A common desire to broaden the visual understanding and to stimulate the cultural interests of the people in the Newton Area, prompted twenty-seven individuals to establish the Newton Art Association in October of 1968.
During the following years, Newton Fine Arts Association was instrumental in sponsoring a number of classes, workshops, demonstrations and shows, including the Kansas State Extension Classes, Watercolor USA at Bethel College, two Christmas Art Shows, and the mobile gallery from the Wichita Art Museum. They held the first Newton Art Fair in 1974. The art festivals continued for the next four years until they combined efforts with the Newton Chamber of Commerce and the Newton Recreation Commission. This evolved into the Sand Creek Folk Life Festival.
In 1980, the Newton Fine Arts Association filed for incorporation; as a non-profit corporation and received a 501(c)(3) Tax-exempt classification with the IRS. The name of the organization was changed to the Newton Fine Arts Association, Inc., in 1983.
The Newton Fine Arts Association was responsible for purchasing The Skipper sculpture that is in the courtyard of our public library.
In 1983 the Newton Fine Arts Association received a bequest from the estate of Elaine Suderman, former public school art teacher. This money established a nucleus for growth. The Association established a gallery of its own. Further expansion and renovation followed.
The NFAA established the Carriage Factory Gallery at its present location in 1983. In September of 1993, Donald J. Voth, Senior VP, Chief Financial Officer of Railroad Savings and Loan, presented the deed for the building as a gift to the Newton Fine Arts Association.
We appreciate the donations, grants, memorials, and matching fund gifts that have been given by the local community, Krehbiel family, and the Elaine Suderman Estate.
The Newton Fine Arts Association and the Carriage Factory Gallery continue to be supported by gifts, memberships and sales. The association members host a Saint Patrick's Day Fund Raiser in March and December the Festival of Holiday Tables.
