Newnan resident Marc Stewart has always been passionate about two things

in his life - aviation and art - so it should come as no surprise

that he has made a successful career by uniting the two.

Stewart paints scenes of World War II aviation events, usually described

of the work on display in an exhibit called "Celebration of Heroes"

at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins for the next two months.

Stewart began drawing as a child and when he became a teenager he got

his pilot's license. In college, Stewart took up sail plane flying

and after college he entered the U.S. Navy. In 1995, Stewart retired from

the Naval Reserve as a lieutenant commander.

Among the many World War II paintings he has created are one of the Memphis

Belle, signed by Col. Robert Morgan and has worked with George Gay, the

sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 and Robert Johnson, one of the highest

scoring fighter pilots in World War II, earning 27 victories.

"This is a great job as I get to meet heroes, people I consider

to be great guys," said Stewart. "One project inevitably leads

to another as stories are handed down and people are mentioned. I also

meet potential subjects at air shows or by reading books."

Stewart has traveled the country with his paintings, which are very popular

with history buffs as well as aviation afficionados and lovers of art.

In addition to World War II Aviation Art, Stewart has also painted Civil

War art and more genral scenes. At the exhibit at the Museum, Stewart

will have between 35 and 40 pieces on dislay, including prints, duplicates

and originals.

For more information on the exhibit, visit www.museumofaviation.org.

For more information on Stewart, visit www.aviationart.homestead.com.