The Caetani Cultural Centre is about to buzz with activity when the first art market of the season, Viva d’Arte, takes place Saturday, July 20.
Those who wander through the majestic Caetani gardens can take in original works by accomplished artists, galleries, performers, and other creative types, while enjoying refreshments such as Italian soda and frozen cappuccino.
“Viva d’Arte is shaping up to be a must see-event for art enthusiasts in the North Okanagan,” said Marie Petrucci, the Caetani Centre’s new art and culture coordinator.
Participants Saturday include Caetani resident and studio artists Melissa Dinwoodie, Destanne Norris and Virginia Dansereau, as well as Gaye Schultheis, Boho Chic and Beautiful, Jim McKillop, Vicki Hunter, Anita Lynn Herbert, Ron West, Sheila Campbell, Ashpa Naira Gallery, Tanya Strichert and Kara Barkved.
Each participating artist is juried, so as to ensure excellence, added Petrucci.
“The objective is to provide a fabulous and interactive venue in which local artists can exhibit and sell their work. The feeling we want to convey surrounding the markets is one of high quality, sophistication, yet something that is fun and accessible to all,” she said.
Artists in the community are welcome to apply to be a part of the markets, which also take place Aug. 17 and Sept. 21.
All run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to vendors, this Saturday’s art market will see current international artist-in-residence, Ellen Rogers, demonstrate her sculpture techniques and talk about her residency.
At 11 a.m., a paint-off between former Caetani residents Ryan Ryan and Michelle Loughery will start. Both will be battling head-to-head to create a portrait of Sveva Caetani, interpreted however they choose.
“Audience participation in voting for the People’s Choice will be rewarded with a door prize sponsored by Athena Custom Framing. Canvases and art supplies have generously been donated by Nadine’s Fine Art and Frames, and funds raised will support the Caetani Centre,” said Petrucci.
From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Caetani resident Christine Pilgrim will be offering historical tours of the grounds. Included are the fascinating stories of the Caetani family. Cost for a tour is $2/person or $7/family.
And from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Renee Leveille from Baby Bliss Photography will be offering a professional portrait session to raise funds for the Caetani Centre. For $20 customers will have the option of one retouched image file.
“Bring the kids, or pose with friends. Have fun with the props and make a memory that is sure to be cherished for years,” said Pertucci.
And that’s not all.
The Caetani Centre is a stop on the Open Studio Art Trails, as studio artists from around Vernon open their creative work spaces the same day as the market.
Studios involved this Saturday include Baby Bliss Photography, Colleen Couves (visual artist), and Devon Muhlert (musician), all at the Caetani grounds.
Ed and Debbie Goodon, June Seed, Virginia May, Denise Patrick, Susan Patrick will show their work at Metal Dream Design, while Linda Wadley is also opening her home-based studio.
The Caetani Centre will provide maps to all the participants, and encourage people to travel from studio to studio around Vernon and area between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., said Petrucci.
For more on the art markets and trails, or to get involved, visit caetaniculturalcentre.org.
