“What I love about Montsalvat is the potential of the place to present surprising new experiences - almost a soft hijacking of attention. Someone who comes for a wedding in the evocative Great Hall, may stumble upon the Jorgensen collection for the first time. A casual Friday meeting of friends at our pop-up wine bar may segue into one of the many temporary exhibitions. Someone attending a concert may run into one of our resident studio artists and, before they know it, is attending a weekly ceramics class. The opportunities for connection are many - and they don’t always reveal themselves straight away. But once you’re here, the magic of the place seems to open up doors that you may not even have realised were in front of you, and before you know it, you’re an ongoing part of our diverse and unique community.”

“It was fantastic to hear live Jazz at Monsalvat and have the chance to meet and talk to Ted Vining and Darryn Farrugia.”

“I work with textiles in my studio at Montsalvat.

It is a sunny light filled space full of fabrics. With no sewing job too big or too small.

To me Montsalvat is a part of my life that I treasure. Every day I come to work, I am inspired by the beauty of the grounds and buildings.

My door is always open when I’m there and happy to talk to visitors about the history of Montsalvat “

“Montsalvat is a world within another world, where time stands still. Here, you are both lost and refreshed, embraced by a serene simplicity that invites exploration and dreaming. Montsalvat is a living memory, a sanctuary where past and present coexist in harmony.”

“The history and culture of our artist community captures my heart. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to display beautiful creations of our artisans in the Montsalvat Shop, and a delight when our visitors take their treasures home!”

“I love the sense of community at Claytalk and that everyone is valued as an Artist.”
Pictured at the Fire Sculpture event at Montsalvat.

“I’m always at home at Montsalvat. A place where my jazz dreams were fulfilled.

I’m elated that people understand Montsalvat has a history of art, craft food and wine and find it a wonderful venue for jazz concerts. My idea of a jazz concert is to present the unexpected with changes of approach with each repeat performance.”

“Montsalvat is one of a kind. From the magic of the gardens through the seasons, the beauty of the stained glass windows in the afternoon sun, the unique call of our resident peacocks and the cosy fireplaces that illuminate our gorgeous buildings, not to mention the way music performances, art exhibitions, photography and film shoots, weddings and other events make Montsalvat come alive!

To work here alongside the warm and inspiring community of volunteers, creatives and staff brings a great joy to my life. Montsalvat would not survive without the passion, love and generosity of its community which I am most grateful to be a part of. “

“It’s really a great honour for me to have my work recognized by the esteemed artists of Montsalvat. I began my journey in photography just by using my phone to capture precious moments in life that I wish not to forget. Over time, it evolved into a means of expressing my purest and most genuine emotions – the happiness of bathing in the sunshine, the joy of embracing the nature, the astonishment upon seeing the brightest stars… so be friends with photography; turn the fleeting moments of your life into eternity too.”

“Unique for the country, both in its manifestation and its inspiration”

“The mystery of what we are imbues us all with an inherent creativity. We need creative spaces to thrive, and to do so collectively in a supportive and uplifting community is an incredibly valuable gift. In that sense, Montsalvat is akin to a sacred space. I have had the great honour of sharing music at Montsalvat, sensing how it interweaves with the space itself, and with the visuals of our extraordinary local artists. Art must be actively upheld, and we are indebted to the incredible efforts of those that keep Montsalvat alive.”