Art on the Grounds

Caravan

Within Montalvo’s Italianate Garden and along the Great Lawn, you will find Caravan by Hellen Ascoli, an artist, weaver, and mediator living and working in Guatemala City, Guatemala and Madison, Wisconsin. Since her migration from Guatemala to Madison, Ascoli continues to ask herself, How do you rebuild and remember at the same time? How do you make sense of where you are, when you are so deeply invested elsewhere?Caravan is a reference to movement both internal and external, both physical and emotional. Today, “caravan” also carries political overtones meant to incite fear of the migrants at our southern border, while…
Art on the Grounds

A Healing Walk

Examining the power of natural places to elevate and enrich human experience and health, Susan O’Malley’s A Healing Walk guides visitors through Montalvo’s forest trails with text-based signage reminding us to practice mindfulness and appreciate the healing effects of the countryside.  Supported by Lucas Artists Program at Montalvo Arts Center, A Healing Walk was originally installed in 2012 as part of the exhibition Happiness is… The work is now part of Montalvo’s permanent collection of Art on the Grounds. It was reinstalled in 2018 in collaboration with Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation. This installation is currently not on view. It will be reinstalled in…
Art on the Grounds

People’s Hut

Featured in The Art & Architecture of Maybe Andre Woodward and Future Artists of MontalvoPeople’s Hut, 2026Redwood, recycled scrap wood, harvested forest wood. drywall screws, staples, floral wire, waxed twine, PVC, stainless steel, muslin, acrylic paint 7-1/2 x 8-1/2 x 8-1/2 ft.Commission of Montalvo Arts CenterPhoto by Andre Woodward Invited to be a part of the 2026 Marcus Exhibition, The Art and Architecture of Maybe, this project is rooted in the belief that art is an expression of human experience. People’s Hut serves as a memoir of the experiences of its creators, artist Andre Woodward and the children who attended Montalvo’s fort-making camp this summer.    Designed to absorb and reflect the surrounding forest,…