Expanding Access to a West Valley Gem: The Montalvo Arts Center

The Montalvo Arts Center truly is an oasis of art and nature in the heart of bustling Silicon Valley. Lush gardens surround the Montalvo Villa, a 19-room Mediterranean Revival-style landmark included in the National Register of Historic Places. The property, covering 175 acres in Saratoga’s foothills, offers a picnic-perfect Great Lawn and miles of scenic hiking trails winding through redwood-studded forests.

Montalvo’s mission is to foster the arts in all forms – including music, performance art, visual art, interactive installations, and food – and to engage the public in the creative process by hosting programs, exhibitions, and events for people of all ages. Outdoors access is in partnership with the County, with our Parks and Recreation Department leasing and managing the trails and parking lots for public use.

In operation for nearly 85 years, Montalvo is one of the County’s renowned resources, a regional jewel that should be widely shared and enjoyed.

I’m pleased that my Board colleagues agreed, approving my proposal to help Montalvo expand community access over the next three years. In particular, County grant support will help the Center achieve its goal of having at least 50% of its programs focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. This includes expanded offerings to the Latinx community and lower income families.

The County grant will help Montalvo achieve this via free community events, scholarships, and new and expanded programming over the next three years, including:

• Montalvo Summer Camp. County funding will allow Montalvo to offer eight additional scholarships each year for its popular summer arts camps for kids aged 6 to 14.
• Trailblazer! Hiker appreciation days will include garden tours and ranger led hikes with morning snacks and drinks, and child-friendly fun like stickers and scavenger hunts.
• Chalk the Walk Family Art Days. Chalk, creative guidance, and treats will be provided at two community-wide events per year. 
• 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.

The County’s multi-year grant will allow even more people from our diverse community to experience the Center’s inspiring activities and events. What’s more, this West Valley gem’s parklands are open nearly 365 days a year, free of charge, offering the deep rejuvenation of fresh air and nature. Bring a basket of goodies and a blanket to enjoy the spacious lawn and gardens, or walk the trails and take in the sweeping views of Santa Clara Valley. For more information on Montalvo’s programs, grounds, and occasional closure days, please visit montalvoarts.org.

Joe Simitian
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

This article was originally published in the fall 2022 edition of Los Gatos Magazine.