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Take a vacation with the arts
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If you're looking for a vacation that will stimulate your mind or your taste buds, a couple of locally organized European vacations may be just what you need.

First, local artist Jim Chapman is planning two watercolor workshops, one in Cortona, Italy, in September and one to the island of Santorini in Greece in October.

Chapman, who led a trip to Cortona last year, said the idea to expand to Greece came from the organizer of Tuscana American Workshops, who helped assemble the Cortona trip.

"I've never been to Santorini but it sounds great," he said. "I love travel and painting and art instruction."

The all-inclusive trips are for any skill level, from beginner painters to experienced artists just looking to get away. Instruction takes place outside, where students use the natural environment as inspiration.

Chapman is a former contributing editor for The Artists Magazine where he has exhibited with the National Watercolor Society and is an adjunct instructor for the Art and Design Department at Brenau University in Gainesville.

If you're more into tasting the local culture, not painting it, then take a trip to Germany with Grapes & Hops Bar & Bistro in Flowery Branch.

The restaurant is putting together an eight-day cruise down the Moselle and Rhine rivers.

Co-owner Bernd Koerner said the trip, set up in conjunction with travel agent Susan Rogers, relates to his German heritage, and the restaurant's love of wine. Highlights of the trip include guided tours into the German wine country and includes all meals.

For more information on Chapman's trips to Cortona and Santorini, call 770-530-9671 WaterColorSketch, and for more information on the Grapes & Hops river cruise, call 770-560-2411.

Here’s a look at The Arts Council’s newly finished stage and pavilion
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The Arts Council executive director Gladys Wyant tours the new outdoor stage and pavilion Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, in downtown Gainesville. The pavilion can seat 300 for dinners and events with the rest of the grounds can be used for additional seating for more than 2,000 during concerts and other events. - photo by Scott Rogers
The Arts Council’s recently constructed stage and pavilion structure is ready to give performances and events a new place to flourish in downtown Gainesville.
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