Inspired – Fall 2025

FALL 2025

Future Now Sneaker innovation that blends fashion, art, and sustainability

On view through September 21, 2025 Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts

Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective is a nationally traveling exhibition organized by The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum (The Cheech) and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. Support for the national tour has been generously provided by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. The exhibition was curated by Selene Preciado. IMAGE: Einar and Jamex de la Torre (Mexican-American, 1963– and 1960– respectively). Oxymodern (Aztec Calendar) (detail), 2002, blown-glass, mixed-media wall installation. Courtesy of the Cheech Marin Collection and Riverside Art Museum.

FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

Art is for everyone Discover arts and culture at mintmuseum.org.

The role of art in fostering emotional wellness, cultural understanding, and intellectual growth cannot be overstated. Art shapes how we learn, how we connect, and how we care for ourselves and each other. At a time when the need for empathy, curiosity, and connection is greater than ever, the arts offer us a vital path forward.

This fall, our galleries are alive with exhibitions that invite you to explore the many dimensions of human creativity and identity. Art of Devotion: The Santos de Palo Tradition of Puerto Rico offers a moving lens into spiritual artistry and the powerful intersection of faith, heritage, and craftsmanship. In contrast, Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks explores the fusion of fashion, innovation, and digital culture — a bold testament to how creativity adapts to and shapes the world around us. Meanwhile, Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection immerses visitors in the historical and stylistic shifts that challenged norms and ignited revolutions in art and thought.

These exhibitions span centuries, media, and cultural perspectives, but they all share a common purpose: to connect us more deeply with ourselves and with others.

As a museum, we see ourselves as partners in education, wellness, and community building. Whether it’s developing creative problem-solving or learning how to sit with complexity and nuance, the arts cultivate skills essential for life beyond the classroom.

Our programming — from Wednesday Night Live to Mint 2 Move, Yoga at the Mint, and guided Mindfulness at the Mint — is designed to nourish the whole person. These events welcome our community into the museum not only as observers, but as active participants in a culture of wellness. We are especially proud that admission remains free for K-12 students and college students studying art — a commitment to access that reflects our mission to educate and inspire.

The arts remain one of the most powerful tools we have for building healthy, connected communities. We thank you for being part of this journey with us — and we invite you to help us spread the message. The value of art belongs not just within museum walls, but in the hearts, minds, and policies of our broader society.

Sincerely,

Todd A. Herman, PhD, president and CEO

IMAGE: Nick Cave (American, 1959–). Soundsuit (detail), 2007, fabricated, beaded, and sequined body suit, metal armature, metal Victorian flowers. Museum Purchase: Founders' Circle Annual Cause 2008. 2009.19.1A-OOOOO © Nick Cave

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OUR TEAM EDITOR Michele Huggins

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CREATIVE DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN Stephanie Lepore GRAPHIC DESIGNER David Lewandowski CONTRIBUTORS Hailey Black Dorie Reents-Budet, PhD Annie Carlano

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Kassidy Childs Hillary Cooper Jen Sudul Edwards, PhD Rebecca Elliot

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 | ART YOU CAN WEAR

23 | STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Artful works that you can wear, carry, and display wherever you may be.

Alex Gutierrez Mendez puts members first as the Mint’s Membership Services Manager.

10 | ARTIST BEHIND THE ART

Kitty Hall Chelsea Hidalgo Page Leggett Margaret Mauldin Kurma Murrain Clayton Sealey Ellen Show Leslie Strauss

Interventions artist Katrina Sánchez’s colorful, playful fiber art carries more meaning than meets the eye.

42 | AFFILIATES IN ACTION

Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD

A review of the Mint affiliate groups’ events and activities.

Valeria Vazquez

12 | UPCOMING EVENTS

43 | EVENTS AT THE MINT

Mark your calendar for not-to-miss Mint events.

Snapshots from recent events, exhibition openings, and more.

14 | NOTEWORTHY

46 | CROWN SOCIETY PATRONS

Notable mentions, awards, and recognition of Mint people, projects, and programs.

15 | 16 REASONS TO LOVE THE MINT RIGHT NOW

From dynamic programming to artist conversations and exhibitions, there’s a lot to love about the Mint.

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49 | CURATOR’S PICK

Jennifer Winford

ON THE COVER SCRY. Undercurrent P Virtual Prototype, 2022.

Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum. Courtesy American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum. Image © 2023 Bata Shoe Museum.

Connect with the Mint @themintmuseum

FEATURES 25 | FUTURE NOW: VIRTUAL SNEAKERS TO CUTTING-EDGE KICKS

A fusion of fashion, innovation, and culture built around footwear.

28 | CENTRAL IMPACT: SKATEBOARDING’S ART AND INFLUENCE

Celebrating iconic skateboard deck design and archival media spanning more than five decades.

29 | ART OF DEVOTION: THE SANTOS DE PALO TRADITION OF PUERTO RICO

Featuring 150 objects that have become powerful symbols of Puerto Rican cultural pride and a rich, blended heritage.

32 | MAJA GODLEWSKA’S FLUID LANDSCAPES

Through watercolor and ink, artist Maja Godlewska reflects on how global travel impacts nature’s eco-systems.

33 | TAKE A EUROPEAN SOJOURN WITH RENAISSANCE, ROMANTICISM, AND REBELLION

A sweeping look at the vibrant and transformative world of 19thcentury European art.

37 | CLAY, RESILIENCE, AND REVIVAL

Potters Market at the Mint marks 19 years celebrating the talents of potters from across the state.

39 | TWO BEQUESTS FUEL MAJOR ACQUISITIONS ABOVE: Katrina Sánchez (Panamanian-American, 1995–). Text me when you get home, 2025, knitted yarn, fabric, recycled fiberfill. Image courtesy of Kat Sánchez.

Recognizing the generosity of Kat Belk-Cook and Connie Bellios. mintmuseum.org

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

MISSION Welcoming all to be inspired and transformed through the power of art and creativity.

Las Mujeres de Tierra y Humo: Las Fotographías de Graciela Iturbide + Maya Goded (Women of Land and Smoke: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide and Maya Goded) is generously presented by Bank of America with additional support from the Mint Museum Auxiliary and Campania Fine Moulding. Individual support is kindly provided by Allen Blevins and Armando Aispuro, and Betsy Rosen and Liam Stokes.

Art of Devotion: The Santos de Palo Tradition of Puerto Rico is generously supported by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Daniela and Hans Moll Toste.

conserving, researching, publishing, interpreting, and sharing art and design from around the world. These

Individual sponsorship for Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection is kindly provided by Laura and Mike Grace.

ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK is generously presented in Charlotte by Ann and Michael Tarwater, and Truist.

Supporting sponsorship is kindly provided by Laura and Mike Grace. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Jennifer and Alex Bauer, Mary and Walter Beaver, Hillary and Fairfax Cooper, Jill and Mark Kelly, Noelle and Mark Mahoney, Staci and Jeff Mills, Mary and Dick Payne, Beth and Drew Quartapella, Mary Anne (M.A.) Rogers, Kati and Chris Small, Leigh-ann and Martin Sprock, and Charlotte and John Wickham. ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK is organized by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas.

The Mint Museum is dedicated to leadership in collecting, exhibiting,

The Mint Museum’s 2025 Coveted Couture Gala was generously presented by Ann and Michael Tarwater, Regions, BlackArch, and Society Awards.

commitments are central to the museum’s core values of leadership, integrity, inclusiveness, knowledge, stewardship, and innovation, promoting understanding of and respect for diverse peoples and cultures.

The Mint Museum’s Party in the Park and Potters Market at the Mint are generously presented by Principal Foundation.

VISION The Mint Museum seeks to

Support for Student Tours is provided by the Mint Museum Auxiliary and Young Affiliates of the Mint.

Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective in Charlotte is generously presented by Laura and Mike Grace. The exhibition is a nationally traveling exhibition organized by The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum (The Cheech) and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino.

continuously enhance lives and create a more empathetic world by ensuring access and by engaging communities in a meaningful, lifelong

Wednesday Night Live is generously presented

by Bank of America.

relationship with art and design.

The following core values guide The Mint Museum’s activity,

Free Wednesday Evenings are generously sponsored by Publix Super Market Charities and the Mint Museum Auxiliary.

internally and externally: Accountability, Collaboration,

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is generously presented in Charlotte by PNC. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Kati and Chris Small, and Ann and Michael Tarwater. Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum.

This exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator, Bata Shoe Museum.

Central Impact is generously sponsored by Converse.

The exhibition is presented by Deckaid in collaboration with Black Sheep Skate Shop.

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Diversity and Inclusivity, The Grier Heights Program is financially supported by the Mint Museum Auxiliary and Arts and Science Council.

The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council.

Education and Intellectual Rigor, Innovation and Excellence, Community and Welcoming

Art You Can Wear Art that you can wear, carry, and display everyday wherever you may be. store.mintmuseum.org

Adam Eugene Photo | Product selection by Valeria Vazquez

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Museum Nerd 4.0 T-Shirt: $36. Still Frame Sunglasses: $168. Museum Nerd Blue Dad Hat: $40. Miffy & Friends Van Gogh Inspired Almond Blossom/ Melanie: $45. Murakami: Unfamiliar People—Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego: $45. The Ultimate Art Museum: $39.95. Artists of the Middle East: $85. I Dream for You: $19.99.

Weaving on a Little Loom: $25.95. BLK MKT Vintage: Reclaiming Objects and Curiosities That Tell Black Stories: $40.

Artist TYKHO 3 FM Radio & Bluetooth Speaker/ Basquiat Crown: $98.

Marimekko Postcard Box: $22.95.

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Fall 2025

Champagne Flutes/ Teal and Blue: $68.

HGA Glass Apple/ Green: $75. Women Who Changed Photography: $24.99.

Race Stories: Essays on the Power of Images: $39.95. Still Life: $29.95 -Tattoo You: $59.95. Black Museum Nerd Snapback Hat: $42. Miffy & Friends Van Gogh Inspired Sunflower/ Miffy: $45.

Stone Necklace BLK/SILV: $140. Kimono Velvet Actia Lunar Fungi: $500. .

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Calder “kiki de Montpamasse II” Shirt: $235. Calder “Untitled 1953” Top Handle Tote: $98. Museum Nerd 4.0 Enamel Key Chain: $15. Miffy 14” Plush Mint Blue: $25.

Pantone Espresso Cup Pride Gift Box Set of 7: $95. See the Invisible Mesh and Aluminum Necklace/ white: $95. Bad Ideas / Good Ideas Notebook x Marina Abramovic: $32. Living In Mexico: $30.

Vintage Matchbox/ Rocket: $68. Nature’s Table White Vase Nude: $28.

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Museum Nerd 4.0 Hoodie: $74. The Mug/ Yuzu: $58. Arab Spring by Helen Zughaib Puzzle: $40. Studios of Their Own: $26. Art in a Box: 30 Creative Projects in Mixed-Media Assemblage: $24.99.

Guerrilla Girls: The Art of Behaving Badly: $30. Justine Kurland: Girl Pictures: $50.

Miffy & Friends Matisse Inspired/Miffy: $45. Hoptimist Classic Large: $34. LOVE LIFE Weekender: $36. .

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ARTIST BEHIND THE ART

Art as therapy THE DEEPER MEANING BEHIND KATRINA SÁNCHEZ’S COLORFUL, JOYFUL FIBER ART

BY PAGE LEGGETT

giants including Lowe’s, Credit Karma, and Truist have commissioned her, and she’s currently preparing for a solo exhibition at a Los Angeles gallery.

But unless Sánchez has created a piece specifically labeled as “OK to touch” — as she often does for exhibitions since “the interactive piece is a core part of my work” — it’s better to hold it in your gaze instead of your hands.

Sánchez’s soft sculptures will be on view at Mint Museum Randolph beginning in October as part of the Mint’s Interventions series. A limitless palate of color, Sánchez’s colors are rich, saturated, eye-popping and varied.

“Fiber tends to show the amount of touch it receives,” she explains.

A maker since childhood

I think critically before I execute. It’s a very spiritual thing, I guess, with me. I’m always looking for meaning. Everything is in-depth with me. I have to make it mean something.

Sánchez makes each piece with a hand-operated knitting machine. “I like pointing that out,” she says, “because the average person might think it’s an easy, automated process — and it’s not. I’m feeding the yarn in and controlling the tension, the speed of the machine, the amount of knots happening in the yarn. It’s a dual process that includes made by hand and machine-made.”

The art world has taken notice. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including a recent showing at the VOLTA Art Fair in Basel, Switzerland. Corporate 10

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The Panama native, born to an American military father and a Panamanian mother, says that love for color is in her DNA. “When thinking about color, I always think back to my home country and how colorful it is.”

As a child, she would visit Panama every summer and be each visit she was struck by the contrast between the United States and Panama. “There’s a big cultural difference,” she says. “The houses there are neon yellow and pink and green.

I’d come home and see gray and white houses and complain to my mom about how boring that was. I’ve always been extremely drawn to color and naturally incorporated it into my work.”

She loves all colors, but there’s one that pops up (and out!) often in her work. Although green dominates her wardrobe and home décor, she says, “There’s something about hot

Images courtesy of Kat Sánchez.

Katrina Sánchez’s fiber art lures you in with its vibrant colors. Its highly tactile nature makes you want to touch it, hold it, handle it. It just looks playful.

pink. You’ll almost always see it in my work. It can go well with everything, while also giving a pop. It’s almost like the way a lot of painters use red in their work as a focal point — something your eye gravitates toward.”

Sánchez, who goes by “The Fiberess” on social media, has always been a maker. But “artist” wasn’t her career ambition: “Growing up, I never knew anyone who was a working artist.

It just didn’t seem within the realm of possibility.”

Sánchez comes from a long line of seamstresses, each of whom passed down needlework traditions to the next generation. Her mom, grandmother and great-grandmother all sewed. Her mom taught her to crochet when she was 10, and her first project was a blanket for the little brother her mom was expecting.

Art’s healing power Professional recognition came early for Sánchez. While still in college at UNC Charlotte, she started exhibiting in local art shows. Soon after earning her bacherlor’s degree in fine art, she was selected for a residency at Goodyear Arts, which she says, “propelled me into being an active part of the Charlotte art scene. I got to be part of a community and meet professional artists, which gave me a foundation and a nudge to keep going once I no longer had the structure school provides.”

In the first couple of years after college, she had a series of creative roles — pastry chef, jewelry designer, seamstress — before devoting herself full-time to fiber art. Her studio is in the same place where her career began — at Goodyear Arts.

During that residency, she honed her unmistakable style.

She’d developed what she calls the “knitted noodle” — oversized, plush linear forms that have become her signature. But she increased their scale and found new meaning in the work when, she “decided to look inward and create work about healing.”

She started by mending old clothing and creating tapestries in the process. She began pondering the reciprocal relationship between humans and the things, like clothing and our homes, that “shield and shelter us,” she says.

A message woven into her art There’s almost always more to a work of art than meets the eye. Sánchez’s colorful, playful work belies the deeper meaning behind it. Even she didn’t immediately realize why she felt compelled to explore healing.

“I’ve always been empathetic and sensitive,” she says. “And I’ve always been prone to anxiety and stress. I think there’s been a need to self-soothe through the process of making.

That’s been my form of therapy. But if I think about what occurred right before my Goodyear residency, that’s when the shooting happened at UNCC.” It was April 2019 when a former Charlotte student walked into a classroom and opened fire. Sánchez was on campus at the time. A professor led her and other students into the clay studio where they sheltered together “with no idea what was going on, no idea where the [shooter] could be,” she says.

The fear, the hiding, the uncertainty — it “was really traumatizing, of course, for everybody,” but she didn’t deal with it immediately. Delayed trauma response is common.

“I thought what I was feeling around that time was the stress of having to create a body of work for my residency,” says Sánchez. “I’m a perfectionist, and I put a lot of pressure on myself. It wasn’t until a year or so ago that I made the connection that it deeply affected me and my peers.”

Her soft, puffy, tactile work — often in the colors she recalls from childhood summers in Panama — looks almost childlike. There’s a playfulness to it, but also innocence. No adult can fully hold onto the sweet naivete of childhood, but we can work toward healing the wounds life deals all of us.

That is what Sánchez’s artmaking does for her. Her finished pieces bear no trace of pain, fear, or trauma. They simply exude joy.

Page Leggett is a Charlotte-based freelance writer. Her stories have appeared in The Charlotte Observer, The Biscuit, Charlotte magazine and many other regional publications. mintmuseum.org

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UPCOMING EVENTS

FALL 2025

Party in the Park at Mint Museum Randolph

Collidoscope at Mint Museum Uptown

SEPTEMBER 7 SUNDAY Art of Dining: Portals to the Past Mint Museum Randolph 2–3 PM | Free with museum admission Delve into table settings and dining etiquette to uncover the elegance and complexity of historical dining practices in the early 19th century through the Mint’s renowned Decorative Arts collection.

21 SUNDAY Collidoscope Closing Celebration with artists Einar and Jamex de la Torre Mint Museum Uptown 1–5 PM; 2–3 PM artist talk | Free, cash bar Enjoy a day of art activities and music to celebrate the closing of Collidoscope, plus an artist talk with Einar and Jamex de la Torre about their 30-year career working together, inspiration, and process.

27 SATURDAY Potters Market at the Mint Presented by Principal Foundation Mint Museum Randolph 9 AM–4 PM | $25 The 19th Annual Potters Market at the Mint — North Carolina’s largest pottery sale featuring the state’s top ceramic

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talent — returns. The one-day offers a rare opportunity to view and purchase high-quality ceramics directly from North Carolina potters, including many from Western North Carolina, while also supporting arts education and programming at the museum through ticket sales.

28 SUNDAY Party in the Park Presented by Principal Foundation Mint Museum Randolph 1–5 PM | Free, cash bar Spend the afternoon enjoying food trucks, live music, a cash bar on the front terrace, and free admission, as well as the Guild of Charlotte Artists’ annual Art Market. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to relax on the lawn.

OCTOBER 3 FRIDAY Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night: Hispanic Heritage Night Mint Museum Uptown 7:30–11:30 PM | $15 members, $19 nonmembers Enjoy dance lessons with Rumbao Latin Dance Company, DJ Carlos LeBron, the Percussionist Trio, visit cultural vendors, see live painters, and more. Cash bar.

Galleries open until 9 PM.

Mint 2 Move at Mint Museum Uptown

9 THURSDAY An Evening with Steve Naifeh: A Life of Writing and Art Mint Museum Uptown 7:30–8:30 PM | Free Join us for a special conversation celebrating the opening of Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection. Mint Museum President and CEO Todd Herman, PhD, is joined by acclaimed author and collector Steve Naifeh to explore the story behind the collection he built with his late partner Gregory White Smith and how their shared love of art intertwined with their celebrated careers as writers.

ONGOING

Yoga at the Mint Mint Museum Uptown Tuesdays, 5:15–6:15 PM Yoga on the Lawn Mint Museum Randolph Saturdays, 10–11 AM Free for members using code MINT21; $15 for nonmembers Participate in a one-hour yoga class with Dancing Lotus Yoga + Arts. Classes are free for Mint members using promo code MINT21 and $15 for nonmembers.

Registration is required. Register online at dancinglotusnc.com.

Visitors at Mint Museum Uptown

22 WEDNESDAY Mindful Looking: Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion Mint Museum Uptown 7–8 PM | Free Join Joel Smeltzer, head of school and gallery programs, and Diane Lowry, mindfulness program facilitator, for mindful breathing, guided slow-looking meditation, and conversation about works on view in the exhibition Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion.

NOVEMBER 15 SATURDAY Mindful Sketching: Two Selves by Rose B. Simpson Mint Museum Randolph 2–3 PM | Free Enjoy a mindfulness session that incorporates breathwork and guided slowlooking meditation with sketching of artist Rose B. Simpson’s sculpture Two Selves.

No sketching experience needed.

26 SUNDAY Party in the Park: Sneakspeaks Presented by Principal Foundation Mint Museum Randolph Noon–6 PM | Free, cash bar

16 SUNDAY Future Now public talk with Elizabeth Semmelhack Mint Museum Randolph 2–3 PM | Free

Celebrate the opening of the exhibition Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to CuttingEdge Kicks with an afternoon of live DJs, sneaker-design activities, cash bar, and free museum admission.

Elizabeth Semmelhack, director and senior curator of the Bata Shoe Museum, is one of the best-known shoe historians today. Hear directly from Semmelhack about why shoes matter, what they say about us as wearers, and how designers are revolutionizing what we will put on our feet tomorrow.

ArtBreak Mint Museum Uptown Thursdays, noon–12:30 PM | Free Recharge midday visiting the museum galleries. Enjoy a guided tour on the third Thursday each month.

FREE ART KITS Visit Mint Museum Randolph the first Wednesday through Saturday October, November, and December, during museum hours, to pick up a fun all-ages project to create at home (while supplies last). Free Art Kits are supported by the Mint Museum Auxiliary.

October 1-4 November 5-8 December 3-6

Events are subject to change. Pricing excludes tax. For our full calendar and most up-to-date information, visit mintmuseum.org/events or call 704.337.2000. mintmuseum.org

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Noteworthy AWARDS, ACCOLADES, AND NOTABLE MENTIONS

Mila Simmons

Kudos to guest services employees Mila Simmons and Bridget Sullivan for going above and beyond in providing exceptional service as sighted guides to a visitor during the NC 12th District Congressional Art Competition Reception on May 18. The visitor expressed heartfelt appreciation, sharing that Simmons and Sullivan made her feel truly welcome in the museum. They took the time to explain the layout, read signage aloud, and personally escorted her to a seat for the reception. During the event, Sullivan continued to support the visitor by kindly asking student artists to elaborate on their works and describe them in more visual detail, helping the guest better understand and appreciate the art on display.

Ramona Holloway is the new Community Relations and Civic Engagement Director at The Mint Museum. A renowned media professional and community advocate, Holloway brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement, nonprofit partnerships, and public outreach to the role. Holloway joins the museum’s leadership team, working collaboratively to shape and strengthen the institution’s vision, while expanding and enhancing museum-wide programs, projects, and initiatives through meaningful community connections.

Alex Olivares, the Mint’s audience research and evaluation specialist, has been elected board president of the North Carolina Museum Council — an important leadership role that reflects her expertise and ongoing commitment to foster innovation and engagement within cultural institutions.

Also serving in a key leadership position is Margaret Mauldin, assistant head of school and gallery programs.

Mauldin is the council’s vice chair for professional development. Her role highlights her passion for museum education and advancing professional growth in the field.

The North Carolina Museum Council is a nonprofit organization devoted to supporting and elevating museums and museum professionals throughout the state.

Ramona Holloway

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The number of summer internship applications received, underscoring the interest of university and college students to museum professions. Five interns were selected from the impressive pool of applicants and placed in five departments throughout the museum.

Senior Curator of Craft, Design, and Fashion Annie Carlano served on the planning committee for the biannual Design Summit held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and hosted by the Advisory Board of Human Dignity Projects. The Summit 2025 theme was Dignify

by Design. Participants included architects, designers, philosophers, social entrepreneurs, and economists who promote justice, dignity, and community, into their practice. Carlano moderated the panel “Culture Can Influence Change: Moving Cultural Traditions Forward Responsibly” and selected artists/designers Virgil Ortiz, Fernando Laposse, and Japanese/French designers Aki and Arnaud Cooren for the program.

LEFT (from left): Designer Aki Cooren, Annie Carlano, and design historians Alexa Armstrong and Cassandra Hernandez from Carpenters Workshop Gallery.

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REASONS TO LOVE THE MINT RIGHT NOW

ART IS THERAPY Last spring, artists Laura Walkingstick and Maya Goded hosted Artful Healing workshops in Charlotte and Cherokee to explore how artmaking can be a tool to lessen the effects of anxiety and trauma. Walkingstick’s practice involves cornhusk doll making; Goded uses photography and photo essays.

For the Charlotte workshops, the Mint partnered with Circle de Luz, an organization that empowers young Latinas through support and mentorship; and in Cherokee, with Analenisgi-Cherokee Indian Hospital and their revolutionary addiction recovery and mental health services.

At completion of the workshop, participants received a digital camera to explore making photographs beyond their phones. Many thanks to Mint Advisory Board Chair Sean Jones, Biggs Camera, photographers at the Mooresville Art Center, The Light Factory, and the many Mint members who donated cameras to the cause. —Jen Sudul Edwards, PhD, chief curator and curator of Contemporary Art

ABOVE (clockwise from top left): Artist Maya Goded discussing her works on view in Women of Land and Smoke; Goded with workshop participants; two Circle de Luz workshop participants using digital cameras.

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BOOKS — AND BOOK CLUBS — HELP US SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY Beginning October 2025, the museum’s Learning and Engagement team will introduce Art of Reading: Book of the Month — a new chapter in our beloved literary program Art of Reading. From October 2025 through September 2026, a different book will be spotlighted each month that celebrates a wide range of cultural and social themes. The yearlong lineup will include titles tied to observances such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and National Ocean Month — offering rich opportunities to connect literature with important cultural conversations. Each featured book will be explored through two monthly programs: one on Wednesday evening and another on Sunday afternoon, giving visitors multiple chances to engage with the material and each other. The full Book of the Month list will be revealed in October 2025. Stay tuned by visiting the Mint’s website for updates to discover the first title in this exciting new series. —Kassidy Childs, tour programs coordinator

INTERACTIVE TOOLS CAN DEEPEN CULTURAL CONNECTIONS As part of the exhibition Art of Devotion: The Santos de Palo Tradition of Puerto Rico, visitors are invited to explore a bilingual digital interactive, located in the seating area of the Robicsek Gallery at Mint Museum Randolph. Through the interactive experience, visitors can learn about each santo de palo sculpture featured in the exhibition, tracing the evolution of this devotional art form from the early 19th century to the present day. Scroll through works from various decades, examine recurring spiritual and cultural themes, and discover the lives and legacies of the master carvers — santeros and santeras — who have shaped and preserved this tradition for generations.

Designed to be both informative and engaging, this feature will remain available throughout the duration of the exhibition and continues to live on as a permanent resource online allowing audiences to revisit and explore the santos de palo tradition for years to come. —Hailey Black, multimedia strategy manager Scan the QR code to experience the digital interactive on your phone or visit mintmuseum.org.

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THE RHYTHM OF ART IS FOR ALL AGES Mint 2 Move for Kids has returned. The bilingual program (English-Spanish) is designed for children and their families to explore Latin music, stories, and instruments alongside the Criss Cross Mangosauce team, a group of Latin American artists and educators. Check dates and times at mintmuseum.org/events.

— Kurma Murrain, community programs coordinator

FOOD AND ART BELONG AT THE SAME TABLE Last spring, The Mint Museum revived Taste of the Mint. Relaunched in partnership with Savor Charlotte, a culinary initiative of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), the event combines food, art, and storytelling in a unique museum experience. The culinary experience was led by the chefs from Mariposa and Coquette, who curated menus designed to reflect place, heritage, and creativity. The evening also featured a guided gallery tour of Coined in the South.

The museum sees this program as a way to nourish both curiosity and community.

Plans are underway to expand Taste of the Mint into a quarterly series, offering more opportunities for guests to connect with exhibitions through cuisine and conversation. —Clayton Sealey, senior director of marketing and communications

WE BELIEVE TEACHERS DESERVE GREAT TOOLS, TOO In early August, educators from the Mint and 10 classroom teachers from the greater Charlotte area attended the “Across the Nation” Mini Institute to explore innovative strategies for integrating art into education. By involving teachers from a broad spectrum of school communities, the initiative supports the development of resources and approaches tailored to the needs of urban, suburban, and rural schools ensuring that art remains accessible, engaging, and relevant to all students. It also reinforced the value of guided tours and in-gallery learning experiences.

Hosted by the National Gallery of Art at the Figge Art Museum in Iowa, participation in the “Across the Nation” Mini Institute reflects the Mint’s ongoing commitment to arts education, community engagement, and educational equity.

This national collaboration enriched the museum’s work with local educators and enhances its impact on classrooms throughout the region. —Margaret Mauldin, assistant head of school and gallery programs mintmuseum.org

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT MAKES THE MINT THRIVE The 2025 Coveted Couture Gala and opening celebration of ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK was nothing less than a picture-perfect event. The stunning black-tie affair that celebrates the Mint’s vital role in the community and the arts was the most financially successful gala in our 12-year history. Through sponsorships, host committee, corporate tables, silent and live auctions, paddle raise, and donations, the total net amount exceeded $800,000!

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Mark your calendars for the 2026 Coveted Couture Gala and celebration of Caravaggio | Revolution: Baroque Masterpieces from the Roberto Longhi Foundation on Saturday, April 25.

—Hillary Cooper, chief advancement officer ABOVE (clockwise from top left): The gala crowd gathered at Mint Museum Randolph; Mahroo and Kerr Putney; Richard Israel, Elizabeth Israel, Pam Stowe, Scott Newkirk; Gala Co-Chairs Leigh-ann Sprock and Beverly Ladley.

LEGENDS DESERVE LEGENDARY PORTRAITS A portrait of Hugh McColl, former chairman and CEO of Bank of America and one of Charlotte’s most influential civic leaders, entered the Mint’s collection in spring 2025. The portrait was taken by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz on McColl’s Texas ranch and commissioned by close friends to honor his 90th birthday. The portrait was commissioned ABOVE (from left): Hugh McColl at Mint Museum Randolph observing his portrait; Annie Leibovitz and Hugh McColl at McColl’s Texas ranch; photoshoot on the ranch in Texas.

specifically for The Mint Museum in conjunction with the exhibition ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK and unveiled at the Mint’s Coveted Couture Gala April 26.

In a departure from his iconic business attire, McColl is shown in jeans with a belt and his favorite belt buckle, a casual black button-up shirt, a jacket he purchased in Scotland in the 1960s, and a black cowboy hat. He stands tall against a sweeping, windswept landscape beneath drifting clouds. —Michele Huggins, associate director of marketing and communications

WE BELIEVE ART SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERY CHILD Thanks to the generosity of supporters during the Mint’s Coveted Couture Gala paddle raise, children younger than age 5 and in grades K-12, plus college art students, will continue to receive free admission at the museum. Free admission is just one of the many ways the Mint strives to make art and cultural education more accessible at the museum. —MH

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WE HONOR LEGACIES WHILE INSPIRING NEW ARTISTS Last spring, the Mint Library welcomed artists from the Harvey B. Gantt Center’s Black Carolina Artist Residency program to explore the Mint’s library spaces and its permanent art galleries — including the newly reimagined African Art galleries at Mint Museum Randolph. This distinguished group of local artists included William Jenkins (Sir Will), Marcus Kiser, Nadia Meadows, Milagros Ugueto, and Tamara Williams. As part of their residency, each artist hosted free community events throughout the summer, sharing their talents through collaborative projects that celebrated and explored diverse aspects of Black culture. —Jennifer Winford, librarian RIGHT: Artists from The Gantt Center’s Black Carolina Artist Residency program in Mint Museum Randolph’s pocket garden in front of the bench dedicated to the former Mint Community Relations Director Rubie Britt-Height, who many of the artists know personally.

TODAY’S YOUTH ARE TOMORROW’S LEADERS Now in its 21st year, the Grier Heights Community Youth Arts Program continues to transform lives through creativity, mentorship, and community connection.

Held weekly, the after-school initiative serves students in grades 4–12, engaging them in artist-led projects that build confidence, foster critical thinking, and emphasize the importance of service. To date, more than 600 young people have participated in the program, where art becomes a powerful tool for self-expression and life-skill development.

Program highlights from this year included nutrition workshops with Dr. Ramine Alexander, student portraits created by author-illustrator Jerrod K. Polk, and engaging visits from Historically Black Colleges and Universities that introduced students to Black Greek life. A self-love poetry session, led by program coordinator Bre’Anna Washington-Weatherford in celebration of National Poetry Month, offered students a meaningful space for reflection and empowerment. Additionally, textile artist Nicole Simmons of Unique Stitches taught crochet and finger knitting, introducing new dimensions to the students’ creative exploration.

In May, the program proudly celebrated its emerging young leaders, including graduating seniors Dionne Williams and Kristy Lowrey, who are already making an impact as student reporters for East Mecklenburg High School’s Eagle News.

Grier Heights alumna and Mint volunteer Alexandria Brown also marked a milestone, graduating from Winston-Salem State University with a bachelor’s degree in English. The Mint Museum is honored to support this vital program — nurturing not just creativity, but confidence, leadership, and future success. —KM LEFT (from top): Bre’Anna Washington-Weatherford and Kurma Murrain at the program celebration; students a weekly workshop session; learning crochet and finger knitting with textile artist Nicole Simmons.

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WE BELIEVE YOUNG ARTISTS DESERVE A NATIONAL STAGE Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors the Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent throughout the United States and in each congressional district. The annual NC-12 Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements and civic engagement of high school students in the district. Congresswoman Alma Adams has hosted the competition for 10 years.

ABOVE (from left): Winner De’Andre Birtha, Jr., Congresswoman Alma Adams, and De’Andre Birtha, father of the winner.

At the spring 2025 event, Congresswoman Alma Adams presented and awarded 2025 Congressional Art Competition finalists from the 12th Congressional District. The first place work of art, selected by a panel of judges, was created by West Charlotte High School student De’Andre Birtha. The work will hang in the Cannon Tunnel in Washington, D.C. — the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol — for one year. —MH

LUNCHTIME IS BETTER WITH A LITTLE ART Since 2016, Mint Museum Uptown’s ArtBreak program has offered free, tours designed to engage uptown audiences during their lunch hour. The thematic tours provide a fresh look at art in just 30 minutes. ArtBreak is now growing! In partnership with Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, each institution will now host its own ArtBreak experience every month with the Gantt hosting on the first Thursday, the Bechtler on the second Thursday, and the Mint on the third Thursday of each month. All tours begin at noon — the perfect midday cultural break. —KC

WE LIKE IT A LITTLE WILD This summer, hundreds of visitors flocked to Mint Museum Randolph during our Wild Wednesday family nights to enjoy hands-on art projects, visit the museum galleries, and meet animal ambassadors from Stevens Creek Nature Center. Now in its fifth year, the series draws museum regulars and new visitors with the engaging, family-friendly programming approach. Although Wild Wednesdays ended in summer, visitors of all ages are welcome back to the Art Room for creative art time during Drop In Art Wednesday nights beginning in mid-October. Details and dates at mintmuseum.org/events.

—Leslie Strauss, head of family and studio programs mintmuseum.org

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KNOWLEDGE SHOULD BE SHARED The Mint Library’s website was recently updated to include a curated list of free online art resources. Many of these are open access and available to the public, while others are subscription-based databases that the library provides to the community at no cost. The subscribed resources are marked with a small lock icon and must be accessed from a museum computer or within the museum library.

One of the most comprehensive of these is “EBSCO’s Art and Architecture Source,” a robust database offering a wealth of scholarly content. Even when fulltext articles aren’t immediately available, the database includes detailed index information that helps the librarian locate the complete article within the Mint Library’s extensive magazine collection, which spans from the late 1800s to the present. Additionally, the librarian can request full-text articles from other institutions through our free Interlibrary Loan service.

To explore these resources or schedule a library appointment to access our subscription databases, visit mintmuseum.org/library. —JW

SPOKEN STORIES HELP PRESERVE OUR HISTORY The Oral History Association defines oral history as a method of gathering, preserving, and interpreting the voices and memories of individuals, communities, and participants in past events. The Mint Museum Oral History Program follows this approach by collecting the stories and experiences of those connected to the museum. Interview subjects include current and former staff, docents, affiliate group members, board members, museum members, and artists represented in the Mint’s collection.

Launched in 2017, the program began with a five-part interview featuring ceramic artist and former Mint staff member Herb Cohen. Interviews are conducted either in person or via Zoom and are recorded as .wav audio files.

These recordings are transcribed using the online platform Trint, and both the audio files and transcripts are preserved in the Oral History Collection within the Mint Museum Archives. Other notable additions to the collection include recollections of former Chief Curator Charles Mo by his colleagues; interviews with artists Marianne Lieberman and Bob Ebendorf; collectors Lorne Lassiter, Gary Ferraro, Ron Porter, and Joe Price; and former staff members Cheryl Palmer and E. Michael Whittington.

Researchers may request access to these materials, and many interviews — such as the Herb Cohen series — will be available on the museum’s website: A Look Back at the Mint Through the Years with Herb Cohen. —Ellen Show, director of library and archives RIGHT (from top): E. Michael Whittington, former curator of Arts of Ancient America and Africa at the Mint; Brian Gallagher, former senior curator of Decorative Arts at the Mint with Herb Cohen.

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ALEX GUTIERREZ MENDEZ

Alex Gutierrez Mendez, the Mint’s membership services manager, has a love for photography, community, and good food. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, and raised in North Carolina, Gutierrez Mendez came to Charlotte to grow his career and found a place where he can help to connect others to the art he loves.

What is something about your job that may surprise people?

I think a lot of people don’t realize how much goes on behind the scenes in the role of membership manager. It is easy to assume the job is just about signing people up for museum memberships, but it is so much more than that. Membership is deeply connected to the museum’s programming and exhibitions. We help support exhibitions not only through funding, but also by participating in committees that give input on what is coming to the Mint. When a new exhibition opens, I am just as excited as our members because I have been part of the journey from the early stages.

What drew you to work in an art museum?

In college, I worked at a museum that wasn’t focused on art, but the experience sparked my interest in the museum world. What draws me most to art museums is the creativity and freedom of expression they offer. It’s a space where I can be myself and take pride in the work I do.

Photography is where my passion for art truly lies. I am a self-taught photographer for 12 years now. I would love to have my own studio space to create and grow.

What are your interests outside of the museum?

As a creative person, I am always exploring new interests and projects. Right now, I’m into tennis and photography,

which keeps me both active and inspired. I also love Charlotte’s food scene — there is always something new to try, and I am always up for the adventure.

What is your favorite work currently on display at Mint and why?

Capoeira Dancers by Keith Harring. I have always admired his art and social work in the art world, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. His works show that art does more than just inspire but also educates the public on social issues.

What are three must-do things for someone who has never visited The Mint Museum?

Check out the permanent collection. A lot of visitors are always excited for our special exhibitions, but they may not realize we also rotate and refresh our permanent collection with exciting works of art.

Check out The Mint Museum Store. I don’t know how many times I have gone there and tried NOT to spend money. The store manager always has a great selection of items for sale.

Sign up for a membership! Even if art is something new to you, there is something for everyone here. Your support isn’t just for the art, but also the programming. In today’s climate, supporting nonprofits is crucial as we provide a space not just for you but for the younger generation, so they can have a solid foundation in arts and culture.

Michele Huggins is associate director of marketing and communications at The Mint Museum.

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AT MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH SEPTEMBER 26 AND OCTOBER 28 ART | FOOD | MUSIC 1–5 PM | FREE Mint Museum Randolph 2730 Randolph Road Charlotte, NC 28207

mintmuseum.org @themintmuseum 704.337.2000

Tag us on social media @themintmuseum #partyinthepark

FUTURE NOW: VIRTUAL SNEAKERS TO CUTTING-EDGE KICKS

BY REBECCA ELLIOT

The oldest works of art at Mint Museum Randolph may stretch back thousands of years — but this fall, the spotlight is on what’s next.

gave rise to affordable, durable footwear — but they also limited consumer options for sizes and styles and led to the exploitation of workers and environmental waste.

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks explores the evolution of shoes — from 19th-century industrial breakthroughs to today’s boundary-pushing designs built for both the real world and the metaverse.

The designers represented in Future Now grapple with this complex history, prioritizing sustainability and style in equal measure. Although Future Now includes many kinds of footwear, the emphasis is on sneakers, highlighting the ways designers have met the performance and aesthetic needs of athletes and sneakerheads alike.

Curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, director and senior curator of the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Future Now features approximately 60 revolutionary pairs of footwear, drawing from the Bata collection and private loans. Expect creations from icons like Salehe Bembury, RTFKT, Zaha Hadid, Mr. Bailey, Nike ISPA, SCRY, and more.

From factory floor to fashion frontier During the 19th century, the traditional craft of shoemaking in the West was transformed by industrialization and the development of new synthetic materials. Early innovations

REVERSE: Mr. Bailey. Octopus Shoe (detail), 2018. Collection of Mr. Bailey. Image courtesy of Mr. Bailey; ABOVE: Jeff Staple x RTFKT. Meta-Pigeon K-Minus, 2021. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum, gift of RTFKT. Image courtesy of RTFKT; OPPOSITE: Zaha Hadid x United.

Nude NOVA, 2022. First designed in 2013. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum. Image © 2023 Bata Shoe Museum. Courtesy American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum.

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The exhibition, organized into five sections, begins with an overview of new technologies and materials from the 19th and 20th centuries and includes some of the earliest sneakers, made in the 1890s, and evening shoes with celluloid heels from the 1920s.

Innovation unleashed The “Innovation” section features 21st-century avant-garde styles like the NOVA platform shoe by the late Iraqi British architect Zaha Hadid. The cantilevered fiberglass platforms share the curvaceous lines and futuristic look of her building designs.

The shoe is the first to use rotational molding to create its vinyl uppers and also includes vacuum-cast fiberglass platforms and heel wedges. It is made by United Nude, a company founded by Rem D. Koolhaas, who also studied architecture and believes that “shoes that don’t look like shoes can be the most exciting shoes.”

Projecting into the future The shoe industry churns out over 20 billion pairs of shoes each year, contributing an estimated 2% of global carbon emissions. But visionary designers are combatting these problems through waste-free production methods and materials.

In the “Sustainable” section of the exhibition, Designer Zixiong Wei and his company SCRY (the verb “scry” means to look into the future) created his otherworldly Undercurrent shoe in a fully digital process, from design to 3D printing, avoiding the material waste of offcuts in manufacturing.

Footwear design today is more diverse — and more digital — than ever. In the “Transformative” section, view designs by creative disruptors like Daniel Bailey, aka Mr. Bailey.

Bailey, founder of Conceptkicks, is a champion for the next generation, sharing the design process with emerging creators around the world through digital platforms.

Mr. Bailey’s Octopus Shoe reinterprets the high-top sneaker through the lens of Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami.

Inspired by Murakami’s Dobtopus sculptures, a variation of his recurring animated character Mr. Dob, Mr. Bailey’s design thoroughly reimagines the form of a high-top sneaker with sucker-laden tentacles reaching up from around the sole and tongues featuring Mr. Dob’s Mickey Mouse-like, round ears and toothy open mouth.

Into the virtual realm In a world where our identities live both online and off, the final section — “Virtual” — dives into the fascinating realm of digital fashion. Enter RTFKT (pronounced “artifact”). The trailblazing company founded by Benoit Pagotto, who previously worked in e-sports marketing; Chris Le, a game designer; and Steven Vasilev, a customizer of sneakers, fuses gaming, crypto, and culture, producing NFT sneakers with a real-world counterpart.

Much like works of art or custom-made products, NFTs are unique digital assets. RTFKT created a new model where consumers who purchase sneaker NFTs are also entitled to a matching pair of physical sneakers made on demand. The consumer can then wear them as an avatar, a physical version in real life, or sell them for profit.

New York streetwear legend Jeff Staple joined forces with RTFKT. Staple rose to fame in 2005 when he was commissioned by Nike to design a shoe that represented his home city. Staple took inspiration from the pigeon, a creature he sees as a “hustler” and a “warrior” that follows its own rules. He created the limited-edition Nike Dunk Low Pro SB Pigeon—aka the cult-classic Pigeon Dunk. With only 30 pairs made to sell, the drop caused a frenzy in lower Manhattan on release day February 22, 2005.

When Staple saw RTFKT’s NFT sneakers, he sensed a similar cultural inflection point and approached them about collaborating. The result: a futuristic digital-physical hybrid known as the MetaPigeon and another instant sneaker icon.

Future Now is on view September 20, 2025 through January 4, 2026 at Mint Museum Randolph.

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is generously presented in Charlotte by PNC. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Kati and Chris Small, and Ann and Michael Tarwater. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum. This exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator, Bata Shoe Museum.

Rebecca Elliot is associate curator of craft, design, and fashion at The Mint Museum.

Party in the Park: Sneakspeak Let your sneakers do the talking October 26, noon–6 PM, at Mint Museum Randolph. This special Party in the Park celebrates the opening of Future Now with a custom sole station in collaboration with Shoedio, a panel discussion about sneaker concept and design, and a sneaker stroll and final sneaker battle in the Wallace Auditorium, plus food trucks, a live DJ, cash bar and FREE museum admission to see the exhibition.

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CENTRAL IMPACT: SKATEBOARDING’S ART AND INFLUENCE

BY CLAYTON SEALEY

Skateboarding has always been more than a sport. Each deck tells a story of creativity, rebellion, and connection.

With over 9 million skateboarders in the United States, the sport is now ranked as the sixth fastest growing in the country by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, and skateboarding continues to shape and reflect American culture in dynamic ways.

Central Impact: Skateboarding’s Art and Influence, on view September 19, 2025 through January 4, 2026 at Mint Museum Randolph takes a closer look at one of skateboarding’s most powerful forms of expression: the board itself.

The exhibition brings together rare and iconic decks, original artwork, and archival media spanning from the 1970s to today. It highlights how skate graphics have evolved alongside cultural shifts and technological advancements, offering a visual timeline of the movement’s growth.

Featured in the show are works by influential artists, including Sean Cliver, Marc McKee, and Andy Jenkins.

Their graphics helped define the look and attitude of skateboarding through decades of change. These pieces are displayed alongside selections from private collections, including contributions from Tim Anderson, Josh Frazier, Andrew Thomas, Patrick Lowery, and others who have dedicated themselves to preserving this rich visual history.

While the exhibition spans global and national narratives, it places special focus on the Southeast and North Carolina’s skateboarding community. From pro skaters to local pioneers, these individuals shaped the region’s skate culture through passion, grit, and imagination.

Charlotte has built a scene known for its independent spirit. With spots like Central Avenue, Eastland, and Kilborne Park serving as cultural landmarks, the city’s skaters have long organized their own events, supported local artists, and built places to ride when none existed.

Central Impact recognizes the moments and people that helped put Charlotte on the skateboarding map. It documents the local scene’s role in a much broader story, showing how a homemade ramp or a spray-painted deck can carry meaning far beyond the street it was built on.

The exhibition pairs seamlessly with Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks, also on view this fall at Mint Museum Randolph. Together, the two exhibitions explore how design, identity, and street culture continue to push boundaries—whether through footwear or four wheels.

The exhibition is presented in partnership with Deckaid, a volunteer-led nonprofit that collaborates with artists, collectors, and skateboarders to showcase and create awareness of skateboard art history with an emphasis on supporting marginalized youth. Central Impact also serves a greater purpose. Proceeds from the exhibition will support the Charlotte Skate Foundation, which works to expand access and resources for young skaters across the region.

This is more than a celebration of skateboarding graphics.

It is a look into the culture, people, and places that continue to shape one of the most creative and inclusive communities in the world. Central Impact invites visitors to see skateboarding not just as a sport, but as a powerful form of self-expression with stories worth telling.

Clayton Sealey is senior director of marketing and communications at The Mint Museum.

LEFT: Skateboard decks included in Central Impact. Photo by Tim Anderson

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ART OF DEVOTION: THE SANTOS DE PALO TRADITION OF PUERTO RICO DORIE REENTS-BUDET, PHD

Carvings of santos de palo, “wooden household saints,” are a uniquely Puerto Rican artistic heritage. These sculptures intricately intermingle the nation’s Hispanic Catholic framework with indigenous Taíno/Carib and African elements into a singular folk artform. Spanning 400-plus years, santos de palo have come to symbolize Puerto Rican national identity, embodying multicultural traditions steeped in spiritual faith, personal strength, and a resourceful response to hardships.

The tradition of carving sacred Catholic images began in the 16th Century among Puerto Rico’s first Spanish immigrants. In the 1500s, Franciscan friars came to Puerto Rico to convert the indigenous Taíno people to Catholicism.

The friars needed images of the saints for their evangelical efforts, but few were available. Taking advantage of the ancient Taíno tradition of wood carving and carpentry, the friars turned to untrained immigrants and native Taíno artisans to carve the Catholic images.

These early carvers copied the Spanish Baroque style. By the early 1600s, santeros (translated as “carvers of wooden saints”) also made small, less opulent carvings that came to be known as santos de palo, “saints of wooden branches.”

This literal translation conveys the precious objects’ origin as tree branches, roots, and cast-off lumber.

The two port towns of San Juan and Ponce held most of the population, and the island’s rough interior was sparsely populated by peasant farmers. Few priests ventured into the countryside, and local chapels were nearly absent. The isolation stimulated the development of a folk version of Catholicism, and the faithful worshipped at humble home altars to express their faith and seek divine protection from daily hardships, sickness, and catastrophic weather events.

Lacking money and access to religious sculptures, peasants carved their own holy figures by copying images from prayer cards distributed by the infrequently visiting priests.

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By the 1750s, santeros had invented a distinctive, austere format better suited to local materials. Santos were made from whatever local wood was available, but carvers preferred Spanish cedar because it was abundant, soft, and resistant to rot. Paints were either homemade or were remnants of commercial pigments. Santeros also introduced iconographic innovations in response to the beliefs and practices of their folk Catholicism and perhaps also from Taíno and African traditions.

The santos de palo repertoire features many different saints and aspects of the Virgin Mary. Among the most popular are the Three Kings, Our Lady of Montserrat, and the Miracle of Hormigueros.

The Three Kings carvings best exemplify the transformation of the once humble santos de palo figures into a prime expression of Puerto Rican pride and identity. Puerto Rico is unmatched in the Catholic world for its expansive celebrations of the Christmas season beginning with the twelve days of Christmas, spanning December 25, the birth of the Christ Child, to Epiphany on January 6th, the day of the Three Kings’ visit to the Messiah. Beginning in the late 1950s, carvings of the Three Kings often incorporate Puerto Rican national symbols and references to the key activities of the Vigil of the Three Kings on the night before Epiphany and the Day of Epiphany celebrations.

Our Lady of Montserrat (or the Virgin of Montserrat) is one of the most popular saints in Puerto Rico, rivaled only by Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The two Virgins’

devotional importance is signified by being adorned with small silver milagros depicting animals and human body parts. These tiny adornments were offerings of thanks for the saint’s divine answer to prayers to heal an illness or resolve other life crises.

The first families of santos de palo carvers The early santeros, all self-taught, did not make money from their craft but instead were drawn to create sacred statues as an expression of their faith and to give thanks for a saint’s divine answer to prayers. By the early 1800s, the first families of carvers emerged, including the Espada family of San Germán in southwestern Puerto Rico, the Cabán and Acre families of Camuy and Arecibo on the northwest coast, and the Riveras of the Orocovis area south of San Juan in the mountains.

The patriarch Felipe Espada initiated the ubiquitous Puerto Rican style of frontal, stiff poses, and simplified, almost abstract, body shapes and proportions. The Rivera family of carvers spans five generations from the 19th century to today, and their artistic style has influenced santeros for more than 150 years. The Rivera style features rounded faces and figural forms with large heads and small bodies which intimately draw together worshipper and saint.

Similarly, the Arce family focuses on transmitting a message with each santo de palo by emphasizing the saints’ faces and body positions, their large, wide-open eyes and gestures directly engaging the devotee in spiritual interaction. In nearby Camuy, the three generations of the Cabán family established the ubiquitous Puerto Rican style, first outlined by the Espada family, and fully developed by Florencio Cabán.

From independence to decline and revitalization Beginning in the late 19th century, independent carvers added their own styles to the santos de palo tradition, yet the tradition was slowly declining. In the 1930s, a few individuals realized the need to rescue the santos de palos tradition from decline. Foremost among them was Ricardo Alegría, PhD, a Harvard-educated anthropologist and the father of Puerto Rican archaeology. He understood not only the importance of saving the old santos de palo as cultural patrimony, but also the need to support living santeros so that they could train new carvers to revitalize the tradition. His preservation efforts were advanced by the Ateneo Puertorriqueño (Atheneum of Puerto Rico) that sponsored carvers’ competitions during the 1950s and hired the best graphic artists to create posters advertising the competitions and public exhibitions. The Ponce Museum of Art joined these efforts which continues today.

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Dr. Alegría also pressured the government to establish the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña). Created in 1955 and headed by Alegría, the Institute sponsors carvers’ competitions, folk art festivals, museum exhibits, classes taught by the best carvers, and building and displaying the national collection of santos de palo.

These efforts revitalized the market for santos de palo and encouraged carvers with a new sense of competition and experimentation. Today, makers of wooden sculptures in the santos de palo tradition are called talladores (“carvers”) to reflect the broader subject matter, and many have professional training in studio art, art history, or related fields of technical and academic study. The mid-20th century’s revitalization efforts changed the public’s view of santos de palo from naïve carvings to museum-quality fine art with high monetary value which, in turn, has broadened the market in Puerto Rico and abroad.

The Toste-Mediavilla Collection Nitza Mediavilla Piñero and Francisco (“Paco”) Toste Santana began collecting santos sculptures in the early 1970s. They were among the first wave of collectors who valued this unique carving tradition as fine art, assembling a diverse collection spanning the 18th-21st centuries. The Tostes conducted extensive research on their pieces, the carvers, and the history of the santos tradition. They became friends with many santeros who shared insights into their and others’ artworks. Nitza, an accomplished santera (female carver of saints) with a university fine arts degree and studio training by carver Roberto Ríos, has authored four excellent books on the topic. Paco lectures widely, most recently presenting a nine-part, university-level santos de palo course

sponsored by the Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y El Caribe. Of special importance is the Tostes’ archive of santos articles, brochures, recordings, photographs, and the superb serigraph posters from the 1950s-1990s announcing santeros competitions and exhibitions. Many were created by Puerto Rico’s best graphic artists. Now living in Charlotte, Paco and Nitza are pleased to share their collection of santos de palo with The Mint Museum in the exhibition Art of Devotion.

“We encountered the santos de palo tradition in the 1970s and soon acquired our first figure. From the moment we learned about the santos sculptures, we became obsessed with bringing their artistry to light,” says Francisco “Paco” Toste. “Our family has long wanted to share the cultural legacy of the santos de palo with our wider community.

As Charlotte residents, we are delighted that The Mint Museum has selected this presentation of devotional art from our collection.”

Dorie Reents-Budet, PhD, specializes in art of the ancient Americas. She is a research associate at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, has been an independent museum curator for 25 years, and is the curator of Art of Devotion.

REVERSE: Gallery shot from Art of Devotion: The Santos de Palo Tradition of Puerto Rico; OPPOSITE: Isaac Laboy Moctezuma (Puerto Rican, 1954–).

Virgen de la Divina Providencia (Our Lady of Divine Providence), 2009, painted wood. Toste-Mediavilla collection, 341; ABOVE (from left): Norberto Cedeño (Puerto Rican, 1894–1985). La Mano Poderosa (The All Powerful Hand), 1970, painted wood. Toste-Mediavilla collection, B64; Israel Gerena Olán (Puerto Rican, 1958–). El Milagro de Hormigueros (The Miracle of Hormigueros), 1997, painted wood. Toste-Mediavilla collection, 298

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MAJA GODLEWSKA’S FLUID LANDSCAPES: A MEDITATION ON NATURE, MEMORY, AND HUMAN IMPACT

BY JEN SUDUL EDWARDS, PHD

Artist Maja Godlewska has spent decades traveling the world, capturing the evolving relationship between humanity and the environment. After completing her studies at the Academy of Fine and Design Arts in Wrocław, Poland, she embarked on a global journey. Through residencies across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas, Godlewska has witnessed firsthand the transformative, and often disruptive, impact of human activity on natural landscapes.

Godlewska is a professor and area coordinator for painting in the department of art and art history at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her accolades include a Fulbright Fellowship, two North Carolina Arts Council Fellowships, several Charlotte Arts and Science Council grants, a Kosciuszko Foundation Fellowship, a Tempus Mobility Grant from the European Union, and multiple faculty research grants.

While climate change dominates headlines, Godlewska draws attention to another, quieter force shaping the world: tourism.

Sightseeing, eco-tourism, and global travel may seem benign, but they alter ecosystems, reshape coastlines, and leave lasting marks on jungles, oceans, monuments, and mountain ranges.

Her paintings confront this paradox, capturing both the aweinspiring beauty and subtle devastation.

Her recent work will be featured as the next Constellation CLT installation on view from October 3, 2025 through March 1, 2026 at Mint Museum Uptown.

Over the past two decades, Godlewska’s work has explored the tension between nature and human presence. Interwoven within lush terrains are tourists, their cameras and phones in hand, chasing curated wilderness experiences. These vivid, dynamic compositions symbolically and literally unravel the toll of our fascination with the natural world.

Using watercolor paper and ink, her installations form undulating, sculptural surfaces that evoke terrain, memory, and movement. These works serve as a quiet resistance to the “insta-consumption” of natural beauty in the digital age, offering space for slow looking and reflection.

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Jen Sudul Edwards, PhD, is chief curator and curator of Contemporary Art at The Mint Museum.

Constellation CLT is an exhibition series designed to connect visitors to The Mint Museum with artists in our community. Godlewska’s installations can be seen in five places at Mint Museum Uptown: at the museum entryway; on the landings of the Mezzanine and Levels 3 and 4; and in The Mint Museum Store.

ABOVE: New work in progress by Maja Godlewska, monotype, natural and synthetic dyes and ink on Fabriano, detail.

TAKE A EUROPEAN SOJOURN WITH RENAISSANCE, ROMANTICISM, AND REBELLION EUROPEAN ART FROM THE SMITH-NAIFEH COLLECTION

BY JONATHAN STUHLMAN, PHD

Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection brings together more than 70 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, offering a sweeping look at the vibrant and transformative world of 19th-century European art.

Drawn entirely from the renowned Smith-Naifeh Collection, carefully assembled over decades by South Carolina-based collectors and scholars Gregory Smith and Stephen Naifeh, the exhibition captures a century defined by dramatic cultural, social, and artistic shifts.

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their time, influencing or working alongside legendary figures such as Vincent van Gogh (about whom Smith and Naifeh wrote a critically acclaimed biography).

The exhibition also marks a rare chance to experience a major portion of this outstanding private collection. It is the most comprehensive public presentation of the SmithOPPOSITE: Henri-Michel-Antoine Chapu (French, 1833–91). A Bust of Alexandre Dumas, pere, after 1876, terracotta. The Smith-Naifeh Collection; ABOVE: Paul Huet (French, 1803–69). River Landscape with a Rainbow (detail), 1820–30, oil on canvas. The Smith-Naifeh Collection.

An Evening with Steve Naifeh: A Life of Writing and Art Naifeh Collection to date. Organized into three thematic sections, the show invites visitors on a journey through the evolving styles and ideas that defined a century.

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Renaissance features artists whose work reflected classical ideals, embracing harmony, nature, and rigorous academic training, that met the high standards of Europe’s elite salons.

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Romanticism delves into the emotional heart of the era, showcasing dramatic stories and powerful landscapes that invite awe, empathy, and deep reflection.

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Rebellion highlights the rule-breakers — artists who defied tradition with daring subjects and bold techniques, setting the stage for the rise of modernism.

Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection will be on view October 11, 2025–February 22, 2026, at Mint Museum Uptown.

Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, is senior curator of American Art at The Mint Museum.

October 9 | 7:30–8:30 PM Mint Museum Uptown | Free Join Mint President and CEO Todd Herman, PhD, and author and collector Steve Naifeh for a special conversation celebrating the opening of Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection. Naifeh will discuss the collection he built with his late partner Gregory White Smith and how their shared love of art intertwined with their celebrated careers as writers.

Naifeh is the author of more than 15 books, including “The Mormon Murders,” “Final Justice,” “Making Miracles Happen,” and “On a Street Called Easy, In a Cottage Called Joye,” as well as two landmark biographies: “Jackson Pollock, An American Saga” and “Van Gogh: The Life.” His work has earned numerous accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize, and multiple appearances on The New York Times Bestseller list.

ABOVE (from left): Emile Schuffenecker (French, 1851–1934). Falaise a Etretat (cliff at Etretat) (detail), 1912, oil on canvas. The Smith-Naifeh Collection; Thomas Couture (French, 1815–79). Two Sisters (detail), circa 1848–51, oil on canvas. The Smith-Naifeh Collection.

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CHARLOTTE FILM FESTIVAL at the independent picture house SEPT

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CLAY, RESILIENCE, AND REVIVAL POTTERS MARKET AT THE MINT MARKS 19 YEARS

BY MICHELE HUGGINS

On the last Saturday of September, the sweeping lawn of Mint Museum Randolph will transform into a festive market of clay, craftsmanship, and community with more than 50 of North Carolina’s finest ceramic artists gathering for a one-day showcase. The 19th Annual Potters Market at the Mint, happening 9 AM–4 PM, September 27, is a beloved tradition, as well as a testament to the enduring spirit of artistry in the Carolinas.

Art and resilience

For pottery lovers, collectors, and the clay-curious alike, Potters Market is more than an opportunity to shop from potters across the state — it is a rare opportunity to engage

This year’s Potters Market carries special significance, marking the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene.

The devastating storm that swept through Western North

with artists, see live pottery demonstrations, and purchase museum-quality ceramics straight from the source. Each participating artist has been hand-selected through a competitive jury process, ensuring a diverse array of styles, techniques, and forms ranging from traditional wood-fired vessels to contemporary sculptural pieces.

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Carolina that left many potters in its wake to rebuild kilns, studios, and livelihoods. In response, 30-plus artists from that region have been invited to exhibit their work, a powerful show of resilience, support, and community healing. Thanks to presenting sponsor Principal Foundation, booth fees and related costs for participating potters are fully covered.

“Principal Foundation’s support ensures that every selected potter can share their work without the burden of additional expenses,” says Todd Herman, PhD, president and CEO of The Mint Museum. “Their generosity helps make this year’s event more accessible and impactful for the artists involved.”

A legacy remembered Adding further depth to this year’s celebration is a heartfelt tribute to Peggy and Bob Culbertson, lifelong supporters of The Mint Museum and passionate collectors of craft. In their memory, the Peggy and Bob Culbertson Best New Exhibitor Award will honor emerging talent and the Culbertsons’ unwavering dedication to ceramic arts and The Mint Museum.

Supporting a creative future Beyond shopping potter booths, the Potters Market serves a deeper purpose: raising critical funds for the museum’s education and outreach programs. As the second largest annual fundraiser for the Mint (after the glamorous Coveted Couture Gala held each April) ticket sales from The Potters Market help sustain museum programming.

Plan Your Visit The 19th Annual Potters Market at the Mint Saturday, September 27 | 9 AM–4 PM Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road Tickets are $25 per person. Purchase online at pottersmarketatthemint.com.

IMAGES: Photos by Cubby Captures for Potters Market 2024.

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Tickets start at $25 per person (taxes and fees included), and include admission to Mint Museum Randolph. The event also features live music, a beer garden, and local food vendors, making it a full-day experience. Attendees leave not only with beautiful ceramics, but with stories, connections, and a deepened appreciation for a centuries-old craft.

Michele Huggins is associate director of marketing and communications at The Mint Museum.

TWO BEQUESTS FUEL MAJOR ACQUISITIONS AT THE MINT MUSEUM

BY JONATHAN STUHLMAN, PHD

With every object in a museum there is a story, not just of the artist who created it, but also of how it became part of the museum’s collection. At the Mint, many of our most treasured works enter the collection through the generosity of donors who believe in the power of art to connect, inspire, and endure. Two recent bequests have continued that legacy, enabling the museum to acquire remarkable works that broaden our understanding of American art.

Katherine “Kat” Belk-Cook The first of these generous bequests came from Katherine Belk-Cook, known to many simply as Kat. A longtime advocate for diversifying the museum’s holdings, Kat played a pivotal role in expanding our collection to better reflect the

richness and diversity of American art. Her support helped bring in key works by artists such as Stanton MacdonaldWright (Trumpet Flowers), Kay Sage (Ring of Iron, Ring of Wool), Beauford Delaney (an untitled abstraction), and, more recently, Kehinde Wiley (Philip the Fair).

In 2024, the museum used funds from Kat’s bequest to acquire two early paintings by pioneering abstract artist Ida Kohlmeyer. Then, in spring 2025, additional funds were used to acquire four more significant works: two works on paper and two important paintings.

The works on paper are by Charlotte native Charles Alston, a cousin by marriage to Romare Bearden. While the museum holds over 60 works by Bearden, these are the first by Alston mintmuseum.org

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to enter the collection. Both highlight a central theme of Alston’s work: family. One is a delicate line drawing of a family of five from the 1950s; the other, a striking pastel from the World War II era that depicts Alston in uniform beside his soon-to-be wife in a turbulent landscape.

One of the newly acquired paintings is also by Alston — a nocturnal cityscape of Harlem that illustrates his shift toward abstraction in the late 1940s. The second painting is a luminous still life of mountain laurels by Charles Ethan Porter, an accomplished painter and one of the first Black artists to attend the National Academy of Design. These acquisitions mark the first works by both artists to enter the Mint’s collection. Notably, the Porter piece is now the earliest painting by a Black artist in our holdings.

Constance “Connie” Bellios The second transformative bequest came from Constance “Connie” Bellios, a quiet yet devoted supporter of the museum and a longtime Contributor Member. Upon her passing, she left her entire estate to the Mint. To honor her significant gift, the guest services desk at Mint Museum Randolph will be named in her memory.

In addition, the museum acquired two works to celebrate her generosity and that of her brother, John G. Bellios II, PhD, a professor of American history at UNC Chapel Hill who specialized in the Beat Generation.

Want to support the Mint?

The Dwelle-McBryde Society is The Mint Museum’s planned giving program named in honor of the contributions of Mary Myers Dwelle and Neill McBryde.

Planned gifts are an effective, thoughtful way to support the museum while also ensuring its bright future. Planned gifts include bequests, charitable trusts (remainder and lead), gifts of retirement plan assets, gifts of art, and more. All individuals who document a planned gift will be welcomed as members of the Dwelle-McBryde Society.

If you are interested in learning more about the Dwelle-McBryde Society, please contact Kitty Hall at kitty.hall@mintmuseum.org or 704.337.2034.

REVERSE: Charles Ethan Porter (American, 1847–1923). Untitled (Mountain Laurel) (detail), circa 1888, oil on canvas. Museum purchase: The Katherine McKay Belk Charitable Fund. 2025.31.2; ABOVE: Larry Rivers (American, 1923–2002). Parts of the Body, Hair and Eye, 1963, oil paint and collage on board. Museum Purchase: Funds from the bequest of Constance Bellios. 2025.33. © 2025 Estate of Larry Rivers / Licensed

by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY.

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The first, Parts of the Body, Hair and Eye (1963) by Larry Rivers, reflects the intellectual and artistic spirit of the Beat era. Rivers, a major figure in postwar American art, used the visual language of Pop Art to deconstruct the human form, mirroring the themes explored by Beat writers and poets.

To honor the Bellios family’s Greek heritage, the museum also acquired The Mirror at Midnight II (1942) by William Baziotes, whose parents, like Connie’s, were Greek immigrants. Baziotes, a key figure among the abstract expressionists, created this work early in his career as he was exploring the influence of Surrealism and the beginnings of his signature abstract style. The painting was exhibited in two landmark shows at Peggy Guggenheim’s short-lived, but influential, New York gallery Art of This Century.

All of these new acquisitions, along with several exciting longterm loans, including one of Georgia O’Keeffe’s earliest flower paintings, recently acquired by the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen, Ph.D., Foundation — are currently on view in the American and Modern and Contemporary galleries at Mint Museum Uptown.

Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, is senior curator of American Art at The Mint Museum.

Art looks better up here To find this mural and more only-in-Uptown adventures, visit UptownCharlotte.com or scan the QR code.

AFFILIATES IN ACTION Charlotte Garden Club Charlotte Garden Club members have been active and connected through hands-on projects around the city keeping our adopted garden beds in bloom, including at McGill Rose Garden in NoDa and the Duke Mansion. The club has also provided material support and guidance for a vibrant new space at UrbanPromise Charlotte where kids can dig in, learn, and grow. Early-stage planning also has begun for a sensory garden at the Epiphany School that will be designed specifically for students with ASD-1 and communication differences.

On September 15, the Shady Ladies will kick off the fall season at Mint Museum Randolph with a playful and creative look at fall container gardening. More dynamic speakers are scheduled to cover a range of topics, from sustainable rainwater conservation with expert Michael Albanese to gardening wisdom from three-time Emmywinning host of “In the Garden with Bryce Lane,” and regional insights from Pam Beck, co-author of “Best Garden Plants for North Carolina.”

Mint Museum Auxiliary The Mint Museum Auxiliary hosted its annual Spring Symposium on April 9. Nearly 500 attendees gathered to hear from featured speakers Steele Marcoux, editor-in-chief of “Veranda” magazine, and Mary Celeste Beall, proprietor of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. Marcoux and Beall captivated the audience with a dynamic conversation centered around the concept of a forever home. This theme, the focus of “Veranda’s” May 2025 issue, was a natural fit for Beall, who highlighted the timeless aesthetics and interiors of the Blackberry properties. Their discussion blended authenticity, humor, and a deep appreciation for design.

For the 2025–2026 speaker lineup and more information, visit mintmuseumauxiliary.org.

Young Affiliates of the Mint The Young Affiliates of the Mint are kicking off the new season in style with the highly anticipated Sneaker Ball, taking place November 8 at Mint Museum Randolph. This season promises fresh energy and exciting opportunities, including monthly member meetups, engaging cultural events, and the return of the signature Derby Days event in Spring 2026. Stay connected and follow all that’s happening on all social media platforms @youngaffiliates as we continue to champion the mission of The Mint Museum through art, culture, and community.

Docents of the Mint Seven veteran docents were honored in April 2025 for achieving milestone years of service, ranging from 20 to 36 years. Two new docents, Shewonia Bowman and Tulla Lightfoot, were also inducted into the Docent corp in April 2025.

The evening docents conducted Mint on the Dot! talks to 340 visitors between September 2024 and May 2025. The Art of Reading program provided 135 tours to 1,282 attendees and launched three new tours: “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” “The Trackers,” and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Community Read “Portrait of a Thief.”

Seventeen docents visited museums and cultural institutions in Savannah, Georgia in November 2024. Fourteen docents toured Brookgreen Gardens at Murell’s Inlet, South Carolina and visited Hopsewee Plantation in the low country of South Carolina. Finally, 15 docents toured the Andrew Wyeth exhibition at the Reynolda House in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with an additional stop at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Old Salem, North Carolina. The Docent Travel Committee has organized three trips for docent engagement in 2025–2026.

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ABOVE (from top): Steele Marcoux, editor-in-chief of “Veranda” magazine, and Mary Celeste Beall, proprietor of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, were featured speakers at the Mint Museum Auxiliary Spring Symposium. The newest class of evening docents.

EVENTS AT THE MINT

From left: Ann Chalk and Ann Tarwater.

From left: Armando Aispuro, Theresa Johnson, and Allen Blevins.

From left: Cassell Fitzhugh and Jennifer Waugh.

COVETED COUTURE GALA AND VIP OPENING CELEBRATION OF ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK The highly anticipated 2025 Coveted Couture Gala and VIP Opening of ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK was an incredible success. At the April 26 event, guests enjoyed an evening of socializing, dinner, live music, and dancing. A special thank you to presenting sponsors Ann and Michael Tarwater, Regions, BlackArch, and Society Awards.

From left: Jacob John, Alicia Barnes, Weston and Marty Andress.

From left: Leslie Culbertson, Stephanie Lynch, and Jane Scott Hodges.

From left: John Wickham, Natalie Frazier Allen and Hugh Allen, and Charlotte Wickham.

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WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE: CLT 54 | FASHION AND FLASH It was a night of glitz and glam and disco and dance at the August 6 Wednesday Night Live. In celebration of exhibition ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK, the CLT 54 event included pop-up runway fashion shows featuring looks from local designers that highlight vintage fashion from the ‘70s through the ‘90s paired with live DJs providing music specific to each era.

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COLLIDOSCOPE COMMUNITY DAY Visitors filled Mint Museum Uptown August 9 for Collidoscope Community Day. Supported in part by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino, the community day celebrated Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective and included free museum admission, art demonstrations, art-making, live music, dance lessons, and socializing.

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THANK YOU TO OUR CROWN SOCIETY PATRONS SAPPHIRE CIRCLE KELLE AND LEN BOTKIN LAURA AND MIKE GRACE MOZELLE DEPASS GRIFFITH DEIDRE GRUBB STEPHANIE S. LYNCH MARY AND DICK PAYNE PATSY M. REAMES AND RON VICK MARY ANNE (M.A.) ROGERS LEIGH-ANN AND MARTIN SPROCK ANN AND MICHAEL TARWATER CAROLYN AND BRYAN TAYLOR CURTIS AND ROCKY TRENKELBACH CHARLOTTE AND JOHN WICKHAM

NOELLE AND MARK MAHONEY

EDWIN RASBERRY

ASHLEY AND SCOTT MATTEI

MRS. S. EPES ROBINSON

JANE AND HUGH MCCOLL

SALLIE F. SCARBOROUGH

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM B. MCGUIRE, JR.

MELINDA AND DAVID SNYDER

SUSAN AND LOY MCKEITHEN POSEY AND MARK MEALY STACI AND JEFF MILLS AMY AND MATTHEW MOORE CELENE AND MARC OKEN CHERYL A. PALMER LAURA AND TRIP PARK MILTON AND MARSHELETTE PRIME BETH AND DREW QUARTAPELLA PATRICIA A. RODGERS ALLISON AND RICHARD ROEDER

DIAMOND CIRCLE

PAIGE AND ART ROSELLE

MR. AND MRS. WESTON M. ANDRESS

AMANDA AND AUGUST ROTH

JENNIFER AND ALEX BAUER

BOBBIE AND THAD SHARRETT

MARY CELESTE BEALL

TREY SHERIDAN

MARY AND WALTER BEAVER

POPE AND PEGGY SHUFORD

STEPHANIE AND HOWARD BISSELL

KATI AND CHRIS SMALL

BETSY AND ALFRED BRAND

SHANNON AND DANIELA SMITH

BILL AND ROBIN BRANSTROM

EDITH AND LANDON WYATT

SARAH G. COOPER HILLARY AND W. FAIRFAX COOPER ABBIE AND WILL COOPER OLGA AND JAY FAISON WILLIAM J. AND JENNIFER FOX LYNN AND BRIAN GOOD LISE OVREGARD HAIN BEVERLY AND JIM HANCE LUCY AND HOOPER HARDISON LAUREN A. HARKEY JACQUELINE AND SEAN JONES LAURA AND SAM JUDD BEVERLY AND MARK LADLEY MARY AND MIKE LAMACH CHELSEA LAWSON

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PLATINUM CIRCLE HOWARD P. ADAMS AND CAROL B. MCPHEE MELISSA AND JOHN ANTON MR. AND MRS. JAMES G. BABB, JR. MARY MARGARET AND JOSH BEAVER KIM AND JOHN BELK J. FRANK AND KATHY BRAGG E. COLBY AND LYNNE W. CATHEY JOHN GREGORY CLEMONS MRS. JANE CONLAN MR. AND MRS. JOHN JULIAN CULBERTSON LAURIE AND NED DURDEN JULIE AND TOM EISELT THE ELIAS FAMILY EVGENIYA EZHOVA AND SERGEY MUSCHIN LAUREN AND GRANT GILBERT SARAH AND MATT GORDON GEORGINE AND TREY JEFFRIES CHANDRA AND JIMMIE JOHNSON

PLATINUM PLUS CIRCLE

LESLIE AND JIM JOHNSON MARCIE AND MARTY KELSO

KATIE AND RICHARD BATES

TONI AND ALFRED KENDRICK

SARAH AND TIM BELK

KATHRYN AND LUKE KISSAM

SUSANNE AND RUDOLF BLESS

KELLI AND PETER LASH

ALEXANDRA AND RORY BYRNES

LINDSEY AND ROBERT LUCENTI

BETH AND MICHAEL CLIFTON

FRANCIE AND JOHN MANGAN

MARY ANNE DICKSON

LINDSAY AND STANTON MCCULLOUGH

HEATHER AND LARRY GWALTNEY

DAVID AND CHARLOTTE MORITZ

BETH AND BILL HOBBS

DANY AND CHIP NISBET

MANDY AND TODD HOUSER

PAULA AND CHRIS PINK

CYNTHIA AND DAVID HOUSTON

MARY MARGARET AND FRITZ PORTER

MR. AND MRS. NEILL G. MCBRYDE

GEORGE AND LINDA FOARD ROBERTS

ANNE AND CLARKE NEILSON

BETSY ROSEN AND LIAM STOKES

JO ANN AND JODDY PEER

BETH SANKEY

SABINA AND WILIFRID SCHLUMBERGER

ANNA AND SCOTT GLASS

STAN SHERRILL

NANNETTE AND THOMAS GORMAN

PARKER AND STEPHEN SHUFORD

CLAY GRUBB

EMILY AND ZACH SMITH

KATHERINE G. HALL

SUSAN AND KEITH SULLIVAN

KATIE AND RASHID HALLAWAY

KELLI AND BEN TELLING

ANDREW AND JOANNA HAYNES

KATHYLEE AND KEN THOMPSON

AMY AND JOHN HINES

JENNIFER AND AL WAUGH

CACI AND MAX JAEGER

MINDY AND GEORGE WEBSTER

VIRGINIA M. KEMP

JACKIE AND MIKE WELLS

COCO AND RAY KILLIAN

BETSY AND BRIAN WILDER

JESSIE J. KNIGHT, JR. AND JOYE D. BLOUNT

ROSE AND DAVIS WITTIG

SHELLY AND ADAM LANDAU

JOAN H. ZIMMERMAN

BARBARA L. LAUGHLIN

GOLD CIRCLE NATALIE FRAZIER ALLEN AND HUGH ALLEN SONIA AND RIT AMIN DERRICK A. BAILEY TRAVIS BARNES MARGARET AND SMOKY BISSELL CINDY AND SAM BOOKE MARGARET AND WALDO BRADLEY LEAH AND DAVID BRADY ANGELA AND RALPH BREEDEN TERESA AND DAVID CARROLL MONICA M. GALI AND ARMANDO L. CHARDIET KIM AND JACK COBB MRS. ROBIN COCHRAN JOHN AND GINNY COLLETT ANN COLLEY CATHERINE AND WILTON CONNOR LISA AND PERRIN DARGAN DOUG DAVIS AMY AND ALFRED DAWSON ANDRES AND SIDNEY LOGAN ECHEVARRIA LISA AND CARLOS EVANS JAY EVERETTE AND BRIAN SPEAS LINDA AND BILL FARTHING AMY FRITSCHE AND FELIX VON UKLANSKI PATTY AND ALEX FUNDERBURG

BROOKE AND DOUG LOWRY NANCY AND JOHN MALONEY KAIT MCELWEE MARLEY JULIANNE MARLEY LESLIE AND MICHAEL MARSICANO SUSAN AND ALEX MCALISTER KAREN AND JP MCBRYDE RENEE AND HUGH MCCOLL III RICHARD MCHENRY AND CINDY CALDWELL ULRIKE AND ALEXANDER MILES MARGARET A. MONTAGUE KATIE AND WALKER MORRIS

JOHN A. THOMPSON AND LEE R. ROCAMORA MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM B. TIMMERMAN, JR. JUDITH AND GARY TOMAN AMY AND HAL TRIBBLE JANE AND TREY TUNE BETSY FLEMING AND ED WEISIGER, JR. LYNDA AND BOB WILHELM FRANCES AND DUBOSE WILLIAMSON

SILVER CIRCLE ANONYMOUS AMANDA AND DAVID ALBRECHT HON. JOHN S. ARROWOOD CAROLINE AND IAN BANWELL ALICIA BARNES AND JACOB JOHN HARRIET BARNHARDT DEBBIE AND GARY BLANKEMEYER ALLEN BLEVINS AND ARMANDO AISPURO BETSY AND BILL BLUE AMY AND PHILIP BLUMENTHAL DR. LARRY BRADY AND MR. ROMAN MATSO KATHLEEN AND TERRY BRODERICK HILARY BURT AND PETER BOVE LAURA YATES CLARK DR. ROGER D. COLE AND

SHANNON AND KARL NEWLIN

SUSAN MAYFIELD COLE

DR. KIM NIXON

AMY LIZ AND CHARLES COLLINS

RHONDA AND JOSHUA PATT

SHAWNA DYE CULIK

SUSAN AND SAM RANKIN

MILLIE AND TOM COX

CHRYS AND CHES RILEY

BRITTANY AND TYLER DODDS

MANUEL RODRIGUEZ

NELIA AND WILL DOLAN

RUTH AND TREVOR RUNBERG

ANNE HOWARD DOOLEY AND

KIM AND MATT SALSBURY

COLEMAN WRIGHT

JANE AND CARL SHOWALTER

DAPHNE DWYER AND TOM O’BRIEN

MATTYE AND MARC SILVERMAN

DR. JEN SUDUL EDWARDS AND

ANNE CARTER AND DEAN SMITH TIFFANY AND SCOTT SMITH LUCY AND LOUIS STEPHENS PAM AND HARDING STOWE MARGARET AND JOHN SWITZER

MR. GAVIN EDWARDS ANNA AND DENNIS ELLIOT SUSAN AND STEVE ENGLEHART KATHY AND TOM EWING ELIZABETH AND JOHN FAGG CHRISTA AND ROBERT FAUT

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SARAH AND WILL FISHER SANDY AND GEORGE FISHER CASSELL AND JOHN FITZHUGH MARJORIE FOLEY MOLLY AND HENRY FROELICH MYRA GASSMAN LEIGH AND BILL GOODWYN HORST AND MARIA GRECZMIEL SUSIE AND TED GROSS COLLEEN KARNAS-HAINES AND ASHER HAINES TRACY AND H. K. HALLETT

MARY AND BOB LONG

MARGARET HAMNER

VINCE LONG AND CAMERON FURR

MR. AND MRS. WATTS HAMRICK III

DEBORAH AND ROGER LOVELETT

TRICIA AND DONNY HARRISON

LORI COLLINS LUSKI

ANNE J. HENDERSON

WESLEY A. MANCINI

LIZ HILLIARD AND LEE KENNELLY

DR. MARIE-CLAIRE MARROUM-KARDOUS

THEODORE HILLIN AND

VARSHA MATHUR

LUCY BREAULT HILLIN LYNN AND CHARLEY HODGES BARBARA HOLT DR. CHIP AND VICTORIA HOWELL LANIER AND DOUG HOY MRS. JAMES E. S. HYNES DR. DIANE D. JACOBSEN JODIANNE AND SKIP JOHNSON AMY HYLAND JONES CATHERINE RUTH AND ALEX KELLY JOAN M. KIRSCHNER PHYLLIS M. KIRWAN LORNE E. LASSITER AND GARY P. FERRARO MR. AND MRS. HAYNES P. LEA HOPE AND JOHN LEAK JANET LECLAIR AND JOHN BRAGG, JR. TERI LICARI DR. A. DAVIS LIGON, JR. ELEANOR AND ALBERT LINDEMANN DRS. SIU CHALLONS-LIPTON AND JORDAN LIPTON MEGAN AND KEVIN LIST NAN AND BILL LOFTIN JONELL AND JUAN LOGAN

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KIM AND DAVID MAUNEY JOSEPH M. MCCALL DEE DEE MCKAY MADELINE AND JAMES MCLELLAND JERALD AND MARY MELBERG LISA MENDE DYKE AND DEBORAH MESSINGER LAURIN MEYER AND LINWOOD BRITTON VICKY AND BILL MITCHENER ARRINGTON H. MIXON KIMBERLY AND GEOFFREY MIZE STEPHANIE AND SAM MUHS JANET PREYER NELSON MARIAN M. NISBET ANNE AND SCOTT PERPER RIDGELY AND JOHN PHILLIPS LISA AND TOM PHILLIPS LIZ AND DAVID POLLET MAHROO PUTNEY SUSAN AND JOHN RAE AGNES AND THOMAS RAGSDALE

DEBORAH HALLIDAY AND GARY RAUTENSTRAUCH RENEE AND DAVID REESE MICHAEL A. RODRIGUEZ AND BRANT BEZILA SARA AND DAN ROSELLI KYLE ROSIER PAULA AND DALT RUFFIN WILLIAM L. AND JANE O. SALTER AIDA AND GREG SAUL ANNA STAVRESKA AND NATE BRINKLEY ANN AND WELLFORD TABOR LIZ AND JEFF TARUMIANZ MAC TAYLOR KRISTY AND BILL THOMPSON SANDI AND BEN THORMAN MELISSA AND PAUL TOLMIE PATTI TRACEY AND CHRIS HUDSON MARGARET AND CHRIS ULLRICH MICHELLE AND ROBERT VARY NELIA AND MICHAEL VERANO PATRICIA COX VISER VERA WATSON TRACY AND LAWRENCE WATTS DOROTHEA F. WEST LESLIE AND SPENCE WHITMAN LIBBIE AND LAURENS WILLARD RICHARD “STICK” AND TERESA WILLIAMS KELLY AND CLAY YOUNG

ABOVE (from left): Marshelette Prime, Beth Quartapella, Abbie and Will Cooper, Milton Prime, Drew Quartapella, and Shelly Schutt.

CURATOR’S PICK Diego Romero explores the complexities of contemporary Native American life through a bold graphic style that bridges ancient tradition and modern storytelling. Working in both print and ceramic, he channels the visual languages of the ancient world — Greek, Anasazi, Mimbres — alongside pop culture, crafting powerful narratives that comingle the past and present.

Romero was raised in Berkeley, California, by his Cochiti Pueblo father and non-Native mother. Summers spent at Cochiti introduced him to his ancestral artistic roots. A recurring theme in Romero’s work is the destructive legacy of colonialism, particularly the impact of alcoholism on native communities. His Guzano Rojo Tequila Series Bowl is a striking example. Inside the bowl, a comic book style illustration features a bright red maguey worm among agave plants, referencing the creatures sometimes found in bottles of mezcal. It’s a cautionary tale, told with Romero’s signature wit and gravity. Framed in a European gilding technique, embedded with Mimbres symbols, a simple coiled bowl becomes a container of potent commentary.

Romero studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts, earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Otis College of Art and Design, and completed his master’s degree in fine art at UCLA in 1993. Since then, his work has been widely exhibited and is included in the permanent collections of major institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The British Museum, the National Museum of Scotland, and Fondation Cartier in Paris. In 2015, he was awarded a United States Artists fellowship.

Annie Carlano is senior curator of Craft, Design, and Fashion at The Mint Museum.

ABOVE: Diego Romero (1964–). Guzano Rojo Tequila Series Bowl, 1998, earthenware, paint over red slip. 3.5” x 8”.Museum purchase: Funds provided by Sheri Brown. 1999.84.

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Mint Museum Uptown

at Levine Center for the Arts 500 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202

Mint Museum Randolph 2730 Randolph Road Charlotte, NC 28207 mintmuseum.org @themintmuseum 704.337.2000

MAKE YOUR BIG DAY A WORK OF ART. Whether it’s your wedding, rehearsal, anniversary, or a cocktail party to celebrate your birthday; our venues guarantee an experience in a setting your guests will never forget. mintmuseum.org/rent-the-museum

The Nelsons Photo | @thenelsonsphoto