<|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|>There’s a familiar face in the Beaufort West mayor’s office. Above the wood-grained desk, a Vincent van Goghesque painting has been returned to the wall and his “Vuna municipality of the year” awards are<wm> proudly displayed.
Beaufort West Mayor Chris van Ryn was a keen art enthusiast with the town council. His passion for Van Gogh's work began at a tender age of eight with his father taking him to the art museum. That encouraged his young Vincent to look to the world of painting and explore different artistic mediums through the ages.
Van Gogh once lived and worked in Paris. His style and technique influenced generations of other artists, such as Henri Matisse. His vibrant brushwork,</wm> color palette and sense of light are unmistakable.
Chris van Ryn was chosen because his town council