Turning history into a home for artistic inspiration, Montalvo's Education and Outreach Department is launching "Art in the Barn," an ongoing series of art classes and workshops held in the historic, on-site barn. The barn was transformed from a horse stall into an art space by a group of local sculpture students in the 1950s.

The workshop series begins Dec. 7 with a "Succulent Wreaths" class from 1 to 5 p.m. Inspired by Montalvo's cactus garden, the class will teach how to make a year-round wreath out of hardy succulent plants. Horticulturist Lisa Offenbacher and Katie Haggerty, education and outreach director for Montalvo, will teach the workshop. The cost is $55 for Montalvo members and $65 for nonmembers.

Upcoming classes will include mixed media and collage with special guest instructor Inez Storer on Jan. 31, watercolor with Ken Hay in February, and beginning book creation with Peggy DeMouthe in March.

Registration is available by calling 408.961.5858 or in person at Villa Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga. For more information, visit www.villamontalvo.org.

Christmas cheer for a good cause

The Valle Monte League is hosting its annual Christmas Tree Elegance, which will feature four days of festive fun. Events begin Dec. 2 with a champagne brunch and holiday office party, which will feature a fashion show, dinner, and silent auction. On Dec. 3 and 4, coffee and tea events will be held. There will also be a children's party on Dec. 4, with Santa Claus paying a special visit to provide gifts.

The celebration ends with a Dec. 5 black-tie grand ball, which includes a gourmet dinner, silent and live auction and dancing until midnight. All events will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel at 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, and require tickets, which are between $30 and $150 per person. Proceeds will benefit local mental health agencies. For more information or reservations, call 408.278.8001.

Find inspiration in the garden

Hakone Gardens in Saratoga is hosting author, shaman/counselor and dream teacher Robert Moss on Dec. 5, 6, and 7 for a series of special lectures. On Dec. 5, Moss will present "Dreaming with the Departed," from 7:30 to 9 p.m. On Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7, Moss will lead a seminar entitled "Dreaming to Heal Your Life." Participants are asked to bring a cushion or blanket and a dream journal. Tickets for Dec. 5 are $35 each and $215 for Dec. 6 or 7. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 408.741.4994 ext. 103.

Elizabethan era visits Saratoga

Saratoga High School is gearing up for one of its biggest productions with an Elizabethan Festival featuring music, merriment, and the Shakespearean classic Taming of the Shrew. Performances begin on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., with adult tickets for $7 and student tickets for $5. Shows on Dec. 5 and 6 are at 7 p.m., and a light dinner will be served. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the SHS activities office at 408.867.3411 ext. 203 or Shinku Sharma at 408.395.5525.