For Immediate Release Contact: Becki FowlerGervin, 408.961.5814Oct. 16, 2008bgervin@montalvoarts.org
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 Villafrom its origin through its development into a renowned arts centerSARATOGA, Calif. – Built in 1912 as the summer home for a refined politician fromSan Francisco, Villa Montalvo has evolved over almost a century from a localcultural center, to a popular concert venue, and now into a well-known arts center.Filmmakers Valerie Archer and John Wainwright spent a decade researching thefascinating story behind Montalvo’s convoluted evolution. Gathering detailedhistoric photographs and conducting interviews with those intimately connected tothe art center, they have created an elegant documentary that will appropriatelypremiere 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 ProjectSpace at 7:00 p.m., where Central Coast Boutique Wines will host wines from AnglimWinery, Black Ridge Vineyards, Fernwood Cellars and Stephen’s Cellar. Tickets forthe event are available through Montalvo’s box office and website.
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Villa Montalvo: The Evolution of an Arts Center” traces the history of the Villa fromits inception as a country retreat for Senator James DuVal Phelan, through itsdevelopment into a vital cultural resource for the San Francisco Bay Area. Archerand Wainwright were initially drawn to the topic because of their interest inMontalvo’s Artist Residency Program. Residency programs are one of the few formsof support for artists today, and it was the filmmakers’ ardent desire to documentthe 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 separatecomplex for the exclusive use of artists.“Artist residency programs are so unique that we thought it would be very excitingto follow the creation of this new, important complex,” said Wainwright. “Along theway we became so intrigued by the rich history and beauty of the Villa and itsgrounds that we decided to expand the scope of the film.” The filmmakers weredrawn in by the passion and personality of Montalvo’s progenitor and inspired byMontalvo’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 aNative Son
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”Lyric Media, the company behind the film, has now added to Montalvo’s archives 40videotaped interviews including those with Phelan family members, Trustees,directors, Montalvo Service Group members, artists and architects. The film alsofeatures clips from performances by Tony Bennett, David Benoit and the JuilliardString Quartet, as well as outreach programs, gallery exhibits and special eventssuch as Open Studios and the annual Yuletide celebration.
“James Phelan’s passion for the arts was unique, and he imbued his estate with aperpetual love and a timeless vision for its cultivation,” said Archer. “It is this visionthat we hope to convey, as it has been interpreted and reinterpreted throughoutMontalvo’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 shemajored in History. Inspired by the potential of the incipient cable televisionindustry, she began her career directing and editing a lifestyle program for the USAnetwork. She produced the fashion series “Style” on CNN as well as directingpromotional videos for top international fashion designers. She co-founded LyricMedia with the goal of reconnecting to her love of history and writing through theproduction of documentaries.
About John Wainwright
John Wainwright, originally from Sydney, Australia, majored in computer science atthe University of New South Wales. He works internationally as a software designerand consultant. The 3D technology and animation software he developed is beingused by companies such as Autodesk, Disney, and Dreamworks. He co-foundedLyric Media in order to distribute independently produced software programs and heprovides the technical creativity and expertise for the production of Lyric Mediavideos.
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 thearea. “Villa Montalvo: The Evolution of an Arts Center
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is their most recent work.Wainwright and Archer share a love of the arts, and hope through their films toexplore and disseminate Bay Area culture.
Ticket Information
“Villa Montalvo: Evolution of an Arts Center” premieres at Montalvo on Nov. 22 at8:00 p.m. in the Carriage House Theatre, immediately following a reception in frontof the Project Space, which starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are availablethrough Montalvo’s Box Office: 408.961.5858. Visitwww.montalvoarts.orgfor moreinformation.
About Montalvo Arts Center
Montalvo Arts Center is a member-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated tocapturing the innovative and diverse spirit of Silicon Valley and engaging people incontemporary concerns through the arts. Located in Silicon Valley's Saratoga hills,Montalvo Arts Center rests on 175 stunning acres, including the Sally and Don LucasArtist Programs, an international artist residency; a historic Mediterranean villa, twotheatres, a gallery and 2.5 miles of hiking trails. Senator James Phelan left the2
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Montalvo Premieres a New Documentary:
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