Sveva Caetani's art is going back to its roots.
The renowned artist, mentor and teacher's life and art will be on display in July in Rome, Italy for a special exhibition at the MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Art for the remainder of 2025.
Descending from Italian royalty, Sveva and her parents arrived in Vernon, B.C., in 1921. Their home is still preserved to this day, on Pleasant Valley Road, known as the Caetani Centre - a museum and art gallery.
Along with artifacts, furniture, clothing, decor and more, the home features the art of Sveva - including the first 17 pieces of her Recapitulation watercolour painting series.
That collection is only available in the 130-year-old Caetani house until July before heading to Italy.
“We will be releasing more news on this exciting announcement from the Caetani Cultural Centre Society and MAXXI in the near future but we wanted to give everyone a head’s up to come and view the paintings now before they head to Rome for the first international exhibition of Sveva’s life and art,” said Laisha Rosnau, Caetani executive director.
Guided Tours run on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m. until Aug. 21 (no tours on June 5, July 19 and Aug. 14). Tickets are available at the door.
Summer also marks the start of the annual Caetani Summer Music Festival July 19 featuring music, artisan vendors, local food trucks, cash bar, and fun!
After over a decade of music coordination by Andrew Mercer, the music coordinator role has been taken over by Local Losers Underground, the Vernon-based grassroots production company. The team of enthusiastic technicians and visionaries (headed by Noah McLeod) is dedicated to supporting musicians and artists in the Okanagan and across B.C.
“We are excited to have Noah and Local Losers on board in coordinating our music festival this year. They have an incredible lineup of both local, regional and nationally known artists scheduled to perform representing all genres of music from folk, western swing, country, jazz, alternative rock, and more,” said Kristin Froneman, Caetani programs and communications coordinator.
Artists performing include Bex, the Rocky Mountain Wildflowers, October Poppy, Sidney Bos, The Jazz Implication, The Lone Valley Band, and ending the night is the highly anticipated headliner, Petunia and the Vipers.
Early Bird tickets for the Caetani Summer Music Festival are now on sale until June 15. Prices go up after then and only a limited number of tickets will be available at the gate. All-day passes as well as evening-only passes are available on Showpass at www.showpass.com/caetani-summer-music-festival/
That’s not all — the Caetani Centre has other events to look forward to in the next three months.
Recurring on the first Friday of each month, the Caetani Centre participates in the First Friday Art Trail alongside other Vernon artists. This free event is an opportunity to explore your neighbourhood and meet diverse artists and their work. The Caetani Centre will be hosting visitors from 12 to 4 p.m. on June 6, July 4 and Aug. 1.
Looking for a new market experience with free admission? The Strange Bazaar’s inaugural Summer Solstice event is happening on the beautiful Caetani grounds on June 21, from 1 to 8 p.m. The event seeks to create an old-world bazaar atmosphere and a space for Vernon’s odd, unusual, queer, and witchy makers. The Strange Bazaar is a one-day artisan market and a celebration of the odd, dark, enchanted, and handmade.
Dreaming of summer in the Italian countryside? The Caetani Centre has the closest thing to it without leaving the Okanagan — the Caetani Splash Return to Rome Fundraiser and Art Auction Aug. 14.
Dress-up to the nines, have an authentic Italian style dinner, and bid on esteemed local art in the live or silent auction.
The Caetani Centre museum, gallery and gift shop is also open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.caetani.org or call 250-275-1575.
