New Exhibit: Historical Paintings - Collection of Bob Newton
OPENING DAY - SUNDAY, MARCH 8th FROM 2pm-5pm
Walter Robert (Bob) Newton, and his wife Bernice, are known to pretty much everyone in town. They are cornerstones of the town and are well-known for their kindness, warmth and great humor. They have long been untiring boosters of the Town of Farmville. Bob Newton, a retired businessman, was formerly the owner of Newton's Red & White Super Market which switched to the Piggly Wiggly Franchise. He spent 45 years in the grocery business and the last 35 years as a full time owner-operator of his store. Many people know Bob as the “Train Man,” being a railroad enthusiast, local historian, and collector of anything East Carolina Railway, a railroad which once came through Farmville long ago. To add to his unique collection, Bob befriended several artists and has over time commissioned them to paint local historical scenes, buildings, depots, and trains. Bob has said that getting to know the artists is a big part of the passion he has for commissioning these artworks. He is not looking to simply accumulate objects; he wants to know not only the historical stories of each piece of artwork, but also the personalities behind the work. Bob has quietly loaned part of his art collection to the May Museum to exhibit, having never been put on public display. The exhibition opens on Sunday, March 8th, from 2-5 pm with a talk on the paintings. For information contact: Roger Kammerer 252-758-6882