For Immediate Release Contact: Becki Fowler

Gervin, 408.961.5814
Oct. 16, 2008
bgervin@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 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

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historic villa and grounds to the people of California in 1930 for the encouragement
of art, music, literature and architecture.

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