For too many of us the first “gift” of the season is the stress we feel as we creep through holiday traffic in order to slog through overcrowded malls attempting to find that perfect present for everyone on our list while contemplating the fact that every step is one closer to a metaphorical poor house. No one wants to declare a moratorium on generosity on this most open-hearted of holidays, but we could perhaps sometimes use a reminder that the very best gifts come from the heart and not the wallet. We at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery are fortunate to have the example of many of the artists in our permanent collection to remind us that the cost of a gift is never the measure of its value.

What makes gifts so precious had nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with the quality we might call mindfulness – paying attention, knowing what was really important, giving something that reflects an understanding of those often intangible things that are most important to the recipient. Join us as we explore the gifts our artists have given to friends, family, and the world at large with this guided tour of our permanent collection.

On the first Saturday of each month, the Norton offers a special tour at 2 p.m. All tours meet in the lobby. No reservation is required, though groups of 10 or more are asked to call ahead. This tour, like all tours and admission to the Norton, is free of charge.