Centre moves Splash of Red fundraiser online

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The event normally features a four-course Italian dinner complete with wine pairings, live entertainment and an auction of artwork by local artists.

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“We decided to simplify the online event as much as possible. We were astounded at the enthusiastic and generous levels of support we still received from local businesses and sponsors, and are especially grateful for donations received by local artists who still wanted to support our organization, some even donating more than one work, even though we were not able to host the live event,” said Caetani Centre Executive Director Susan Brandoli.

All funds from the Splash of Red will go directly to support of the operations of the Caetani Centre, and to development of the heritage site.

As an organization that relies primarily on live events and public programs for its’ livelihood, the centre’s society has seen its’ normal revenue stream virtually disappear.

“The Covid-19 situation has been devastating for our organization. Our staffing and programming has been slashed to a bare minimum, and we are still not fully open to the public,” said Brandoli.

“We get a significant number of artists and writers who take part in our live/work residency program for artists and writers, who come here to stay in Vernon from across Canada, the USA and internationally. With the travel restrictions in place, even between some provinces, we have seen a severe decline in the ability of people to come to the North Okanagan for our programs.”

Public community programs have been suspended for the foreseeable future, and some programming has been moved online, whenever possible.

“The safety of our guests and visitors is paramount. The one event we have proceeded with is the outdoor Summer Music Festival concert series, but it has been severely reduced in scope to adhere to the mandated provincial and federal health guidelines for social distancing, using masks, and limiting access and numbers. We have set up sanitization stations, etc., for the live events that are able to continue.”

Despite its current challenges, the Caetani Centre Society is confident that it will weather these challenges. The society boasts a strong core group of supporters, members, donors, artists and volunteers who are determined to realize the vision and potential of this unique heritage site – one with a mysterious, disturbing, and yet inspiring, story of overcoming adversity.

“Our benefactor, Sveva Caetani, would fully understand and sympathize with our predicament. She lived and dreamed in isolation for over 25 years, held a prisoner in her own home by her own mother and circumstances,” said Brandoli.

“She emerged from the other side of her forced isolation to become a well-respected teacher, artist and mentor in our community, and created an incredible body of art works that continue to inspire local artists and writers today on a national and international scale. Her legacy and unique story is definitely one of the local histories that needs to be celebrated and remembered.”