Experience: Taste of the Mint

The Mint Museum Uptown has created a new event entitled Taste of the Mint and the premise is to pair art and food...two of my loves so you know I was in foodie art heaven when I heard about this, right?!
The museum decided to mix art and food by partnering with two local restaurants, Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth and e2 emeril's eatery. Attendees go on a "food tour" indulging in a small plate and drink pairing made especially for them by the respective restaurant chefs. Following the meals, attendees will receive a customized one-hour exploration of the Mint's collections with a focus on the Mint's F.O.O.D. exhibition.

I had the pleasure of attending last month's event and it was, well like I said earlier--foodie art heaven. The theme was tied to "salt" and was inspired by the current exhibition, Return to Sea: Saltworks by artist Motoi Yamamoto. At Halcyon, we were greeted by Chef Jacksina who led us in an "Interactive Tomatoes" demonstration where we tried salt from various regions including Hawaii and Portugal. The course was paired with a Tarragon Salty Dog cocktail. We then had cabbage fermented in kosher salt paired with salmon and dessert, a scoop of rich salted caramel ice cream was unexpectedly delicious. It actually made me do a little dance!

Next we headed to e2 emeril's eatery where we dined on more salt inspired dishes which included oysters with the best garnish I have ever tasted--a mix of diced cantaloupe, fresh shallots, champagne vinegar, parsley and salt and pepper. The signature cocktail for the evening, Zydeco Punch, included a splash of South American pisco liquor and we also had Zinfandel with dessert--a chocolate ganache tart.

 Following the food, we were able to check out not only the Saltworks exhibit but all the exhibits currently open at the museum. For the March 20th Taste of the Mint date the highlighted exhibit will be the much talked about F.O.O.D exhibit. The F.O.O.D. (Food, Objects, Objectives, Design) exhibit provides a thematic look at modern and contemporary objects, handmade and mass produced, that have one of three objectives: to prepare, to cook, or to present food.

Is it me or did this post just make you hungry?

Bzzz: This would be a great gift for an art aficionado or foodie.

Bzzz: The cost is $45 per person and $30 for museum members. Registration closes tonight at midnight. Get your tickets here.

Experience: Fall Enrichment Forum with Designer Trina Turk

Today I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive Trina Turk Trunk Show at Duke Mansion. The trunk show was the start of a long, fashionable day for Ms. Turk who is in town for the Fall EnrichMINT Forum: A Passion For Fashion event hosted by The Auxiliary of the Mint Museum. The trunk show is a sneak peak at what you can expect during the forum, which includes a fashion show and live auction. Tickets are still available and can be found here.

The trunk show included an appearance by Trina Turk herself (see her in my last picture she shines in her pink blazer) as well as beautiful items from her women, men and residential lines. Here are a few items from the trunk show that would make great gifts:



Throw pillows are the perfect way to brighten your home and screams housewarming gift



Pair these eye catching ice buckets with a cocktail book for any hostess with the mostess gift

Bold and bright jewelry would be a great addition to anyone's jewelry box



And of course, clothes for any fashionista including swimsuits, menswear and of course women's apparel



Experience: ArtFusion: Surrealism

If you are in the Charlotte area, it's time to grab a some free art and culture at the Mint Museum Uptown tomorrow: Tuesday, March 6th at 6pm.The museum will present ArtFusion: Surrealism featuring Luis Machicao and Tara Davis. Both are talented fashion designers in their own right and during the event everyone will get a glimpse into their creative minds. Ever wonder how they come up with their designs and what inspires them? Well, you can find out during the event! In addition, to hearing from Luis Machicao and Tara Davis, attendees will also hear from Dr. Randall Mishoe and Dorothy Campbell as they explore the symbolism of dreamscape and more. All presenters will give you a glimpse into surrealism which is a movement that  brings thoughts from the subconscious mind to various forms of art; whether it be fashion, paintings, literature or some other creative art form.

About Art Fusion
ArtFusion is a fairly new series which includes a selection of free monthly events that include music, dance, fashion, interaction with local artists and more. This new series hopes to bring newcomers and longtime supporters alike to both museums.

Event Details
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts

500 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
6-9pm
Free
More details here


source: mintmusem.org

Save the date: Second Annual Library Book Sale

Mark your calendar for the Second Annual Library Book Sale at the Mint Museum Library in Charlotte, NC. Hundreds of beautiful art books will be available at nominal prices in the Ivey Forum on Saturday, may 16th from 12-5pm.

Books are duplicates of those already in the library's collections or items given specifically to the library for the sale. All the sale proceeds will go towards the conservation of the libary's special collections.

This is a great option for a gift for art lovers...it could also be a nice coffee table book. Plus, you are helping out a good cause.

PS: If you are a member of the Mint Museum you get to check out the books first...so get there at 12noon and you can shop with other members until 1pm. After 1pm, it is open to the public. Also, be sure to bring cash or checks....no credit cards accepted.

Happy Shopping!

For more information call: 704-337-2000

source: News of the Mint Museum newsletter