Awaken your inner artist and explore the pleasures of Tuscany

Just imagine: You are standing in a sunlit vineyard in rural Tuscany, in the shadow of a 500-year old cathedral. Your painting sits on an easel in front of you, almost finished.

You are surrounded by fellow artists. The aroma of fresh pasta wafts overheard from kitchens below; church bells ring and children play soccer nearby. Don’t consider yourself an artist? Then imagine this instead: You are sitting at a little table in piazza built centuries ago, sipping on a cappuccino as you finish an entry in your travel journal -- the first one you’ve ever attempted. Sitting with you are other “journalists”-- some experienced, some not. Your laughter fills the air as much as the aroma of espresso does.

Be part of this extraordinary 10-day creative experience hosted by the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia. Scheduled in Italy’s beautiful autumn, art students of all levels – from absolute beginners to seasoned pros – come together to experience a creative and cultural immersion that blends the sights, smells, tastes, and friendliness of Tuscany.

Upon arrival in Cortona, you’ll quickly feel at home in this ancient walled town. Our classes are designed so students may customize their classes at their own speed and comfort level. Instruction is individually geared, so every participant gets personalized instruction. The “Cortona Experience” includes two options for exploring your creativity – watercolors or journaling, taught by leading artists and educators Jim Chapman (painting) and Del Martin (journaling).

We want you to come away from this special trip with an richer appreciation and understanding of what our studies abroad students have experienced each year since the inception of the University of Georgia’s premier Studies Abroad program (The Cortona Studies Abroad Program), founded in 1970.

Perhaps you were a UGA student in Cortona many years ago and long to return. Or maybe you always wanted to go and never had the chance. Whatever, your reason, now is the time. Please come share this magical city with us and mark your calendars for Sept. 13—Sept. 23, 2009. Also, please share this information with family and friends who might also have an interest in exploring the world of art in a way that will truly make the creative spirit come alive!

itinerary *
September 13 – September 23, 2009
* Events subject to change

• Sunday, September 13 -- Depart the United States and arrive in Rome on Sept. 14
• Monday, September 14 10 a.m. — bus leaves for Cortona from Rome Lunch provided on bus 7 p.m. — reception and dinner on terrace of Tonino’s Restaurant
• Tuesday, September 15 10 a.m. — history of Cortona lecture and tour Lunch on own 2 p.m. –5 p.m. — class (meet at the Kehoe Center) 5 p.m. — paper-making demonstration 7:30 p.m. — dinner at Tonino’s
• Wednesday, September 16 9 a.m. –3 p.m. — class 5 p.m. — wine tasting with Marco Molesini 7:30 p.m. — dinner at Tonino’s with students
• Thursday, September 17 9 p.m. –3 p.m. — class 7:30 p.m. — dinner
• Friday, September 18 9 a.m. –3 p.m. — class 7:30 p.m. — dinner at Tonino’s
• Saturday, September 19 - Field trip to Florence
• Sunday, September 20 Free day (dinner on own)
• Monday, September 21 9 a.m. –3 p.m. — class 7:30 p.m. — dinner at Tonino’s
• Tuesday, September 22 9 a.m. –3 p.m. — class 5 p.m. — exhibition reception at the Kehoe Center 7:30 p.m. — final dinner at Tonino’s
• Wednesday, September 23 6:30 a.m. — departure for Rome Airport

The instruction and experience I received in Cortona was anything but intimidating. It was well delivered and I enjoyed getting out of my norm and doing something completely new. I highly recommend it for beginners up to the experts (that surrounded me)! – Bob Mycoff, Orlando, FL

Learning to paint with watercolor in Cortona was more than learning to put brush to paint and paper. It was a journey and an experience in better understanding my passions and myself. – Anne Albright, Bethesda, Maryland

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Albergo San Micheli, a four-star hotel located in the heart of historic Cortona. The hotel is a modernized Renaissance palace that once housed the Etruscan Academy during the 17th century. Each room features a bathroom, telephone, minibar, air conditioning and television. Breakfast is served each morning.

Albergo San Michele
www.hotelsanmichele.net
139 euros/standard single

Please contact Jennifer Messer as soon as possible with your reservation information. You do not need to make your own hotel reservation.

Estimated cost per person is $3,000, which may fluctuate slightly based on actual group size and rate of exchange at the time of travel. A non-refundable deposit of $500 will reserve your space ($500 of your total payment is a tax-deductible donation to the CORTONA EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND.) Class size is limited to 25 participants.

The cost of the Cortona Experience program covers tuition, receptions, most dinners, wine tasting, art demonstrations and lectures, ground transportation to and from Rome Airport, and a field trip to Florence.

The cost does not include airfare, hotel accommodations, personal expenses, and insurance.

Reservations

To secure your reservation, please submit your deposit by February 15, 2009. The balance is due June 1, 2009.

Deposit / Payment

Make checks payable to The Arch Foundation (earmarked for “Cortona Experience”) and send to:

Suzi Wong
Director of Development
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-9867
swong@franklin.uga.edu