By Laurie Barnes 潘 筱 莉, Elizabeth B. McGraw Curator of Chinese Art, Norton Museum of Art

By Laurie Barnes 潘 筱 莉, Elizabeth B. McGraw Curator of Chinese Art, Norton Museum of Art

According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. They agreed that a contest would be held to decide. The first animal to reach the other side of the riverbank would have the first year of the lunar calendar named after them, and the rest of the animals would receive their years in the order in which they finished. All twelve animals gathered at the riverbank and jumped in. Unknown to the…

Featuring works by Asian artists in response to spiritual concepts, the exhibition “Divine Beings: China at the Center of Cross-Currents in Asian Art” spotlights exceptional works along with more than 30 selected works from the Norton’s collection.

The work featured in this post will be on view until February 11, 2021, while other works in “Divine Beings: China at the Center of Cross-Currents in Asian Art” will be on view until February 28, 2021.

By Laurie Barnes 潘 筱 莉, Elizabeth B. McGraw Curator of Chinese Art, Norton Museum of Art

The work of art featured in this post, Taoist Immortals Playing Weiqi in Autumn Mountains, is a hanging scroll masterfully executed in black ink on paper by Zhao Changguo in the 1500s. His inscription states that he was “copying” a work by Dai Jin, who lived…

By Gladys Ramirez, Public Programs Manager at the Norton Museum of Art

Public Programs Manager Gladys Ramirez reflects on creating engaging, artistic, and inspirational programs for a digital audience during COVID-19.

I have to confess; this hasn’t been all bad.

Putting aside the harsh reality of the world we live in today, purely from a creative standpoint, this has been an exciting exercise in letting go, reimagining, and experimenting. As creators, how often are we given a chance to completely dismantle what we know and reliably create? How often are we forced into exploration? Reinvention? Made to abandon our routines and try everything for the first time? Like, um, never. …

By Meredith Gregory, Associate Curator of Education for School and Teacher Programs, Norton Museum of Art

The Norton Museum of Art is honored to share the Norton Art+ augmented reality app with our visitors starting January 2nd. The app is made in collaboration with the New York City-based design firm, Local Projects, and is supported by the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation.

The augmented reality experience allows visitors to engage with six contemporary works of art in the Norton’s permanent collection and encourages conversation between family members of all ages about the themes related to the work of art. “Norton Art+ stands out because each of the six augmented-reality interactions in the app is tailored to a specific contemporary artwork. …

By Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education, Norton Museum of Art

This series features short essays on artworks in the American collection that visitors may have missed simply because of their intimate scale. Despite their size, these works and the artists who made them provide important insights into the expanding field of American art. It is our pleasure to explore these gems with you.

The waterfall that cascades through the center of this painting comes into view at the top of the canvas as a white pathway bounded by black, angular cliffs. As the torrent falls, the white shape is inflected with brushstrokes of grey-blue pigment that suggest rushing waters. At the very center of the painting, this waterfall becomes a beautiful chute of pale green, blue, and violet tones, flanked on either side by grey-green ledges. A nude woman raises her hand to catch the water as she bathes…

Featuring works by Asian artists in response to spiritual concepts, the exhibition “Divine Beings: China at the Center of Cross-Currents in Asian Art” spotlights exceptional works along with more than 30 selected works from the Norton’s collection.

Divine Beings: China at the Center of Cross-Currents in Asian Art is on view through January 31, 2021.

By Laurie Barnes, Elizabeth B. McGraw Curator of Chinese Art, Norton Museum of Art

The Passage of Shakyamuni Buddha into Nirvana

This rare and important hanging scroll by the Japanese artist TOSA YUKIHIRO* depicts the passing of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni into nirvana. In Buddhist thought, nirvana is a release from the cycle of death and rebirth. Parinirvana is the ultimate nirvana, which occurs with the death of the physical body of someone who has attained enlightenment.

The Buddha passes into nirvana…

by Kristen Cahill, Director of Retail Operations, Norton Museum of Art

Looking for a last-minute holiday gift that is distinctively unique? Look no further than The Store at the Norton! Though the deadline for ground shipping past, there’s just enough time to shop in the Store –for one-of-a-kind, artful gifts.

From handmade items like Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired painted scarves and ocean-inspired jewelry to fun stocking stuffers such as beaded ornaments and artist inspired card decks, find the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

As the Store’s Manager, I have the pleasure of knowing our inventory really well and put together this list for you of recommendations, must-haves, and festive favorites.

Recycled Tin Can Objects