County Supports Expanded Access to Montalvo Arts Center

SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has approved a grant to Montalvo Arts Center to expand Montalvo’s community programs and increase accessibility, particularly for economically challenged families. The funding was proposed by County Supervisor Joe Simitian.

“Montalvo is one of our County’s hidden gems. Any member of the public can access our public trails, the Montalvo Great Lawn and a number of free community programs for all ages,” said Simitian. “Access to art exhibits and workshops, theater and performances along with the gardens and the redwoods, should be available to all. And now it is!”

Montalvo Art Center, a non-profit art center located on 175 acres in Saratoga, includes a historic villa, a Mediterranean Revival-style landmark included in the National Register of Historic Places; ten artist residences; indoor and outdoor performance and exhibition venues; gardens, and public hiking trails that wind through redwood forests. Outdoor access is in partnership with the County’s Parks and Recreation Department, which leases and manages the trails and parking lots for public use.

"We are thrilled that the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance of enabling access to the arts for all," said Angela McConnell, Executive Director of Montalvo. "It is an honor to partner with County Supervisor Simitian on the expansion of our life-affirming programs to underserved families and other members of the community."

Part of Montalvo’s mission is to enrich the lives of all people through the arts. One way Montalvo delivers on its mission is by hosting a variety of events for the public to attend and enjoy the beautiful property and facilities. The County grant will help the Center achieve its goal of having at least 50% of its programs focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging through new programs, free community events for all ages, and summer camp scholarship opportunities at free or reduced tuition.

“We build greater understanding and create inclusive communities when we provide opportunities like this; when we bring together people from different corners of our county to learn and celebrate our shared values of family, nature and art. Working with Montalvo we can bring art, open space and performance to the wider community,” said Simitian. “It’s a winner all-around.”

The multi-year grant allows more people from throughout the community to experience the Center’s activities and events including:

• Chalk the Walk Family Art Days. Chalk, creative guidance, and treats provided at two community-wide events per year. 
• Trailblazer! Hiker appreciation days include garden tours and ranger led hikes with morning snacks and drinks, and child-friendly fun, like stickers and scavenger hunts.
• Family Halloween Party. A community celebration each October. 
• The Listening Hour. The additional treat of curated music sessions for park visitors, once a month between January and June, 2023 and 2024.
• Art on the Ground Festival. Featuring artists who will develop and site new works on the Montalvo property, a community event for all ages, summer 2023.
• Montalvo Summer Camp. County funding will allow Montalvo to offer additional scholarships each year for its popular summer arts camps for kids aged 6 to 14.

Learn more about Montalvo Arts Center, its programs and public events, and occasional closure days.