There’s no need to plan a trip to Tuscany — just purchase a ticket for A Splash of Red.
Sit at large family-style tables nestled in among the trees and gardens of the Caetani estate, enjoying Italian food and wine while taking in local art.
A Splash of Red — an Italian Evening & Art Event with an Okanagan Twist — takes place Aug. 21 starting at 5:30 p.m. with an aperitif reception and art viewing, followed by a three-course dinner complete with wine pairings, all served family style under the stars.
Suggested attire is casual elegance with the colours black, white and a splash of red recommended. A live art auction and door prizes will finish off the evening, featuring original works from 20 renowned artists.
The event is put on by a group of art enthusiasts who share Sveva Caetani’s vision and want to bring artists and the public together in a social setting.
“People really enjoy the opportunity to connect with the artists and fellow art lovers of the community,” said Judy Rose, one of the organizers of the event.
The farm-to-table meal made using locally sourced ingredients is being catered by Basket Case Picnics.
Victor Noakes from Antique Imports will be the auctioneer and Sun FM’s Betty Selin is the evening’s master of ceremonies.
“This event is like a big joyful Italian family dinner that ends up in a splendid art auction,” said Rose.
A Splash of Red has had two previous successful events, raising more than $25,000 in support of the Caetani Cultural Centre in on its journey to towards becoming an established cultural centre for artists locally and globally.
“Funds (raised this year) will be used for a sprinkler system in the house, so we can open up the house to receive more people. Fire regulations do not allow more than six people at a time,” said Rose. “This is all in line with sharing Sveva’s home and legacy with the community here and at large. It’s what she wanted and we are working for.”
There will be 10 raffle prizes including a Sveva print reproduction, a half-day spa package from Crave Massage, a private portfolio wine tasting for eight people at Ex Nihilo, and carved granite candle holders by Dan Irvine with handmade candles by Kevin Spetifore.
Some of the work to be auctioned can be viewed at the following businesses: OK Spirits will display Julie Elliot’s Earth Water and Sky; Olive Us will show Julie Oakes’ piece, Rabbit in the Moon, Neil Erickson’s Kal Beach and Gale Woodhouse’s Fungal Form; Casa Bella will show Michael Jell’s Ponderosa Pine and Wanda Lock’s Where we live; at Cento Wear it’s Great Prince II by Kenna Graff and Lynne Gayan’s Driven to Abstraction; and at Nadine’s Fine Art, it’s Fall Colors by Nadine Wilson.
Rounding out this year’s featured artists are Destanne Norris, Pat Doyle, Gail Short, Michelle Loughery, A.J. Jaeger, Martha Moore, Doug Alcock, Sandra de Vries, Heidi Thompson, Christine Kashuba and Elizabeth Moore.
“We thank our sponsors Nature’s Fare, Bannister Chevrolet, Pure Granite Rocks, Nor-Val Rentals, Sladen Moore & Assoc., Diane Gritten, Olive Us, Crave Massage and OK Spirits,” said Rose, adding that the event could still use a few more volunteers and those interested should send an e-mail to asplashofred@hotmail.com.
Tickets are $100 (which includes the appetizers, meal and wine) and are available at Bean Scene. Only 100 tickets are sold and it is a sell-out every year — tickets will not be sold at the door.
