Featuring the Art Work of Jim Chapman

The quality of light in the countryside of Italy is something so special that generations of painters and artists have traveled from around the world to capture its essence. But at no point in time has it ever been richer in clarity and nuance than in autumn of 2007, when Marta Chapman's inner light graced the rolling hills of Cortona.

Just one year earlier,  42-year-old Marta Chapman was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She and her husband, artist and Quinlan Board of Trustees member Jim Chapman, made a pact to spend her final year traveling and living life to the absolute fullest. Their travels took them from the mountains to the coast; from Hawaii to, finally, Italy. These paintings and sculptures, created on location and from sketches, are a true testament to the bittersweet joy they experienced together on this difficult journey. Sadly, Marta passed on November 29, 2007, only weeks after their return from Italy. Click HERE to see the photo gallery from this exhibition and HERE to read the article by Michelle Boaen from the Thursday, April 3rd article in the Gainesville Times.

But Marta's bright light lives on. A Light in Italy opens Thursday, April 3rd and will be on view at the Quinlan through May 25, 2008. Proceeds from the sale of artwork from this show will directly benefit the Marta Chapman Memorial Foundation, established through the North Georgia Community Foundation to continue the legacy of her special gift for helping troubled and at-risk teens. In honor and loving tribute to his wife, Jim is donating 100% of the proceeds from his paintings and sculpture to the foundation.

To contribute to the fund:

Make check to: The Marta Chapman Memorial Foundation

Send to: North Georgia Community Foundation 615F Oak Street, Suite 1300

Phone: (770) 535-7880

Contact: Janice Ward