From the Director
Director’s Wish List
At the March 22 CIAO gathering, Chris gave us a list of much needed equipment and supplies. If you would like to help in a specific area here is your chance to make a difference . Click 2012 Wish List to view the list and instructions on how to make your tax deductible donation through the "Friends of Cortona " Fund. … [Read More...]
Cortona Program Enters a New Era
The Cortona Program has seen many changes and new accomplishments this past year, in terms of Directorship, faculty, staff, course offerings and awards. Through many of these developments, transitions begin to smooth and progressions ensue. Unfortunately there have also been alterations more difficult to accept including the loss of some very long-term and dear friends. Angiolo Bartolini and Fiorella Coppi passed away early in 2011. They will be forever remembered by thousands of alumni as close friends and members of the UGA Cortona Program family. In 2011, more than 225 students participated on the Cortona program, connecting with the community of Cortona and benefitting from the course offerings, faculty and setting of the program’s campus itself. Some of the newer courses … [Read More...]
Cortona on the Web
Spenser Simrill puts Cortona on the Web
Spenser Simrill In 2004, Spenser Simrill, Jr. received his doctorate in English from the University of Georgia. He has taught for five semesters at the UGA Cortona Program, developing courses in creative writing and documentary filmmaking. He has made documentaries for Of Montreal, the city of Cortona, and the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota. He has published on African American literature and is … [Read More...]
Award Winning Short Stop Motion Animation
A short stop-motion animation called “Memory” created by Fall semester Cortona student Ilka Hadlock was recognized as UGA’s Office of International Education annual photo and video contest winner in the video category. Memory, by Ilka Hadlock … [Read More...]
Scholarships & Support
Consider a Gift to the “Friends of Cortona” Fund
During the economic downturn of the last few years, study abroad programs at all colleges and universities have suffered a drop in enrollment and many programs have even been suspended. Budgets have been cut at all State of Georgia educational institutions and the Cortona Program is no exception. Our renowned UGA Cortona Program could use [...]
Special Events
CIAO Gathers in Atlanta to Meet and Greet Chris
A Large Group of Cortona Alumni Gathered in Atlanta! The alumni organization of the Lamar Dodd School of Art Cortona Studies Abroad Program, CIAO, sponsored a gathering on March 22 in Atlanta to “Meet the Director” over Pizza and Wine. Director Chris Robinson was there from Cortona to meet, greet, and reminisce. Recently retired Director Rick Johnson also attended, along with several other favorite professors. Alumni brought their memories, memorabilia, photos, and journals to share. Chris updated attendees on the program and everyone heard more out how to be involved in CIAO and help keep the Cortona Alumni community connected. Alumni learned more about the “Cortona Experience,” trip this year set for Sept. 9-20….you CAN go back! Check out photos below. Thanks to the Buckhead Italian Market for allowing us to "take over" for the night. 3655 Roswell Rd. just North of Piedmont Rd /Roswell Rd Intersection Have a “Mini Cortona Reunion” in your city? CIAO can help … [Read More...]
2012 Cortona Experience Trip Sept. 10-20
You Can Go Back! Click here to view the complete "Cortona Experience" 2012 Brochure Capture the essence of Cortona again in a 10 day watercolor painting (other media welcome) and/or photography workshop for all levels. Enjoy great cuisine, wine, demos, day trips; interact with the UGA Studies Abroad students, faculty, and the Cortonese. A unique camaraderie is woven, making lifelong connections with fellow participants and Cortona! For information on the September trip and to reserve your spot contact Suzi Wong, Lamar Dodd School of Art at swong@uga.edu or (706) 542-9867. Following are highlights and photos from the 2011 Cortona Experience : A private behind-the-scenes tour of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena. The oldest bank in the world has its headquarters in Siena in an ancient building, filled with an incredible collection of priceless documents and paintings. Due to some "Cortona Experience" connections, the group was allowed a rare tour, which culminated on … [Read More...]
A Taste of Cortona
Abundant , Ambrosial Blood Oranges!
Blood oranges are as beautiful as they are delicious. I never saw or tasted one until I was well into adulthood, and “my first time” I was as entranced by their ruby-to-orange-back-to-ruby color as I was by their sweet tartness. Here in Georgia they can be hard to find, but in Italy they are abundant. [...]
Alumnus Profile
Meet Charles Ritchie, Cortona ‘76
Known as “Charlie” during the summer of 1976, Ritchie’s career has brought honor to the University of Georgia AND to the Cortona program. He studied Art History, Painting, and Graphic Design in Cortona, and he graduated the following year, 1977, from UGA with a BFA in Art/Graphic Design. The Pineville, KY native then went on to receive his MFA in Painting from Carnegie Mellon University in 1980. Ritchie has served the National Gallery of Art as Associate Curator, Department of Modern Prints and Drawings, since 1988. During that time, he has also made art: beautiful, exquisite, timeless images that have earned him scores of solo and group exhibits across the country. (For a complete list of his impressive professional and artistic “creds” go to: http://www.charlesritchie.com/biography We were quite honored that Charlie took a few minutes away from his drawings to talk to the C.I.A.O. newsletter. Brief synopsis of career history While at the University of Georgia I … [Click to Read More...]
Alumni News – We Want to Hear from You!
Kim Shockley Karelson & Jill Schultz McGannon Show
Two Cortona Alumni Exhibit with fellow Dodd Alum 3 Points of View: Landscapes Town 220 Restaurant and Gallery West Washington Madison, GA 30650 Opening Reception May 3, 6-8 On view through July 28, 2012 Greg Benson (MFA ‘92), Kim Shockley Karelson (BA’86, Cortona) and Jill Schultz McGannon (BFA’85, MFA’88, Cortona) are the featured artists in the up and coming exhibition 3 Points of View: Landscapes presented by the Madison Artist Guild. Each has created landscape paintings from his or her point of view. In spite of … [Read More...]
Del Martin (1976) receives Lifetime Impact Award
Long-time Atlanta Fundraising Consultant & Business Icon Honored with the Inaugural Womenetics Lifetime Impact Award On April 17, 2012, Womenetics hosted its annual POW! Awards to honor elite female leaders currently serving in the Atlanta area. At this year’s event, Womenetics also presented the first Womenetics Lifetime Impact Award which honors women who have distinguished themselves over the course of their career through extraordinary leadership, outstanding devotion, and remarkable impact on others. Atlanta business icon, and … [Read More...]
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