mentored numerous artists, many of whom showcased their work alongside hers in a July exhibition at the Two Villages Art Society in Contoocook. This exhibition not only highlighted the stunning nature-inspired watercolor paintings of eight New Hampshire artists but also honored Sylvia's enduring impact as a mentor and senior member of the artist circle. Her students, some of whom had been under her guidance for up to thirty years, continue to carry forward her legacy of creativity and exploration. One remarked that "Her encouragement to experiment with different media and techniques has profoundly shaped my artistic journey," a sentiment felt by many. Sylvia also was a self taught guitarist and a dedicated member of her faith community at St. Theresa Parish in Henniker, NH where she played and sang in the church folk group for 37 years. She also participated in the Alpha program and rarely missed attending the church bible study group which she called her “spiritual family.” She was a humble, loving, kind and generous person who loved her family, her friends and her students unconditionally. She reveled in our accomplishments, consoled us in our disappointments and encouraged and supported us in our efforts to succeed. She is survived by her loving family: Alex Brofos and wife Lynn, James Brofos and wife Samantha, long time friend Pat Sangillo, numerous former students, and a vibrant community of fellow artists who continue to honor her memory through their creative endeavors. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at ll:00 am at St. Theresa Church in Henniker, NH, followed by a light luncheon at the parish hall. A private burial will occur at a later time. The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation service is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Southwest Franciscan Missions in Albuquerque NM, attention to Brother Bruce Michalek P.O. Box 1395 Albuquerque NM, 87195-0395, and St. Theresa Church in Henniker NH. For more log on to www.holtwoodburyfh.com

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Sylvia Adrienne Brofos

July 9, 1933 - October 8, 2024