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Caetani wants to reveal history

The Caetani Cultural Centre Society is continuing to raise funds so it can open up the Pleasant Valley Road facility to the public
web1_170309-VMS-M-Caetani-House

More light will soon be shed on the legacy of a legendary artist and her family.

The Caetani Cultural Centre Society is continuing to raise funds so it can open up the Pleasant Valley Road facility to the public on a regular basis.

“We would like to fully reach the potential of this facility,” said Susan Brandoli, executive director.

The 1895 home was purchased by the Caetani family, Italian nobility, in 1922, and following the death of her father in 1934, Sveva Caetani was largely a prisoner in the residence for 25 years until her mother’s death in 1960.

At the age of 43, Caetani was forced to find a job and she became a teacher. She also pursued her art and she is best known for Recapitulation, a collection of 56 watercolours accompanied by writing.

Caetani died in 1994 and she left the 6,000-square-foot home and 1.5 acres to the city as a cultural facility.

“She was a real mentor in the community and we want to honour that,” said Brandoli.

The society has currently raised two-thirds of the $225,000 needed to ensure the building meets the requirements for expanded public access beyond workshops and events.

“We have (grant) applications in motion,” said Brandoli.

Ultimately, the goal is to also take ownership of Recapitulation, which is currently owned by an Alberta foundation.

Brandoli is confident tours of the home and property would be a success and help with the society’s finances.

“There’s so much interest in the (Caetani) story,” she said.