Need a unique gift from the heart for a friend or loved one this holiday season? Giving an experience can be far more memorable than anything you'll buy in the store, and attending a performance or a class together can deepen your connections with others in truly meaningful ways.
But we know it's difficult to find that perfect gift idea, so we pulled together a little guide for you: no matter what their interests, an experience at Montalvo will make a great choice for everyone on your list!
This year, we are exploring ways of connecting with each other through our theme of SOCIAL: Rethinking Loneliness Together. You can give the gift of connection by registering your loved ones to any of these fun, community-growing activities:
Our Creekside Studio Memberships provide a space to make new friends with fellow aspiring ceramics artists while getting creative.
Take in tales of unexpected encounters told by award-winning actors Jane Kaczmarek, David Strathairn, and more in a live recording of the NPR show Selected Shorts.
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet will weave together stories of their musical family in an evening of retrospection and music.
Bring your personal sentimental items to The Museum of Sentimental Taxonomy to become part of a new participatory exhibition.
Know someone who's driven by creative explorations? Consider giving a class at Montalvo in a new artistic medium! These courses are great for beginners and experienced students alike and are taught by professional artists and instructors who will make every artist feel welcome.
For those who love to express themselves through movement, our three Whirling classes are sure to expand some horizons. For those who would prefer to work with their hands, give them a class in the unique ceramics medium of Cast Assemblages or a Contemporary Floral Design course that studies the beauty of asymmetric arrangements.
We bring diverse, world-class performers in a variety of musical genres to Montalvo that will thrill the music aficionado in your life.
For those who love classical music, the Midwinter Beethoven Festival is the way to go; fans of Hawaiian tunes won't want to miss the island sounds of Waipuna or Masters of Hawaiian Music; and jazz lovers should definitely check out the Justin Kauflin Trio.
For that friend who wants to stay ahead of the musical curve, Steel Betty is a young bluegrass band making waves; Meow Meow's raunchy cabaret style paired with her stunning vocals will blow you away; and Farewell Angelina is an up-and-coming all-female country act you don't want to miss!
Who doesn't love to laugh? For your comedy-loving friends, we've got three opportunities for coming together through laughter. Get tickets for you and a partner, or make it a group present at your holiday get-together so that you'll have a reason to meet up again in the spring!
Tonight Show and Late Show regular Tom Papa is one of the top comic voices in the country; his stand-up act will have you in stitches.
For that friend who went to Catholic school, Late Night Catechism is a riotous way to relive the experience.
Paula Poundstone tickets are moving quickly, but you've still got time to get a seat at this show to see one of comedy's all-time best female performers.
Making a donation to Montalvo in the name of a loved one has a tremendous impact on our mission to provide relevant, cutting-edge arts programs and education opportunities to our community. It’s truly a gift that gives back.
A gift of just $100 carries the benefits of advance ticket buying privileges, waitlist priority, invitations to select pre-concert receptions, free admission to Open Access events, and complimentary docent tours of the historic Villa.
