Tom Kretsch, a 1962 graduate of Newtown High School, is returning to his former hometown to be part of the 2024 Newtown Arts Festival.

A teacher for 37 years in Norwalk Public Schools, Kretsch always had a love and appreciation of photography. He started a business called Peaceful Places, creating fine art photography for personal and professional spaces.

Kretsch has been doing outdoor art festivals throughout New England for the past 35 years. Working with some interior decorators he has had his work placed in offices, restaurants, and some of it now graces the walls of Sloan-Kettering Hospital.

He most recently published a book, Touching Maine. Copies will be available at the festival this weekend.

“It is exciting to come home to the place I spent a good part of my life and share my work here,” said Tom.