PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION Date: October 8/2025

Contact:
Michelle Loughery
Artist & Founder – Wayfinder Project / Loughery Mural Artworks Foundation http://www.michelleloughery.org
Vernon, British Columbia, Canada

BC Achievement Award-Winning Artist Calls for Mediation on the Sveva Caetani Mural

VERNON, CANADA – Internationally recognized Canadian muralist Michelle Loughery, recipient of the BC Achievement Award for Community Cultural Development, has issued a statement regarding the removal of the Sveva Caetani Mural from Vernon’s public-art maintenance fund and the decision to demolish the artwork.

The mural, designed and led by Loughery, was created more than two decades ago as part of her award-winning Wayfinder Community Art Project, which has been formally recognized by the Province of British Columbia and Service Canada for linking youth training, social infrastructure, and cultural heritage through monumental public art.

Background

The Sveva Caetani Mural honors the life and legacy of artist Sveva Caetani (1917-1994), whose Italian heritage and artistic journey symbolize resilience and cultural connection between Canada and Italy.

Despite its provincial and federal recognition, the mural was recently removed from the City of Vernon’s mural maintenance fund, ending preservation support and leading toward a planned demolition. To date, no publicly documented curatorial or heritage review process has been confirmed.

Artist’s Statement

“The Sveva Caetani Mural was part of a BC Achievement Award-winning initiative that celebrated art, heritage, and community collaboration,” said Loughery. “I continue to ask for mediation on this globally significant monumental artwork so that decisions about its future are made transparently, respectfully, and with cultural care. The mural connects two nations through the story of Sveva Caetani – it deserves thoughtful preservation and dialogue.”

Loughery confirms she has not granted consent for the demolition or alteration of the work and continues to request formal provincial mediation under British Columbia’s cultural and heritage frameworks.

Call for Cultural Cooperation

Loughery welcomes engagement from Canadian and Italian cultural institutions, heritage organizations, and journalists to ensure that the Caetani legacy and similar public artworks receive proper curatorial review and shared stewardship.

About Michelle Loughery

Michelle Loughery is a Canadian muralist, educator, and community-development leader. Her Wayfinder Project earned the BC Achievement Award for innovation in community building through art. Her large-scale murals and mentorship programs appear across Canada and internationally, empowering youth, preserving heritage, and advancing cultural tourism.

Issued Without Prejudice – In Public Interest
For media and cultural correspondence: http://www.michelleloughery.org