Ca’Toga – Uncovering Calistoga’s Hidden Gem and Entering the World of Carlo Marchiori
Apr 14th, 2011 | By Lulu del Rosario | Category: Adventure
Out and About on Assignment in Calistoga: Lulu del Rosario and Kaye Cloutman
A visit to Carlo Marchiori’s home was not part of our agenda when we visited the town of Calistoga a few months ago. We had planned on checking out a couple hotels and a few dining establishment for a magazine write up. An art museum in town caught our interest and we happened by chance into the world of Ca’Toga, on the last day of our three day visit there. Kaye and I had just wrapped up an interview next door and on the way back to our car, we decided we had a little time to savor the art that was calling our name.
It was evident from the get go that we had to pick up the rest of our crew whom we had left back at the hotel and share our discovery. Imagine jaw dropping OMGosh moments that led from one thing ~ to another. From the museum, we were escorted ~ to his villa. Carlo Marchiori’s world, and inside his head.
Kaye Cloutman admiring a Marchiori painting at the Ca'Toga museum
I remember being wow’d as soon as we entered the art gallery. There were hand decorated pieces, murals of the zodiac on the ceiling. It felt, to me, like I was entering the mind of a Renaissance man.
The ceiling at the Ca'Toga art gallery is amazing
At the bright art gallery in downtown Calistoga ~ Ca'Toga
Art pieces at the gallery
I wanted this one
It was definitely hard to walk away from a lot of the pieces here
- We had no idea, no inkling at the time while we were in the gallery, that we were about to experience the highlight of our weekend. What transpired after was a call to Carlo Marchiori, who at the time was home, and ready, willing and happy to give us a personal tour.
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Carlo Marchiori welcoming us into his home
Carlo Marchiori's villa
Carlo Marchiori was born in Italy and was a student of classical art. There are stories inside each of his pieces ~ and his entire villa, home and property ~ is his canvas. The man is always creating. As soon as you enter the door and walk inside his home, you’re transported to another world. It’s just quite difficult to figure out what kind of world you’re in as each room is a different experience.
In the living room and a view of the top
A different view; from upstairs looking down into the living room
In the middle of our personal tour, I asked Carlo where he drew his inspiration from and he quipped “from my madness!” I remember laughing at the time because I had actually formulated my question and left the “are you mad???” out of it. He could probably read my mind, or even better – I love a mad artist when I see one!
It was so easy to warm up to the man. He was kind and welcoming and eager to show our party of five around. He took us to every nook and cranny of his property, taking his time and explaining what his creations were all about. We spent over two hours with him, not minding the clock and happy to have chanced upon this gem.
Carlo with Kaye Cloutman, telling us about his life and his story
The master bedroom features a cow, reminiscent of Marchiori's early childhood growing up in a farm
The Birdcage Room - intricate mural. From inside you do feel like you're a bird in a cage with a monster kitty cat watching you. He makes sure his guests are in yellow.
"Where do you get your inspiration from?" I asked. He replied, "from my madness!"
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Outside ~ welcome to Pompeii. All the sculptures are handcrafted too.
Can you see the peacock? He comes when Carlo calls
There's a river that runs through his property
a vast land waiting for more masterpieces
Carlo with Denice Sy, photographer for Clout & About. She drew inspiration from him too!
The area is available for private events
Yes, that's a Trojan horse
Illusion inoisuleD
Lulu and Kaye with the genius of a man, Carlo Marchiori
Watch out on your way out, and wave goodbye!
The villa is open to tours from May to October. It is definitely an experience and one we were so grateful to have had. The art gallery is located on Cedar Street, just off Lincoln Street which is the center of town. Recently, Carlo opened a gallery in Thailand. In the United States, some of his work is seen at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, the Bellagio and Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas and the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa.
It was a privilege to visit Ca’Toga. We talked about it for a long time after we returned. If you’re in or around the downtown Calistoga area, you must check out the gallery and the tour of the villa. Don’t forget your camera! You’ll be snapping away every which way you look. Guaranteed!
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