SALISBURY — There are gifts, and then there are gifts. What to give that special someone for Valentine’s Day? A box of chocolates? A dozen roses? Bah. Just the same-ol’ same-ol’.

Or, perhaps you’ve got a wedding coming up that needs a special something for the bridesmaids?

Maybe an afternoon gathering for a light lunch?

Maybe you’re thinking of throwing a party for several friends, or perhaps you want a special evening for the employees of your company. What’ll it be: wine and cheese? A backyard barbecue? Nice, but who’s going to remember that in a few months?

Or how about Mother’s Day? It isn’t too far in the future to start planning something special.

Here’s an idea that would make any of those occasions into a once-in-a-lifetime affair…and it’s guaranteed to be remembered forever:

Right now, Waterworks Visual Arts Center in Salisbury is hosting a public showing of a collection of never-before-seen masterpieces by such world renowned artists as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Claude Monet and Pierre Renoir. The group of artwork is part of a collection owned by Salisbury native Julian Robertson and his wife, Josie, and their children.

As a fundraiser, Waterworks is offering four opportunities to spend an evening or afternoon amidst the collection while partaking in some local culinary delights. Two of the events will be formal seated dinners, a third will offer desserts and the fourth will be an afternoon tea. Each of the events is limited to a minimum of 16 guests.

“Everyone loves to give a gift that will be talked about for years to come,” said Anne Scott Clement, executive director of Waterworks, “And this unique opportunity will certainly fill that bill.”

The dinners will be held on Saturday, April 5, and Friday, May 9. The tea will be on Saturday, June 21, perfect for a June wedding.

The evening of desserts will be on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Imagine taking your sweetheart out to dinner, and then surprising her, or him, with dessert among the masterpieces.

The Tea at the Museum is set for the afternoon of June 21.

Each of the four will be professionally catered and will include food, drink, a special program/presentation, and a private viewing of the Modern Masterpieces and the Bostian Alley exhibitions. Should you choose to purchase the entire seating for that event, you could have input into the menu selection.

Proceeds from the events will support Waterworks’ ongoing program of education and outreach programming. The center teaches art classes in pottery, photography, paint and pencil, for all ages, from toddlers to teens to seniors. And approximately every quarter, it offers a new exhibition of diverse artwork to stimulate thought and conversation.

The special events, with times and pricing, are as follows:

• Feb, 14, from 8-10 p.m. — Desserts at the Museum, $150 per person, or $3,000 for all 16 seats.

• April 5, from 6-9 p.m. — Dinner at the Museum, $250 per person, or $5,000 for the entire seating.

• May 9, from 6-9 p.m. — Dinner at the Museum, $250 per person, or $5,000 for the entire seating

• June 21, from 3-5 p.m. — Tea at the Museum, $150 per person, or $3,000 for the entire seating.

To purchase an event or seating, register online at https://www.waterworks.org/support-at-the-museum-a.

Self-guided tours are welcome during gallery hours, which are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.

Groups of 12 or more may arrange a guided tour of the exhibitions. It is encouraged that these be scheduled at least four weeks before the requested tour date.

For more information about the Waterworks, exhibits, and scheduling tours, visit the website at www.waterworks.org.