Left to right: George J. Hunzinger (1835-98). Side Chair with Wire Seat, circa 1876, polychromed maple, cotton-covered metal wire. Collection of the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen Ph.D. Foundation. L2022.48.12; Willets Manufacturing Company (Trenton, NJ, 1879-1909), James Callowhill (English, 1838-1917). Vase, circa 1887-89, Belleek porcelain, ivory glaze,polychrome enamels, flat and raised gold decoration. Emma and Jay Lewis inhonor of Brian Gallagher; Tanaka Yū田中悠(Japan, 1989-).Tsutsumimono (Bundle), 2020, glazed stoneware. Promised Gift of Lorne Lassiter and Gary Ferraro. PG2022.57.18
The Mint Museum announces its upcoming schedule of exhibitions dubbed the “Year of the Collector”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | IMAGES
Charlotte, North Carolina (June 22, 2023) — The Mint Museum is proud to announce its upcoming schedule of special exhibitions, beginning July 1, that feature inspired works from a diverse pool of collectors. Following the success of Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds, these exhibitions continue the museum’s mission to present a variety of cultural perspectives and backgrounds and will feature an impressive array of carefully curated works of art.
“Not only do these upcoming exhibitions highlight a variety of artists, cultures, and styles, there is an emphasis on recognizing donors and collectors that are steadfast in their support and essential for the Mint’s continued growth,” says Todd Herman, PhD, president and CEO of The Mint Museum.
Each of the six exhibitions detailed below offer visitors opportunities to discover new art and artists, as well as programming and educational components that explore different viewpoints and styles.
The Vault
Opening July 1
Mint Museum Uptown
Organized by guest curator Jessica Gaynelle Moss, The Vault presents the private collections of four prominent Charlotte-based Black collectors: Judy and Patrick Diamond, Nina and James Jackson, Christy and Quincy Lee, and Cheryse and Christopher Terry. From works by some of the greatest Black artists of the 20th century — including Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and Jacob Lawrence — to hundreds of magazines, records, and other culturally specific ephemera, the exhibition aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for Black art, as well as the stories and experiences it represents. Visitors will have the chance to engage with thought-provoking pieces that explore themes of identity, history, social justice, and cultural heritage. The Vault is generously presented by Bank of America with additional corporate support from TIAA. Individual support is kindly provided by Marshelette and Milton Prime.
The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design
Opening September 16
Mint Museum Uptown
The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design will feature more than 50 examples of American seating furniture, created between the early 19th century and the early 21st century. Although this exhibition has been on tour around the country for more than a decade, the Mint’s presentation revamps the presentation to play upon the unique qualities and histories of the featured chairs and includes new additions that have entered the collection since it started touring. Noted makers and designers include George Hunzinger, the Stickley Brothers, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Isamu Noguchi, Frank Gehry, and Vivian Beer. The exhibition also features contemporary and historic designs by some of the biggest manufacturers to commission these pieces, such as Knoll, Herman Miller, and Steelcase. The exhibition is organized by Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, senior curator of American art at The Mint Museum. The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design is generously presented by PNC Bank. Additional individual support is kindly provided by Sarah G. Cooper, Lucy and Hooper Hardison, and Kati and Chris Small. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its donors.
Walter Scott Lenox and American Belleek
Opening September 23
Mint Museum Randolph
Featuring 80 works from notable public and private collections, as well as the Mint’s permanent collection, Walter Scott Lenox and American Belleek focuses solely on the earliest decades of American Belleek production and the role Walter Scott Lenox played in developing the concept of the porcelain products as an art form. The exhibition is organized by Brian Gallagher, the Mint’s senior curator of decorative arts.
Craft Across Continents — Contemporary Japanese and Western Objects: The Lassiter/Ferraro Collection
Opening December 9
Mint Museum Uptown
Featuring more than 60 works from the private collection of Lorne Lassiter and Gary Ferraro, Craft Across Continents presents contemporary craft from makers and artists around the globe. Having collected works during their many travels, Lassiter and Ferraro say they collect for the fun of it, visiting artists’ studios, art fairs, galleries and museums here and abroad, but they are serious-minded collectors with a deep knowledge of contemporary international craft. The exhibition’s comfortable and intimate design will underscore the theme of enjoying life through living with art and provide visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy the ceramics, glass, bamboo, and textile art. The exhibition is organized by Annie Carlano, senior curator of craft, design, and fashion at The Mint Museum.
Delhom Service League: 50 Golden Years
Opening February 10, 2024
Mint Museum Randolph
In recognition of a half-century of philanthropic support, the Delhom Service League: 50 Golden Years features more than 40 ceramic objects funded by Delhom Service League, a past affiliate of The Mint Museum. The Delhom Service League distinguished itself as a loyal supporter of The Mint Museum, particularly its Decorative Arts Collection, and has sponsored world-renowned speakers, hosted public symposia and study trips, funded art acquisitions, and organized the perennially popular Potters Market at the Mint. The exhibition is organized by Brian Gallagher, the Mint’s senior curator of decorative arts.
Objects of Affection: Jewelry by Robert Ebendorf from the Porter • Price Collection
Opening April 27, 2024
Mint Museum Randolph
Robert Ebendorf is one of the most influential artists in the studio jewelry movement. His work combines exceptional craftsmanship with the inventive use of found objects and other alternative materials. Ebendorf has impacted countless artists through his seven-decade career making jewelry alongside his career in academia. Objects of Affection is drawn from the extensive collection of Ron Porter and Joe Price of Columbia, South Carolina, who became close friends with Ebendorf while he was teaching at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. The exhibition is organized by Rebecca Elliot, assistant curator of craft, design, and fashion at The Mint Museum.
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About The Mint Museum
Established in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design. With two locations — Mint Museum Randolph in the heart of Eastover and Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts — the Mint boasts one of the largest collections in the Southeast and is committed to engaging and inspiring members of the global community.
Contacts
Clayton Sealey
Senior Director of Marketing at The Mint Museum
704.534.0186
clayton.sealey@mintmuseum.org
Michele Huggins
Associate Director of Marketing at The Mint Museum
704.564.0826
michele.huggins@mintmuseum.org