“Being a Montalvo volunteer gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in the varied and rich cultural community that has been created from the vision and generosity of Senator Phelan. It is the most satisfying feeling to know that we are making a difference in people's lives today and keeping this jewel intact for the future.”
–Brenda A.
Whatever your skills, interest or time availability, chances are there is a volunteer opportunity just right for you at Montalvo! Montalvo hosts events and programs year-round, many on evenings and weekends. Most “behind-the-scenes” volunteer positions ask for a commitment of at least 3 to 6 months. Special events, visual arts, performing and literary programs require regular participation, with a minimum of 15 hours given each year.
Join Us
As a Montalvo volunteer, you will have the opportunity to meet new friends, build professional relationships, and have fun while contributing to a great cause. In addition, volunteers receive various awards and recognition throughout the year, as well as discounts on select concessions and merchandise purchases at events. Most importantly, however, you will have the satisfaction that comes with supporting Montalvo in its mission to bring the best of the arts to Silicon Valley.
If you are interested in joining our team of outstanding community volunteers, complete an online information form today. For questions, please contact Volunteer Resources or phone 408.961.5828. Please provide your name, including spelling, and full mailing address.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Docent Tour Leaders
Docents are highly knowledgeable volunteers that lead public and private tours of the Villa and Montalvo grounds. Six weeks of training are required, and include detail on the life of James Phelan, the construction of the historic Villa and the history of the arts center. Docent tour guides are asked to commit to one year of leading tours, by arrangement (usually on weekend mornings and afternoons). The docent training class is offered once annually. You must be able to attend all sessions of the training class to become a docent. Contact Volunteer Resources for a training schedule and program details. Background check may be required for this position. Minimum age: 16. Look for 2008 dates soon.
Gallery Hosts
Volunteers are sought to host the Project Space gallery year-round. Public open hours are Thursday-Sunday each week during exhitions, 11 am-3 pm. A commitment for one-day a month for a minimum of 3-months is requested (2-hour shift each day). A gallery walkthrough and meeting with program staff are required, by arrangement, following the application and general training process. The gallery is a fun, easy opportunity to help introduce contemporary arts to Montalvo's guests. To read about the current gallery exhibition, click here. Background check may be required for this position. Minimum age: 16; 12 with an adult volunteer partner.
Sculptures On the Grounds
In addition to the Project Space, Montalvo commissions nature- or thematic-based, site-specific sculptures in the park. Many of these works are created with the able-bodied support and enthusiasm of volunteers working right beside world-class artists. Typically, the general training series is not required for these projects; just a love of the arts, physical ability as required for the project and a flexible schedule. For a schedule of upcoming projects, please contact Volunteer Resources or 408.961.5828. Great for small high-school, college or employee groups!
“How wonderful it was for our children (and us) to be part of the creative process at the elbow of a world-class artist! The artist worked next to our children, making the brick making work fun, interesting and important. By participating in this Montalvo project, we became connected with talented artists and provocative art – art that provided a conduit to some resonating issues on the world stage. Many thanks to you and to the artist and his colleagues for the opportunity.” -Lisa M., Sculpture on the Grounds volunteer
Green Thumb Club
Help make Montalvo's garden grow! No green thumb necessary – just a willingness to get your hands dirty and keep the park beautiful for all of our guests. Self-motivated gardeners sought for one or two shifts per month to help weed, clip, dead-head, plant ornamentals and other tasks in select areas around the grounds. We also offer quarterly work days for those that need a more regular schedule and want to be part of a group. Minimum age: 16; 12 with an adult volunteer partner. Small- to medium-sized groups are welcome to schedule a work day, too!
Lucas Artists Programs
Lucas Artists Programs at Montalvo offers internships and significant volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in contemporary art. You do not have to be a student to help this world-class program grow! Minimum commitment is one or two days a week (4-12 hours per week) for three months. Volunteers gain invaluable experience on the functioning and development of an artist community, and share their expertise while helping the program grow and flourish. Opportunities to assist with general program development and administration, artists assistance and technology maintenance, culinary support and gardening development and maintenance. Computer literacy is important. Volunteers must have their own car, have valid driver’s license and insurance. Background check may be required.
Behind-the-Scenes Program Support
Whether you are a student, stay-at-home parent, retiree, or anyone with some free time during office hours, we could use your organization skills to help with a variety of projects. Everything from file management to data entry to bulk mail processing to program and marketing research, and more. Most tasks require the ability to work independently following written and/or verbal instruction. Specific skills needed will vary by department and task. Schedule is by mutual agreement following a meeting with staff to ensure a good match. Minimum age: 14; 12 with an adult volunteer partner. Background check may be required.
Performing and Literary Arts (Concerts)
We welcome new volunteers to our outstanding team of guest service volunteers throughout the year. Scheduling priority is given to volunteers who are regularly active in non-theatre-based programs and events. Volunteers serve as Event Hosts and help make our guests welcome at every show. Duties vary by venue and season, but may include greeting, ticket-taking, traffic control, merchandise and concessions set-up and sales, beverage pouring, ushering, shuttle boarding assistance, and other tasks. Volunteers must be able to stand and/or remain attentive for extended periods. Minimum age: 16; 12 with an adult volunteer partner. Background check may be required.
See our Events Calendar for dates and times of upcoming events!
“We had just moved to the area, and after our first concert [as ticketed guests] at Montalvo we found out about volunteering, and signed up. Although we originally thought it was all about the concerts, we soon found it is so much more than that! Volunteering itself is just so much fun, so gratifying and it so enhanced an experience getting to be part of this positive team, meeting and greeting the guests, and generally being part of the whole Montalvo experience."
–Ariela H. & Jim B., Community Volunteers
Internships
College and high school students are invited to apply for an internship at Montalvo Arts Center. Internships for academic-credit are available, as well as for non-credit experience, depending on your interests, availability, and school guidelines. Application deadlines are as follows:
- Spring 2008 (January-May): December 1
- Summer 2008 (June-August): May 1
- Fall 2008 (September-December): August 1
Download our Internship Guidelines and Application for more details, or contact Volunteer Resources or call 408.961.5828 . Please include your resume and desired internship goals when applying.
Montalvo Arts Center Trail Days
From our Friends at Santa Clara County Parks! Help Park Staff improve and enhance the beautiful trails surrounding the historic Villa at Montalvo Arts Center.
Contact County Parks directly by email or call 408.355.2254 if you would like to help out with upcoming Trail Days. Trail maintenance days for 2008 are pending. Visit http://www.parkhere.org/ and follow the links to volunteer information for this and other opportunities with County Parks. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult for each of these events.
“Everything went really well! The students had an amazing time and one girl even stated that the experience was worth her ruined designer jeans. Thank you so much for the opportunity. The students really did have a wonderful time!” –Bina S., Teen Group Leader