This summer and through the end of the year, Montalvo is inviting both returning members and new, eager young artists to participate in a number of day camps and fine-arts workshops on its calendar, some of them programs being offered for the first time.

One new program Montalvo is offering this summer that Education and Outreach Director Katie Haggerty says the staff is very excited about is the Young Artists in Residence Fine Arts Day Camp, for children ages 10 to 14. This new camp was inspired by the Adult Residency program and will be housed in Montalvo's brand-new studios. In this camp, Haggerty says participants will not only get the opportunity to work on their own individual art, but also to interact and collaborate with each other. The camp will be instructed by four master-in-arts students, who will lead participants in focused, art-making activities, as well as take them on short trips along some of Montalvo's trails, giving them the chance to explore environmental art. This program will take place the week of July 26­30, and on the last night Montalvo will host a reception for the children to display their works.

Another new event debuting this year is Starry, Starry Night, exclusively for members. Montalvo is inviting families to a one-of-a-kind slumber party on its front lawn. Scheduled the night of Aug. 12, participants will get to view the annual Perseid meteor shower in a unique way—through the lenses of several powerful telescopes being donated specially for this event by the San Jose Astronomical Society. The evening will be full of activities, including hands-on art projects, tales spun by local storyteller Anita Jones, a film and chances to learn about the stars in the night sky. The next morning, slumber partiers will wake up to a very special pancake breakfast, provided by friendly, local firefighters.

"If all goes well, Starry, Starry Night will be open to the public next year," said Haggerty.

Early July saw the Missoula Children's Theater troupe roll through town, to the delight of more than 60 local kids who signed up for the event. Missoula's unique theater company employs about 70 trained actor/directors—many of whom have degrees in the field and all of whom are experienced in working with young children—who travel in pairs across the nation and to more than 25 foreign countries to bring the full theater experience right to children's front doors. All week long, participants learn what it takes to put on a full-fledged production from start to finish—costumes, props, makeup, acting and more. This season was devoted to the classic fairy tale The Frog Prince. During the week, about four hours per day were spent in rehearsal for the show, and the rest consisted of various workshops in subjects such as dance, singing, art and storytelling. Friday night, The Frog Prince was performed on the Garden Theater Stage to a full audience of families, friends and theatergoers. According to Haggerty and Missoula tour actor/directors Janet O'Hare and Kepler Correia, this year's program was once again a success.

"I've heard only positive responses from the kids," said Haggerty. "The enrichment workshops only enhanced their performances and really gave them the full theater experience." Haggerty said having the Missoula staff come to town each year is always a pleasure. "The Missoula staff is wonderful. It is an incredibly professional organization, and it is amazing what they can accomplish in only four to five days, with that many children. The staff's combination of talent, patience and teaching expertise really makes all the difference."

For a full schedule of programs and other information, visit www.villamontalvo.org or call 408.961.5800.