Due to popular demand, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery will continue to offer its First Saturday Tour Series. These regularly scheduled tours occur on the first Saturday of every month at 2:00 p.m. for any member of the public interested in attending. No reservation is required for these First Saturday Tours, though groups of 10 or more are asked to call ahead so preparations may be made to accommodate the group on these particular tours. These tours, like admission to the Gallery, are free.

January 5, 2008: An artform that has existed for over 5,000 years, The Bronze Tour explores works that will "rattle down through the ages," and will thoroughly explain the ancient casting process with a very modern Power Point presentation.

February 2, 2008: The Guys and Dolls Tour promises no musical moments, but does include a tour of the delicate antique doll collection as well as the uber-macho firearm collection. Occasional romantic interludes and readings will be interspersed throughout the tour, so bring your sweetie.

March 1, 2008: Were the old masters hastening themselves into an early grave? The Perils of Pigment Tour explores the toxic nature of many artists' colors through the centuries and their effect on the men and women who used them.

April 5, 2008: Spring outside with us for the Greco-Roman Outdoor Tour, exploring the                    mythology of the flora and fauna as well as the bronze statuary newly installed on our grounds. April Showers? Never fear, the Rainy Day Tour will brighten your cloudiest day.

May 3, 2008: The Idiot's Guide to Impressing Your Friends at an Art Museum Learn how to razzle-dazzle 'em with technical terms, how-to-information, and art history nuggets, enabling you to pontificate as "art critic at large" in your circle of family and friends. 

June 7, 2008: Expanding on a 2008 special exhibition Blossom: The Art of Flowers, Art in Bloom will tour works that bring glorious color to the eye, a smile to the lips, and a tickle to the nose. Inspirational readings and a thematic exploration of the flowered images in the Gallery are the hallmark of this indoor tour.

July 5, 2008: Delving into the evolution of early explorers and settlers' understanding of and relationship to Native Americans, Depictions of Native Americans explores images of the original inhabitants of North America that evoked curiosity, terror and/or sympathy in the viewer.

August 2, 2008: If you've always dreamed of seeing Nepal, Rome, or Paris, the 'Round the World Tour will fulfill your fantasies and keep your pocketbook happy. We'll explore works showcasing exotic destinations, local watering holes, and national treasures.

September 6, 2008: The Greco-Roman Tour explores the classical influence of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire on works and artists in the Gallery, and unravels in depth the history depicted in the Tapestries.

October 4, 2008: Back by popular demand, the literature based Halloween Tour continues in its tradition of terrorizing and horrifying the souls brave enough to explore the darker side of the Gallery's collection.

November 1, 2008: Long before planes, trains and automobiles, the American family still had to trek over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house. Eloquence in Motion explores depictions of travel throughout the centuries of holiday journeys.

December 6, 2008: A family favorite, the Christmas Tour uses art works and literature to reiterate that the holiday season is about what we feel for others, not what we want for ourselves.

All tours begin at 2:00 p.m. in the main lobby.

Please make plans to join us regularly at the Gallery for these informative and entertaining tours. We look forward to seeing you there!

Any questions or reservations for the tour can be directed to Jennifer Defratis at 318-865-4201 ext. 100.