The Friends of Villa Terrace (FOVT) was founded in 1990 by a dedicated group of visionaries wishing to preserve and expand the museum’s unique contribution to the cultural life of Milwaukee. Over the years, FOVT has given the Villa much financial and volunteer support, adding programs, exhibitions, publications, and a restored Italian Renaissance garden. In the process, members and volunteers have had many good times and acquired lifelong friendships. 

 

Opened in 2002 after a huge volunteer and fundraising effort by the Friends, the Renaissance Garden has been financially supported and cared for entirely by FOVT. This undertaking, along with FOVT’s many other activities, calls for energetic volunteers and ongoing fundraising (a word that members have discovered starts with “fun!”). The biennial Gala in the Garden is the most spectacular of these fundraising events — occurring in the garden, in a huge tent, on a beautiful summer’s eve. Other events have included a Spring Garden Lecture Series, the Villa Luna party celebrating the full moon on the Villa’s lake-view terrace, and the holiday Della Robbia party. The Friends (and their friends!) have found that working together in this historic setting is a truly enjoyable and inspiring experience.

 

Volunteers of all kinds are needed to help FOVT accomplish its mission — gardeners (either trained professionals or simply willing workers), board members, graphic designers, finance people, writers, event planners, event volunteers, or simply people who love to help a worthwhile cause. If you have a talent that would help the Friends of Villa Terrace with its mission, please let us know. If time does not allow for volunteer work, financial support is always welcome. In any case, please know that you are welcome at the Villa and its beautiful garden any time. We hope to see you soon!