Herman L. Deaton
(1928 – 2020)

Herman Deaton (NHS Class of 1949) was a life-long Newton resident, artist and sculptor and for 13 years beginning in 2007, he maintained a studio in the Centre.

He was the first artist to take up residency here, moving an earlier established studio created after he retired from years working with his brother, Neal.

He spent hours in his studio and always worked with the door open — an invitation to conversation. That generosity was ever present he was quick to offer encouragement and levity to anyone.

His sketches, reliefs, 3-D models and sculptures filled every corner and chronicled well his life story, inherent creativity, and tireless work ethic.

During Deaton’s residency, he created several dynamic sculptures. One of the first was the bas relief memorial bench sited at Skiff Medical Center in Newton; to “Edna – Before Maytag,” a life-size bronze that memorializes Deaton’s mother sited at First Avenue and West 2nd Street; to his last sculpture that took almost two years to complete: “Old Paint in Paradise,” is a life-size stylized horse executed in mixed media. He was assisted by two other fine sculptors: his daughter Nancy Deaton Dunsbergen, and fellow CAA artist Rick Stewart.

The community of Newton, its residents and visitors have benefitted from the generous gift of Deaton’s time and talent. They will continue to enjoy the art he created for years to come — a loving expression for his craft and the town he loved.