Longtime resident, local artist collaborate to create Newton-inspired coloring book

A longtime resident and a local artist recently produced a coloring book intended to encourage the Newton community to learn about and preserve the town’s history and architecture.

Mary Jo Niskin, a commissioner of the Newton Historic Preservation Commission, generated the idea after reading a Time magazine article about adult coloring books, which have been a trending hobby. An idea quickly turned into reality after Niskin’s friend, Jaci Thomasson, took on the design project.

Niskin, 89, is a fourth generation Newton resident who returned to the area in 2000 with a mission to preserve and live in her family’s home on First Avenue West, as well as to continue owning her family’s building on the town’s square, which houses the Beckman Gallery.

The thought of appreciating and embracing Newton’s history and architecture is what Niskin set out to convey to her community. The coloring book was embraced by the Historic Preservation Commission last spring, and Niskin was given the green light to begin creating.

“There’s so much more to Newton than the racetrack,” Niskin said.

Historic houses and landmarks of Newton were illustrated by Thomasson who used a pen and ink technique for the coloring book.

Thomasson and Niskin picked out historical houses on First Avenue and chose to feature some Newton landmarks, such as, the Jasper County Courthouse and the Maytag Bowl. Thomasson worked for about two weeks to complete the designs.

“Boy was that a challenge, I’m used to filling in all of the detail and I had to keep reminding myself to keep it simple,” Thomasson said. “If you look at the pictures of the houses every one is unique in its own way.”

Thomasson has her own studio at the Centre for Arts and Artists. She moved to Newton in 2007, and she was pleasantly surprised to find a town where she could pursue an art-making career.

“That was one of the things that I loved when I moved here seven years ago, when I found out there was an art gallery in town,” Thomasson said.

That’s why Thomasson said she continues to promote projects like the coloring book, as it gives her the opportunity to tell people about the art centre.

“I am shocked that people don’t even know that it exists,” Thomasson said.

There isn’t a historical house in Newton that doesn’t have a story behind it. The coloring book contains brief descriptions of the buildings featured, allowing coloring book artists to learn along the way.

“I think it just comes down to the basic desire for Newton to look better and look more attractive and for people to be more appreciative of the architecture,” Niskin said.

Niskin noted these historical houses once belonged to pioneers who came to settle in Newton with a dream.

“They talk about Newton pride — it’s not all about athletics, Newton pride should extend to other areas,” Niskin said.

The coloring book has even captured the interest of some of Niskin’s friends and relatives who live in New York. They too, will have a piece of Newton when they grab for their colored pencils.

A book signing took place in November at the Newton Public Library.

The coloring books can be purchased for $10 at the City Hall, The Medicine Shoppe and Advantage Credit Union. All proceeds will go toward the cost of making more coloring books.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com