Heidi Thompson remembers the first time she entered the historical property on Pleasant Valley Road in Vernon.
Shrouded in giant cottonwoods and cedars, she approached the looming hundred-year-old mansion to meet the artist, who had once been holed up inside and had emerged, 25 years later, to become a respected artist and teacher.
The daughter of Italian royalty, Sveva Caetani’s legacy lives on thanks to those who have kept her memory alive.
“When I first came back from Europe the one person I wanted to meet was Sveva, and I came here (to the Caetani house) and ever since meeting her, becoming a photographer and her supporting me as an artist, she’s always been my greatest inspiration,” said Thompson, who spent many years documenting Caetani’s life and art.
In 1995, the year after Sveva died, Thompson published the book Recapitulation – A Journey by Sveva Caetani di Sermoneta, which featured 56 of Caetani’s watercolours, reflecting the artist’s life.
Sveva’s home is now a cultural centre, which promotes, preserves and facilitates all aspects of arts and culture through artist residencies and studios, workshops, events and more.
On Aug. 18, Thompson will be joining her daughter, Carmen, also an artist, to toast her mentor and support the Caetani Cultural Centre’s fifth annual fundraiser, A Splash of Red.
Both mother and daughter have entered a painting into the live art auction.
“It’s very special this year because Carmen is pursuing painting and to have her beside me with her work is a wonderful mother-daughter moment,” said Thompson.
Carmen is one of two emerging artists new to A Splash of Red, and has donated one of her landscapes.
“My inspiration for painting stems from the colour, space, and texture of the stunning landscapes of my hometown. I have recently developed a love for oil painting through my studies at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where I am completing my degree in fine art,” she said.
The brainchild of Caetani board member and artist Angelika (AJ) Jaeger, along with singer Judy Rose and artist Michelle Loughery, A Splash of Red has raised more than $60,000 to date in support of Caetani’s wish for her home and property to become an established cultural centre for artists, both locally and globally.
“The intention is to keep the Splash of Red the same great event that it has been with a few changes this year to keep it exciting,” said this year’s organizer Julie Melanson. “Changes on the ground have happened as a result of the new roundabout (on Pleasant Valley Road), and we have created more space for the event to happen. The backdrop this year will be the magnificent house that we are raising the funds for.”
The event, however, will follow its successful pattern, where guests are greeted with a glass of prosecco to drink in hand while walking the art trail. They will later be seated to a three-course alfresco catered Italian dinner by Basket Case Picnics, paired with wines.
After dinner, those bold enough to bid will have a variety of artwork to choose from.
Joining Carmen Thompson as an emerging artist is Joshua Wallace, who recently showed his work in the Old Guy-Young Guy Paint-Off challenge with fellow Splash of Red participating artist Neil Erickson.
Wallace has also donated a landscape to the auction.
Other artists new to donating to the event include Kenneth Buck, Gabrielle Strong, Brenda Ellis and Joanne Salé.
“We are also honoured to have the support of local artists that continue to support the event with their original and intriguing artwork,” said Melanson.
Those artists include Angelica Jaeger, Michelle Loughery, Gail Short, Mike Jell, Kara Barkved, Lynne Gayan, Julie Oakes, Martha Moore, Melissa Dinwoodie, Sandra de Vries, Neil Erickson, Doug Alcock, Kenna Graff, Tia Maria Soroskie and Heidi Thompson.
“We encourage the public to view the artwork as it is being displayed on the Splash of Red Facebook page and in downtown storefronts,” said Melanson.
Businesses displaying work include Casa Bella, Cento Wear, Pampered Perfection, Nadine’s Fine Art and Frames, Olive Us and Leap.
A Splash of Red starts at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Suggested attire is one of casual elegance with the colours black, white and red recommended. As the evening can get quite cool, guests are reminded to bring a sweater.
Limited tickets are available at $100/person and can be purchased at the Caetani Centre (3401 Pleasant Valley Rd.) or the Vernon Performing Arts Centre box office or online at caetani.org or ticketseller.ca.