Watercolor show urges people to follow their dreams

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

Tom Newnam is the perfect example of following your heart.

The professional artist was inspired to begin painting after meeting Jack R. Shaub, although neither man was painting full time when they met. Jack, a court-appointed juvenile probation officer for York County, was Tom’s boss, and the two became fast friends.

One day, Jack invited Tom to his

Marietta home to see the paintings he created in his spare time. It was a moment that would change Tom’s life.

“It’s hard to explain, or even believe, but I had a totally unexpected epiphany,” Tom said, recalling seeing Jack’s watercolors for the first time. “My soul informed me, strongly and clearly, that I was also called to be an artist, which completely blew my mind as I knew nothing about painting.”

Jack was known for creating

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watercolors that reflected what he saw on his hikes around Mariettatrees, landscapes, streams, buildings and more. He soon became a mentor to Tom, who in turn became a full-time artist. The two stayed friends for 20 years, until Jack’s death from cancer at age 53 in 1996.

“Most people say they can see Jack’s style in my work,” Tom noted. “I’m a little more diverse, both in using more colors and in the subject matter. I paint animals, landscapes and flowers.”

The artwork from the two friends will be showcased at Garth gallery, 22 S. Second St., Columbia, in an exhibit called “Tom Newnam/Jack Shaub Watercolors.” It will open with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 21, and will be on display through the first week in September.

The exhibit came about after Jack’s son, Matt, told Tom he had several of Jack’s paintings and wasn’t sure what to do with them. Tom approached Garth owner Cle Berntheizel about doing a show at the gallery where Tom has often shown his own work. Both framed and unframed watercolors will be on display, and the artwork will also be for sale.

“To me, this whole exhibit is inspirational,” Tom commented. “People who come to see it can expect to be inspired by the truth that you can follow your dreams. What does your heart say you were meant to do? Because of Jack’s mentoring and guidance - and kindness and patience - I went on to have a successful art career.” Tom has also written two books about his journey to self-discovery, “Memo From Your Soul” and “Try Softer.”

He emphasizes that although the exhibit is an art show, it’s really about much more than art. “Don’t come to this art show just because you love art and maybe want to try painting for yourself,” he stated. “Come to this art show because you want to be reminded to wholeheartedly follow your own dream to become a horse rescuer, or teacher, or mechanic, or farmer, or seamstress, or scientist, or nurse, or politician or seashell collectorwhatever brings you the most fulfillment! That’s the point of the show.”