Career Chat with Mint Staff

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Get a sneak peek of our newest exhibition New Days, New Works

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Latin Music @ the Mint

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Sphere Series: Responsibility of Representing with Linda Foard Roberts

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5 works of art selected for Interactive CLT augmented reality series

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Spring cleaning during shelter-in-place? Here are tips for preserving all your favorite things, from photos to clothes to important documents

Spring cleaning is taking on a whole new meaning while we’re all cooped up and social distancing inside. Whether you’re cleaning out your closets or that pesky home office, here are some tips from the Mint’s Library & Archives team on how to preserve the stuff you actually want to keep.

1. Always opt for cardboard storage bins

Contrary to what you see on the stocked shelves at the Container Store, cardboard boxes are usually better than plastic bins for storage. Why? Plastic bins can breed mold since they can seal in moisture. (Pro tip: You know those little packets in new shoe boxes? Those absorb moisture. Hang on them to use to throw in plastic storage bins. Just make sure to keep them away from pets and kids!)

2. With cherished papers, skip the paper clips, staples

From kids artwork on the fridge to awards and certificates, it can be hard to know how to best store our cherished paper possessions. For starters, paper is best kept flat. You’ll want to make sure you papers are unfolded and laid flat for storage. If possible, storing in acid-free file folders will help with preservation (these can be easily ordered online if you don’t have any on hand). You’ll also want to remove any paper clips or staples, as these can rust and ruin your papers. Finally, if your item is too large for a folder, rolling it up will always be better than folding.

3. Embrace acid-free paper with photo albums and scrapbooks

Photo albums and scrapbooks are another tricky item to know how to preserve. The first question here: Is everything glued down? If so, just leave it. The photos can be damaged by trying to remove them. You can add sheets of acid free paper between the pages to help prevent acid from the album pages to migrate and deteriorate your mementos. To save a few bucks, check your printer paper if you have any because it might just be acid free. Put the album in a box for extra protection.

4. Here’s how long you should keep tax and loan docs

Most of us have—but don’t want to admit to—a stack of miscellaneous papers in our homes that seem important and probably shouldn’t be thrown away. But knowing when to actually throw away that tax return or bank statement from three years ago can feel really overwhelming. As a rule of thumb, you should plan to keep tax returns for seven years, loan documents until the loan is paid off, and any one-time documents like social security cards and birth certificates forever, according to Consumer Reports.

5. With clothes and fabric, pack flat and wrap strategically

Well, Joan Crawford was right. No wire hangers! Wood, plastic, or padded hangers are a much better choice to preserve your garments. When saving older garments, they should be packed flat and wrapped in acid-free tissue. Quilts and other fabrics should be handled gently and with care, stored in a cool, dry location, and avoid any cleaning or washing if the fabrics are antiques or may have monetary or sentimental value. Read this article from the National Archives for more quilt and fabric preservation tips.

6. Embrace vampire tendencies

Whether you are storing paper, photos, or clothing, keep them out of the sun and away from heat sources to prevent fading and damage. In addition to light sources, keep your valuables away from sources of moisture or water to avoid mold. Keep away from pipes as well, as they can burst and water damage your items. Garages and basements are not the best places for storage; try keeping cherished items stored inside the house where there is more temperature control instead.

We on the Library & Archives team at the Mint know a thing or two about preservation, but this is just a primer. There are loads of online resources for every type of item you can think of. One of our favorite trusted sources is the North Carolina Preservation Consortium; the Mint is a member![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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From basalt to charcoal: don’t miss this gallery-sketching time lapse inside the Mint’s ‘Classic Black’ exhibition (more…)

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These documentaries will help you get your art fix from home

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Movies are one sure-fire way to pass the time in our new don’t-leave-the-house era. And because our passion for art doesn’t fade away in a crisis, here are a few art and design documentaries to help you get your art fix until we are able to open our doors once again.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#69c5c6″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”35875″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Craft in America

The Peabody Award-winning series on PBS explores America’s creative spirit through the language and traditions of the handmade. The series takes viewers on a journey to the artists, origins and techniques of American craft. Two artists in our collection, Diego Romero and Cristina Cordova, are featured on the episode “Identity.”

Where it’s streaming: PBS. https://www.craftinamerica.org/episodes[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Exit Through The Gift Shop

Talk a stroll through the ever-evolving world of street art. This documentary follows Thierry Guetta, a French native living in Los Angeles as he explores his own work, and the work of famous street artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey (whose work was featured in the Mint’s Under Construction exhibition). Street art also plays a huge role in our special exhibition Classic Black, which combines the work of local mural artist Owl with the basalt sculptures of Josiah Wedgwood.

Where it’s streaming: Amazon Prime, Google Play and digital rental services.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”35871″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Abstract: The Art of Design

A look beyond blueprints and computers into the art and science of design, showcasing great designers from every discipline whose work shapes our world.

Where it’s streaming: Netflix. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Out of the Fire: The Art and Science of Ceramics

Join Dr. Alexis G. Clare, professor of glass science at the New York State College, Alfred University, on a journey of ceramics from past to present. 

Where it’s streaming: PBS.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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5 podcasts that make us excited about art, even if we can’t see it

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ArtCrush

Catch up on both seasons of the Mint’s very own podcast. Hear interviews with artists from our collections and special exhibitions, hot takes from Mint curators, and even our very own President & CEO, Todd Herman.

Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Museum Confidential

Love any and all museums? Museum Confidential gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of your favorite museums. From an interview with Killer Mike, High Museum Board Member, to chatting about visitor data with Colleen Dilenschneider, this one goes out to all the proud museum nerds out there. Listen on NPR

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Talk Art

Hosted by actor Russell Tovey and gallerist Robert Diament, Talk Art is a podcast dedicated to the world of art featuring exclusive interviews with leading artists, curators & gallerists. Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

ArtCurious

True Crime, rivals, and shock value? No, this isn’t the next Netflix docu-series. It’s ArtCurious, an art history podcast hosted by Jennifer Dasal that is sure to delight and awe like no school art history class ever could. Listen on the ArtCurious website or via Apple podcasts[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Art Movements

Brought to you by Hyperallergic, an art forum and website created in 2009, Art Movements podcast brings you all the up-to-date happenings from across the art world. Hosted by Hrag Vartanian, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hyperallergic, Art Movements talks about everything from what artists need to know about taxes, to art history, to arts pop culture and everything in between. Listen on the Hyperallergic website.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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14 more books to delve into while staying in during COVID-19

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Inspiration for great reads keeps coming from the Mint staff. Following are 14 more books to help fill the void and curiosity while you are at home. Order print copies from local bookseller Park Road Books for curbside pickup, or find digital copies on Audible, Hoopla, and Overdrive.  [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#ea9823″][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_column_text]

ARTFUL READS 

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Old Masters, New World: America’s Raid on Europe’s Great Pictures by Cynthia Saltzman 

“This book answers the question: How did big American art museums acquire so much European art?  Wealthy Gilded Age American entrepreneurs jostled with one another to collect and bring known works of art across the Atlantic —  Rembrandts, Raphaels, etc. 

—Joel Smeltzer, Head of School and Gallery Programs[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

The Popes of Avignon: A Century in Exile by Edwin Mullins 

As an Italian Renaissance scholar, I have usually looked at this period in the history of the Catholic Church from the Italian perspective and not the French. Well written and a good read. 

—Todd Herman, President and CEO [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#ea9823″][vc_column_text]

NOVELS 

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The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 

I’m spending lots of time reading to my kids these days. This week we started reading “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien to my eldest daughter. She may be a bit young for some of the material, but our family has been enjoying reading a “big girl book” nightly. It provides us all a chance to escape, and have an adventure without leaving our house — something that is becoming more challenging everyday. This copy actually belonged to my mother when she was a child, and she read it to me when I was young, so it has been well loved. 

—Rebecca O’Malley, Exhibition Coordinator [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”35962″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

The Hundred Story Home by Kathy Izard 

I saw Kathy Izard speak and was so inspired by her story that I bought her book. I started reading it this week and was reminded of how helping others changes us. Her work with homelessness in the Charlotte area led to the city-wide effort to build Moore Place. This book has reminded me of the importance of listening to your inner voice. It’s helpful for us, especially now, to find ways to practice compassion – even if we have to do it with a mask on. 

—Maggie Burgan, Public Programs Coordinator [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”35963″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Introducing the Honourable Phryne Fisher by Kerry Greenwood 

The adventures of a sassy flapper in 1920s Australia who just happens to be a private detective.  She’s daring, independent, and smarter than all the men around her. What’s not to like? 

—Ellen Show, Archivist [/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”36813″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood 

Oryx and Crake is from the same author as A Handmaid’s Tale, and is centered around a man living in the post-apocalyptic ruins of a world he helped create, after humanity is near-entirely killed off by a bio-engineered plague. It’s the first book in the MaddAddam trilogy, and was a very good read.

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NONFICTION 

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A Little History of The World by E.H. Gombrich 

I keep this book on my nightstand. It was recommended to me by one of my favorite art history professors. It’s not filled with names and dates, but is a collection of 40 short chapters about human experience and achievement — a fairy tale-like history of the world. Perfect for young readers and fun to read aloud to smaller children. 

—Maggie Burgan, Public Programs Coordinator[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”35980″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard 

This enchanting book uses a mouthwatering metaphor to unlock the magic in interior spaces. The chapters delve into the hidden life of the house, rooms, nests, shells, attics and cellars. Adult readers will enjoy sharing excerpts and helpIng their family to find and savor familiar spaces. Miniatures and shells are some of my favorite chapters. (Free download available.) 

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On Looking by Alexandria Horowitz 

A walker’s guide to the art of observation. I am enjoying it because Horowitz shows is how much more there is to see if we only take the time to look. 

—Diane Lowry, Guest Services Associate 

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My 25 Years in Provence-Reflections of Then and Now by Peter Mayle

Easy, fun read that breaks up the more academic books. Wonderfully written. 

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Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith

I always try to have one book of poetry going for when I need an escape from reality, but I only have five minutes to make the trip. Tracy K. Smith’s books have been in rotation for a while, but her Life on Mars collection is a favorite because it not only plays off her love for David Bowie, but the title is my favorite Bowie song. Also, rereading it, I’m surprised by how much it captures the hope in the bleak unpredictability of every day. Take the end of her poem, Sci-Fi:

. . . Weightless, unhinged,

Eons from even our own moon, we’ll drift

In the haze of space, which will be, once

And for all, scrutable and safe.

—Jen S. Edwards, PhD, Chief Curator and Curator or Contemporary Arts[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Powership: Transform Any Situation, Close Any Deal, and Achieve Any Outcome by Daymond John of ABC’s Shark Tank 

I have followed Daymond’s career and wanted to hear his advice on taking control of your destiny. So far it’s been lots of good tips and advice on how to make connections. It’s good listening while we work from home. 

—Thesha Woodley, Associate Director of Visitor Experience and Membership [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#ea9823″][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]

Just for Fun

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The Dangerous Book for Dogs by Rex & Sparky 

We have four legged “kids,” so just for fun we are reading The Dangerous Book for Dogs by Rex & Sparky. 

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Magazines 

I’ve not really been able to concentrate on a book, but I am loving magazines for a bit of respite from the surreal week we’ve had. The colorful and inspiring pages of House Beautiful, Artist magazine and Traveler from AAA have been a feast to the eye. 

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Studio location: West Charlotte

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Describe the artwork you create and medium your use.

I paint and draw using graphite, pastel, acrylic, oil, and spray paint. Although mostly abstract, I do work representationally as well.

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Katherine Boxall. Black Licorice, 2020, acrylic, pastel, spray paint, and oil on canvas. Courtesy of the artist
Katherine Boxall. Maple Candy, 2019, acrylic, oil, spray paint, and pastel on canvas. Courtesy of the artist
Katherine Boxall. Tread, 2020, acrylic, pastel, spray paint, and oil on canvas. Courtesy of the artist

[cs_divider align=”center”]Are you finding new inspiration for your art during this shift of perspective in the world?

I feel grateful that my work is already self-directed and motivated, but the toll of this crisis is making it challenging to feel ‘inspired’. Right now, I am working to break down those mental blocks and use the opportunity to push myself and my work.

Tell us about your afternoon. Are you working from home or going to your studio?

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12 Books Mint Staffers Are Reading During These Crazy COVID-19 Times

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We all need some inspiration for how to make the most of the time while home. From artful reads to novels and nonfiction, here’s what the Mint staff is reading. And though we know a run to the library is out, check out Audible, Hoopla, and Overdrive for digital versions.  [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#ea9823″][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_column_text]

ARTFUL READS 

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Of Cats and Men: Profiles of History’s Great Cat-Loving Artists, Writers, Thinkers, and Statesmen by Sam Kalda 

My niece sent me this book, assuming I would enjoy it because No. 1, I’m a man, and No. 2, I have six cats. She was right! This small, but completely delightful book profiles 30 famous and talented men — Mark Twain, Romare Bearden, Freddie Mercury, and Sir Isaac Newton, to name a few — and their love for their cats. Sam Kalda’s breezy, anecdote-laden write-ups, and wonderful color illustrations make this the purr-fect publication to pick up this reader’s mood every time he opens it. 

—Brian Gallagher, Curator of Decorative Arts [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Vincent Van Gogh: Letters from Provence by Martin Bailey 

An important moment in the history of this region of France. I always think it’s very important to hear the firsthand accounts from historical figures whenever possible. You get to know them better and often gain insights into their daily lives that never make it into biographies. 

—Todd A Herman, PhD, President and CEO  [/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”35910″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Ninth Street Women: Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler: Five Painters and the Movement That Changed Modern Art by Mary Gabriel 

I first began this book because of my love and curiosity for the Abstract Expressionist and the movement that changed the art world with swirls of color, often rooted in emotion rather than subject matter. But more specifically, I dove head first in this book because it features five of the women that passionately threw themselves into the middle of this movement. These artists, against all odds, used art to understand the chaos that surrounded them during a time when the world was changing drastically. When I first started reading it, we were not yet in the midst of a pandemic, but now as I read, it gives me hope that on the other side of our current situation there will be a lot of beautiful creativity… Who knows, maybe even a new art movement. 

—HannaH Crowell, Exhibition Designer [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#ea9823″][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]

NOVELS 

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The Radium Girls by Kate Moore 

This book is about girls who applied radium to wash their faces before it was known how dangerous it was. Great lesson in history.  

—Lyndee Champion Ivey, Executive Assistant [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt 

I am reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. So far the book is about a young boy who lost his mother in a tragic accident at the Met. Theo, the young boy, survives and takes a small painting out of the museum when he escapes. The book is about love and loss, and the different people that come into Theo’s life. This is a book I haven’t been able to put down. 

—Martha Snell, Grants Manager [/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”35918″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

The Girl with the Louding Voice: A Novel by Abi Daré 

I just started Abi Daré’s The Girl with the Louding Voice, one of my Book of the Month Club picks. (NOTE: BOTM is perfect for self-quarantined book lovers.) It’s about a 14-year-old Nigerian girl who is first sold into marriage, then into servanthood, but remains determined to find her voice — and her future.  

—Caroline Portillo, Director of Marketing [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#ea9823″][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]

NONFICTION 

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The One Thing by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan 

The One Thing takes the position that multitasking is ineffective and that we should concentrate  on one goal at a time. The core idea is to determine what single achievement is most important in getting you toward your goals. I began reading this about 10 days ago in response to my ever-growing, unmanageable to-do list. As all of our lives go through rapid change, I’m grateful to have the reminder to slow my brain down and focus on the most important things.  

—Katherine Steiner, Chief Registrar [/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”35907″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai 

I started reading I Am Malala last week. It was a gift from my boss, who knows how much I love nonfiction stories, especially about women. Here’s a little summary: “When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. She was shot in the head while riding the bus home from school. 

—Kurma Murrain, Community Programs Coordinator [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Becoming by Michele Obama 

This is the April discussion book for my book club. I have been a member of The No Name Book Club for over 20 years. While wine is an important part of our meetings, this is a serious group of readers. If one is present, it’s understood that you read the book! I consequently make it to about half of the meetings per year.  

—Amy Grigg, Manager and Buyer for Retail Operations [/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”35908″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

The Complete Book of Garlic by Ted Jordan Meredith 

I am currently re-reading The Complete Book of Garlic by Ted Jordan Meredith because: 

• Garlic is one of the most fascinating crops. What else do you plant in November? 

• The photographs alone are worth taking the time to crack this book open. 

•  It is calming to be gardening and reading about gardening during these stressful times. 

—Eric Speer, Associate Registrar [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#ea9823″][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]

FOR THE KIDS 

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Poe Won’t Go by Kelly DiPucchio 

Poe is a friendly elephant, but when he decides to just stop moving in the middle of the town, everyone is in an uproar about how to get him moving along. After lots of silly attempts by well-meaning grown-ups, one kind girl takes the time to talk with Poe and discovers the very reason he won’t go. A story of kindness and friendship, and favorite of my 4-year-old. 

—Michele Huggins, Media Relations and Communications Project Manager [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle 

A recommendation from my 21-month-old son, Jacob. It’s a tale about a truck who heads to the big city and encounters lots of traffic and me-first personalities. Chaos ensues, and our protagonist has to use his country sensibilities to effect change. Jacob’s passion for “beep beep” is indefatigable. Mine? Well … 

—Caroline Portillo, Director of Marketing [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]