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Robert Sain will take the helm as Montalvo Arts Center chief

By JJennifer McBride

After months of searching, the Montalvo Arts Center board of trustees has named Robert L. Sain as the new executive director of the Saratoga-based nonprofit.

Sain comes to Montalvo from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where he has served since September 1999 as director of LACMALab, the museum's research and development unit, instituted to test experimental approaches for presenting art and engaging audiences.

Barry M. Ariko, president of the board of trustees, said the Montalvo trustees selected Sain from a national field of candidates following a six-month search process. Sain was chosen in large part due to his shared vision for the arts center and his experience in developing innovative, "age-free" and participatory programs that cross disciplines and reach international audiences.

"Bob's experience at LACMALab and his strong reputation initiating new works that engage the entire community fit well with [Montalvo's] mission," says Ariko. "He knows how to create an organization where many forms of creativity can flourish, and his experience and enthusiasm will provide the leadership to take Montalvo's programs a step further in becoming more engaging for the entire community."

Sain says, "Montalvo has an important connection to its location in Silicon Valley as an epicenter for creativity and innovation, yet the potential impact of its programs is international in scope. From the initial birth of an idea to the presentation of completed works, Montalvo inspires individuals in all aspects of creativity. This is an incredible opportunity for not just the art community, but the global community as a whole."

Sain will assume leadership as executive director effective June 1. He succeeds Elisbeth Challener, who began at Montalvo in 1986 and served as executive director for 16 years.

Call Montalvo Arts Center at 408.961.5800 or visit www.montalvoarts.org.