2015 Highlights from The Mint Museum

The auld lang syne of 2015’s many magnificent moments made possible by our visitors, members, and supporters.

AN ACQUISITION OF THE MONUMENTAL CANVAS “SELMA” (1965)

JANUARY 02, 2015

selma-1965-barbara-pennington-1420225305.jpg

Measuring nine feet across, The work by artist Barbara Pennington depicts the heart-wrenching events that unfolded during a series of civil rights marches in Selma, Alabama, in the spring of 1965.

CREDIT: Barbara Pennington (American, 1932—2013). Selma, 1965, oil on canvas. Museum purchase with funds provided by Peggy and Bob Culbertson, the Romare Bearden Society, Sally and Russell Robinson, Mary Lou and Jim Babb, and a gift of the Moreland Family. 2014.79. Collection of The Mint Museum. Image © Mint Museum of Art, Inc.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH GOES BEYOND THE WALL

ONGOING

The Mint is committed to the ever-changing demographics of our environment by reaching beyond its walls to engage and inspire the community around it. Through CMS High School Student art experiences , success in the Grier Heights Community arts program , and the a revitalized Latino Initiative , key partnerships have created opportunities for shared understanding regardless of race, gender, language or socioeconomic status adding significant value to the communities it serves.

CREDIT: Tim Rollins (American, – present) and K.O.S. and Kids of Charlotte.
AMERIKA IX, 1987
watercolor, charcoal, acrylic, pencil, book pages, linen. Gift of the Artists and Knight Gallery, Spirit Squeare Center for the Arts, with support from the North Carolina Arts Council. 1987.33. ©Tim Rollins, K.O.S. and Kids of Charlotte, 1987. Video © Mint Museum of Art, Inc. 2015.

 

ENHANCED DIGITIZATION OF THE MUSEUM COLLECTION

JANUARY 12, 2015

the_mint_museum_-_photo_1.jpg

The Mint was among 13 Charlotte arts organizations receiving $1 million in grants from The Knight Foundation. Part one of the effort launched SEA to SEE, an interactive installation created by North Carolina artist Mel Chin. Part Two completed with an online accessible Virtual Tour of the work as it was installed in the exhibition, Connecting the Modern World: The Panama Canal at 100 .

CREDIT: Documentation of panoramic photographing while building the virtual tour of SEA to SEEMel Chin (American, 1951 — ). SEA to SEE, 2014, mixed media installation. Featured in Connecting the World: the Panama Canal at 100. Mint Museum Uptown. © Mel Chin, All Rights Reserved, 2014. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has provided generous support for the commission of SEA to SEE by Mel Chin.

 

LAUNCHING A SUCCESSFUL FLAGSHIP YEAR FOR NEW TEEN INITIATIVE

MARCH 25, 2015

7.16.14_SummerCamp_MMR_©MonicaGalletto_TopPhoto07.JPG

Teens’ lives are centered around home and school – and now, NexGen Mint offers them a nurturing, creative “third place.” It’s a creative community to exchange ideas, have fun, interact, and learn from artist role models and peers.

IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE TO REVITALIZE THE STATE’S FIRST ART MUSEUM

JULY 22, 2015

MMR(2) Aug 2015_sm.jpg

As the museum builds up to its 80th anniversary in 2016 (did you know the Mint was North Carolina’s first art museum , and it still holds one of the largest permanent collections in the Southeast?), improvements are continuing to bring a “refreshed” experience to our visitors!

LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS ENTERS NEW PHASE OF COLLABORATION

SEPTEMBER 09, 2015

1370966570levinecenterheader2.jpg

For the first time since the completion of Levine Center for the Arts in uptown Charlotte five years ago, the presidents of the four member cultural institutions will appear in a joint public discussion to introduce their institutions and; future plans and collaborative strategies to the larger community.

CREDIT: Photo by Mitchell Kearny

NEW TOM JOYCE SCULPTURE COMMEMORATES BOTH HISTORY AND FUTURE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

2015.22v2.jpg

Five years ago, Mint Museum Uptown opened its doors and completed the transformation of a block of South Tryon Street into the international cultural destination known as Levine Center for the Arts. This October, in honor of that anniversary, the Mint will celebrate a new addition to the uptown streetscape—a sculpture by renowned artist Tom Joyce on the Sally and Bill Van Allen Terrace overlooking the museum’s South Tryon plaza.

CREDIT: Tom Joyce (American, 1956-) Thicket, 2015. Stainless steel, cast iron (ductile alloy made from iron fragments retrieved from studio projects created 1977 to present) Project Ten Ten Ten commission. Museum Purchase: Funds provided by the Mint Museum Auxiliary in honor of Sally Van Allen. Photo by The Mint Museum.

MINT MUSEUM ACQUIRES MAJOR AMERICAN SURREALIST WORK

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

low_res_kay_sage_ring_of_iron_ring_of_wool_d5944973h.jpg

Kay Sage’s Ring of Iron, Ring of Wool is a key acquisition of the Mint’s ongoing Collections Initiative.

The Mint Museum was the high bidder at Christie’s Impressionist and Modern Art evening sale Thursday for American Surrealist Kay Sage’s 1947 oil on canvas Ring of Iron, Ring of Wool. The purchase was the third made possible by a Charlotte philanthropist who made a significant cash gift in 2013 as part of the museum’s ongoing Collections Initiative ; the funds were devoted specifically to the acquisition of 20th century painting. The painting is on view at Mint Museum Uptown.

CREDIT: Kay Sage (1898-1963) Ring of Iron, Ring of Wool, signed and dated ‘Kay Sage ’47’ (lower right); signed and dated again, titled and inscribed ‘SAGE 1947 RING OF IRON RING OF WOOL WOODBURY CONN.’ (on the stretcher) oil on canvas 54 x 37 7/8 in. (137 x 96.2 cm.) Painted in 1947 CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 20

“Thank you for being part of The Mint Museum family. Your generous support enables us to drive our mission forward and we look forward to another 80 years of sharing art and inspiration with the world.”

– Dr. Kathleen V. Jameson

 

SUPPORT

Whether you become a member, volunteer your time and talent, make a financial contribution as an individual or corporate sponsor, donate artwork or provide services that contribute to our long-term growth and sustainability, any level of support for the Mint can be as impactful as it is inspirational.

 

BECOME A MEMBER

Membership creates a ripple effect. When you’re inspired to become a member, inspirational things happen. Explore the benefits and privileges for those who wish to take their passion to the next level.

JOIN TODAY

JOIN AN AFFILIATE GROUP

The Mint Museum is fortunate to have seven active, engaged affiliate organizations, as well as one important special interest groups devoted to supporting The Mint. Together, these alliances provide our members even more opportunities to become involved and contribute to the museum in meaningful ways. It’s our hope that these affiliates will inspire you to explore the variety of ways you, too, can more fully immerse yourself in The Mint.

LEARN MORE

GET YOUR COMPANY INVOLVED

The Mint Museum Corporate Support program offers exclusive benefits designed to complement a corporation’s strategic marketing objectives and provide a unique outlet to achieve those objectives.

LEARN MORE

MAKE A DONATION

As a non-profit organization, The Mint Museum relies on the support of our members, volunteers and donors to help achieve our mission.

GIVE A GIFT

FIND A VOLUNTEER OPPORTINUTY

Employing your unique skills and talents to support the Mint is a rewarding and enriching experience.

APPLY TODAY