Exhibition unites the legendary fashion designer and Pop artist
Liza. Jackie. Liz. Between the 1960s and 1980s, these glamorous celebrities needed only one name to conjure images in the minds of those who heard them. Two of the men who helped make those women’s names so evocative are also one-word phenomena themselves: Warhol and Halston. They are the subjects of a new exhibition at The Mint Museum that will transport visitors back to the heady, freewheeling days of the New York art and fashion worlds of the 1980s.
Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede, on view from March 7 through June 14 at Mint Museum Uptown, examines the interconnected lives and creative practices of these two American icons who had a profound impact on 20th century art and fashion. The exhibition has been organized by The Andy Warhol Museum, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and was co-curated by Halston’s niece, Lesley Frowick. It is presented with the cooperation of Halston Heritage, one of the major lenders to the exhibition.
Locally, the exhibition is presented through the generous support of PNC Financial Services, Electrolux, Moore & Van Allen, the Mint Museum Auxiliary, and the Young Affiliates of the Mint. The exhibition media partner is The Charlotte Observer.
“We are so pleased that such a broad cross-section of our corporate and affiliate partners have brought their support to this exhibition so it can visit Charlotte audiences as part of its national tour,” said Dr. Kathleen V. Jameson, President & CEO of the Mint.
The exhibition integrates Halston’s garments, including dresses, hats, and other accessories, along with Warhol’s photography, videos, and paintings. It includes approximately 40 of Halston’s creations including an iconic pillbox hat designed for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1961, and his signature Ultrasuede shirtdress, juxtaposed with Warhol’s works. It also features archival material and ephemera from the archives of The Warhol and the personal collection of Lesley Frowick.
“Halston was by far and away one of Andy Warhol’s dearest friends. Is fashion sense was impeccable and his designs quite literally defined an age of American glamour,” said Eric Shiner, director of The Warhol.
“This exhibition is an endearing insider’s homage to friendship, Pop art, and fashion. My uncle left an indelible mark on fashion history and gave me the best seat in the house to watch the show,” added Lesley Frowick.
The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, available in the Mint Museum Shops for $50. Additionally it will be accompanied by a full slate of educational programming. Special exhibition admission requires additional fees on top of general museum admission. The cost is $24 for non-member adults; $18 for college students/seniors; $6 for children 5-17; and free for kids under 5. Discounted admission is available on Wednesday evenings and at select special programs. Unlimited admission is always FREE to Mint Museum members. Special programming includes:
- Lecture: A Personal Journey – Lesley Frowick. Halston’s niece and the co-curator of the exhibition will share recollections and sign copies of her book. 3 p.m. March 8; event included with exhibition admission.
- Taste of the Mint: Halston and Warhol. Small plate and beverage pairings at Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth and E2 emeril’s eatery followed by an exhibition tour. 4 p.m. March 11 OR May 20; $50 or $35 for museum members.
- Sunday Fun Day: Halston and Warhol. Family-friendly activities and special exhibition admission $6 for adults and FREE for kids under 18. 1-4 p.m. March 15.
- Taste of the Knights: Small plate and beverage pairings at the Charlotte Knights’ BB&T Ballpark, followed by a short walk to the museum for a Halston and Warhol exhibition tour. $55 or $45 for museum members. March 18, 5:30 p.m.
- Educator Open House: Exhibition tour included, free for K-12 educators. March 18, 6-8 p.m.
- Art Fusion: Fab Fashion: FREE special exhibition admission included in this special program, March 18, 6-9 p.m.
More information and registration for these and other programs is available at mintmuseum.org/happenings or by calling 704.337.2000.
MEDIA INVITATION: Members of the media are invited to preview the exhibition at 10 a.m. on Thursday March 5. Light refreshments will be served. Lesley Frowick and museum staff will be available for interviews. Limited gallery photography will be permitted; due to copyright and conservation restrictions, some pieces will be unavailable for photography. High-resolution images are also available upon request. RSVP to leigh.dyer@mintmuseum.org.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Mint Museum will preview its next exhibition, Body Embellishment, for members of the media at 10 a.m. on Thursday April 9 at Mint Museum Uptown. Organized by The Mint Museum, this exhibition explores 21st century forms of body embellishment including fashion, jewelry, tattoos, and nail art. More information and images from this innovative show are available upon request to leigh.dyer@mintmuseum.org.
ABOUT PNC
This exhibition is supported by PNC and The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com). PNC is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements from PNC.