For Immediate Release Contact: Becki Fowler Gervin, 408.961.5814
Oct. 16, 2008
Montalvo Premieres a New Documentary: “Villa Montalvo: The Evolution of an Arts Center”
Ten years in the making, this 90-minute documentary traces the history of the Villa from its origin through its development into a renowned arts center
SARATOGA, Calif. – Built in 1912 as the summer home for a refined politician from San Francisco, Villa Montalvo has evolved over almost a century from a local cultural center, to a popular concert venue, and now into a well-known arts center. Filmmakers Valerie Archer and John Wainwright spent a decade researching the fascinating story behind Montalvo’s convoluted evolution. Gathering detailed historic photographs and conducting interviews with those intimately connected to the art center, they have created an elegant documentary that will appropriately premiere in Montalvo’s Carriage House Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 8:00 p.m. Visitors are invited to a reception beforehand on the pavilion in front of the Project Space at 7:00 p.m., where Central Coast Boutique Wines will host wines from Anglim Winery, Black Ridge Vineyards, Fernwood Cellars and Stephen’s Cellar. Tickets for the event are available through Montalvo’s box office and website.
“Villa Montalvo: The Evolution of an Arts Center” traces the history of the Villa from its inception as a country retreat for Senator James DuVal Phelan, through its development into a vital cultural resource for the San Francisco Bay Area. Archer and Wainwright were initially drawn to the topic because of their interest in Montalvo’s Artist Residency Program. Residency programs are one of the few forms of support for artists today, and it was the filmmakers’ ardent desire to document the significance of this little known but vital modern form of cultural patronage. Filming began in 1998 when Montalvo was on the verge of creating a separate complex for the exclusive use of artists.
“Artist residency programs are so unique that we thought it would be very exciting to follow the creation of this new, important complex,” said Wainwright. “Along the way we became so intrigued by the rich history and beauty of the Villa and its grounds that we decided to expand the scope of the film.” The filmmakers were drawn in by the passion and personality of Montalvo’s progenitor and inspired by Montalvo’s extensive archives, much of it gathered by Professors James Walsh and Timothy O’Keefe, the authors of the seminal written history of the Villa, “Legacy of a Native Son.”
Lyric Media, the company behind the film, has now added to Montalvo’s archives 40 videotaped interviews including those with Phelan family members, Trustees, directors, Montalvo Service Group members, artists and architects. The film also features clips from performances by Tony Bennett, David Benoit and the Juilliard String Quartet, as well as outreach programs, gallery exhibits and special events such as Open Studios and the annual Yuletide celebration.
“James Phelan’s passion for the arts was unique, and he imbued his estate with a perpetual love and a timeless vision for its cultivation,” said Archer. “It is this vision that we hope to convey, as it has been interpreted and reinterpreted throughout Montalvo’s history, to remain relevant to the present day.”
About Valerie Archer
Valerie Archer grew up in New York City and attended Yale University where she majored in History. Inspired by the potential of the incipient cable television industry, she began her career directing and editing a lifestyle program for the USA network. She produced the fashion series “Style” on CNN as well as directing promotional videos for top international fashion designers. She co-founded Lyric Media with the goal of reconnecting to her love of history and writing through the production of documentaries.
About John Wainwright
John Wainwright, originally from Sydney, Australia, majored in computer science at the University of New South Wales. He works internationally as a software designer and consultant. The 3D technology and animation software he developed is being used by companies such as Autodesk, Disney, and Dreamworks. He co-founded Lyric Media in order to distribute independently produced software programs and he provides the technical creativity and expertise for the production of Lyric Media videos.
About Lyric Media
Lyric Media is based in Los Gatos, California. The filmmakers previous production, “Los Gatos: Then and Now”, documents the rich history and natural beauty of the area. “Villa Montalvo: The Evolution of an Arts Center” is their most recent work. Wainwright and Archer share a love of the arts, and hope through their films to explore and disseminate Bay Area culture.
Ticket Information
“Villa Montalvo: Evolution of an Arts Center” premieres at Montalvo on Nov. 22 at 8:00 p.m. in the Carriage House Theatre, immediately following a reception in front of the Project Space, which starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available through Montalvo’s Box Office: 408.961.5858. Visit www.montalvoarts.org for more information.
About Montalvo Arts Center
Montalvo Arts Center is a member-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated to capturing the innovative and diverse spirit of Silicon Valley and engaging people in contemporary concerns through the arts. Located in Silicon Valley's Saratoga hills, Montalvo Arts Center rests on 175 stunning acres, including the Sally and Don Lucas Artist Programs, an international artist residency; a historic Mediterranean villa, two theatres, a gallery and 2.5 miles of hiking trails. Senator James Phelan left the historic villa and grounds to the people of California in 1930 for the encouragement of art, music, literature and architecture.
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