On Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m., the gallery will host a special reception with master Japanese lacquer painter Shunsai Maehata. A third-generation artist, Maehata has been honored with the official title of Master of Traditional Arts by Japan. Maehata is visiting the U.S. to donate three pieces of his exquisite work to the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, which will also host a reception for the artist on Oct. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.japaneseartandantiques.com.

Those wishing for another avenue to appreciate the arts can look to local artist and instructor Steve Wise, who will teach a drawing and painting series at the Art Museum of Los Gatos. Beginning on Oct. 18, classes will be held each Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. until Nov. 17. The course costs $150 and is open to all ages with some experience in drawing and painting. To register, call 408.395.7375. For more information, call Wise at 408.265.9447.

Los Gatans have another opportunity to support local arts by checking out the latest play at Los Gatos High School, Crimes of the Heart. Directed by Kindra Molin, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows the three Magrath sisters as they cope with the twists and turns of life in Mississippi. Performances will be held on Oct. 16, 17, and 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and children.