"The Mint Museum offer a memorable shopping experience, and gift-givers have the added benefit of knowing they are supporting a treasured local cultural institution with their purchases," said Sandy Fisher, manager and buyer for retail operations at the Mint. Museum members receive 10 percent off all purchases over $10 at the Museum Shops.
Here are some recommendations for this holiday season's finds.
For the bibliophiles:
"One Work"
This groundbreaking new book combining art and scholarship was recently published by The Mint Museum in partnership with Yale University Press. The book, a work of art in itself, includes a hanging hook embedded in its cover and two pullout accordion folds depicting the monumental four-story work by Sheila Hicks in the atrium of Mint Museum Uptown, Mega Footprint Near the Hutch (May I Have this Dance?). ($40)
For the Decorators:
"The Christmas Bell"
The Mint's special edition Christmas ornament for 2012 is handmade by Rebecca Plummer and Jon Ellenbogen of Barking Spider Pottery. It was chosen to commemorate the painting The Christmas Bell (1860) by John Ferguson Weir. This work is part of the special exhibition The Weir Family, 1920-1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art, on view through January 20 at Mint Museum Uptown. Barking Spider Pottery has operated in the mountains of North Carolina for over 35 years. Each of their beautiful, lightweight ornaments is unique. This ornament is certain to be the perfect addition to any tree! ($19.95)
Queen Charlotte's Crown Ornament
This design is adapted from the crown decorating the frame of the coronation portrait of Queen Charlotte, the city's namesake. ($15)
Painted Wooden Reindeer
These reindeer come in two sizes and lay flat for storage. This item sells out very quickly! ($9.50 to $12.50)
For the Little Ones:
Wooden Toy Race Car
This classic toy for tots is especially popular and is made by Dick Nease of Olde Towne Woodworks from Gore, VA. ($10.50)
For the Fashionistas:
The Little Sequined Bag:
This bag, one of many beaded items that are hot sellers in conjunction with the Mint Museum Randolph fashion exhibition And the Bead Goes On (recently extended to March 31, 2013), is an essential addition to any woman's closet! ($12.50)
FOR ANYONE:
Gift of membership
Give a gift that lasts all year long - and provides two gifts for the price of one! For every gift membership to The Mint Museum purchased by a member of the public before December 31, the Mint will give another membership to a family identified by Thompson Child & Family Focus, a local organization serving families in need. This will enable many families to participate in the Mint's educational programming who may not have otherwise had the opportunity. Membership brings unlimited admission to both Mint locations all year long, plus free or discounted admission to many programs and classes, invitations to members-only events, discounts at local businesses and much more! Memberships may be purchased at www.mintmuseum.org/support.
And this is just the beginning! High-res images of all items are available on request.
ABOUT THE MINT MUSEUM
As the oldest art museum in North Carolina, with one of the largest collections in the Southeast, The Mint Museum offers its visitors inspiring and transformative experiences through art from around the world via innovative collections, groundbreaking exhibitions, and riveting educational programs. The Mint Museum is a non-profit, visual arts institution comprised of two dynamic facilities: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph.
Located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 in Charlotte's Eastover neighborhood as the state's first art museum. Today, in a beautiful park setting, intimate galleries invite visitors to engage with the art of the ancient Americas, ceramics and decorative arts, fashion, European and African art, among other collections. Resources include a reference library with over 18,000 volumes, a theater featuring lectures and performances, and a museum shop offering merchandise that complements both the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American, contemporary, and European art. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, the five-story, 145,000-square-foot facility combines inspiring architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions to provide visitors with unparalleled educational and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Charlotte's burgeoning center city, Mint Museum Uptown is an integral part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, the Knight Theater, and the Duke Energy Center. Mint Museum Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities, including the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium, the Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a restaurant, and a museum shop. For more information, visit the NEW mintmuseum.org.
