I recently began working at Mint Museum of Art. I started about two weeks ago, but I work part-time, so today will be my sixth day. I work in Guest Services, and It’s so exciting. I meet lots of interesting people. You should definitely come visit!
About The Mint (what I’ve learned so far)
Mint Museum of Art has two locations that house an array of art forms. Mint Museum Randolph is the orignal museum established in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum. Mint Museum Uptown is the newest edition, opening it’s doors just two years ago on October 1, 2010. Mint Museum got its name from the 1st branch of the U.S. Philadelphia Mint located here in Charlotte near Mint and Trade streets. Much of this building was restored and relocated to the Randolph Road location. Today the original front of the U.S. Mint is the back facade of the museum. It’s Federal style architecture and large bald eagle statue are visible from the back gardens and sanctuary. This is probably the least viewed historic marker in the museum, as many guests neglect to tour the grounds and only visit the galleries. But I can’t blame them, it’s not a place one normally visits at a museum.
Mint Museum Randolph displays more traditional works of art, while Uptown has more contemporary pieces, but neither is specifically one or the other — There is a large amount of grey area in these collections of a museum that seems to resist being defined. Currently on display at Randolph are ceramic and textile arts of the Ancient Americas, several fashion exhibits, European art celebrating Queen Charlotte, and the upper level comprises many of their decorative arts. The most interesting note here. If you were a part of Charlotte Fashion Week 2012, one designer from the show has three pieces on display. KevinVain, as he branded himself, is all of 17 years old, and has three unique dresses in the special exhibition of And the Bead Goes On. Currently on display Uptown are the Craft and Design galleries, and American and Contemporary Art galleries. The special exhibitions on display are Against the Grain, a look at contemporary woodwork, and The Wier Family, American paintings by father and two sons from 1880-1900.
I still have a lot to learn about the happenings at Mint Museum of Art, but I think I’m fitting in to the company culture just fine. I’m finally feeling settled in to the Queen City and slowly becoming a part of Charlotte’s local art scene.