Once again, a work of art awaits unveiling: a replica of the painting that Van Gogh made of the church in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. A group of 15 local amateur painters led by Bert Robben has had half a year of work on it. “We chose this work as a reference to our own church,” explains Robben. “Now both churches are both in Zweeloo. And they are also within walking distance of each other.” Making the work was no sinecure, says Robben. Van Gogh’s style is hard to match, he says. “What he does in a few hours takes us several weeks.” Nevertheless, the result may be there, says Robben.
With that last revelation, the kick-off is over. Program leader Elizabeth Stoit of Marketing Drenthe looks back with complete satisfaction. “The Van Gogh Year is intended to make Van Gogh’s legacy more visible.” A well-deserved gesture, because the artist’s love for Drenthe was great. You just have to look up his letters. They brim with admiration. “You can safely call him a real ambassador for our province. We can all take an example from that.