Experience: Party in the Park at The Mint Museum

 

Picnic in the Park is a family friendly event that takes place on the grounds of the Mint Museum-Randolph.  Couples, friends and kids can lounge out on the lawn, watch a movie (this year’s flick is Top Gun) and eat food from local food trucks including Roaming Fork, Southern Cake Queen and Papi Queso.

Guests are encouraged to participate in outdoor games, relax to “celebrate the Summer” tunes and check out the latest exhibits inside the museum.  The evening will also feature a silent auction which will benefit the Mint Annual Fund.  There will be a cash bar. Be sure to bring blankets & chairs.

 

Bzzz: Cost details: Mint Members $10, Non-Members $20, Children under 18: Free You can pre-register at here or call 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org/happenings

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



The Gift of the Weekend

First, let me apologize for my absence this week. While there were fun moments sprinkled throughout my week, work got the best of me! I wondered "How did all my deadlines fall in the same week"?  I don't want to bore you with the details but I did experience a magical night with Relish Carolina, traveled for work and met an amazing career woman, who inspired me with her story and energy and chatted and brainstormed with industry friends with genuine hearts. Anyhoo, next week I promise to not leave you hanging. In the meantime, let me share a few last minute gift ideas that you can treat someone to as early as this evening ...

Tonight, why not have a date night to see the production of A Raisin in the Sun at Duke Energy Theatre? The play is considered the most well known from playwright, Lorraine Hansberry and centers around the Youngers family and their trials, tribulations, love of each other and much more. While the play debuted on Broadway in 1959, you may remember the most recent production of this play included Sean "Diddy" Combs who played Walter Lee. 

Gather the kids up and experience Sunday Fun day: Red, White and Blue at The Mint Museum. The afternoon will include family-friendly craft projects, tours, healthy living activities, artist demonstrations, and more.

Looking for something not so crafty yet kid-friendly (or date friendly) to do this Sunday? Try out Concerts on the Green in Davidson, a free festival on the grounds of the Davidson Public Library. This is the first one of the season and will feature the BackBeat band. Bring a blanket, picnic and relax on the lawn listening to live music...sounds good to me!

One Way To Upgrade A Gift Certificate

The 2011-2012 Young Affiliates of the Mint (YAM) Museum President, Emily Walker has achieved great milestones at the helm of the museum's young professionals group and as her term came to a close on June 30th, all YAM board members* decided to give her a well-deserved parting gift. Emily also recently got engaged to the love of her life, Brad and the parting gift turned into a wedding gift too.


Once the gift was decided upon--a gift certificate for a wine train excursion in Napa Valley (where they will go on their honeymoon) I offered to elevate the gift experience. I put on my thinking cap and I came up with a creative way to package the gift certificate. Once I had all my ideas together, it was off to the wine store (priorities!) and then a local craft store. I picked up a bottle of champagne (I thought this would be an unexpected touch as they probably expected wine. In addition, I feel all celebrations should include bubbly), wine crate, glasses, spanish moss and grapes. I even snagged a complimentary wine tasting in Napa Valley, after discussing my idea with the wine store attendant. Here's the outcome:

Sorry--no pre pics but here is the box all put together

The wine crate is normally used to transport wine bottles but I used the crate to create a "scene" in a box

Emily holding the wine crate after each board member shared their well wishes on the top of the box in a silver pen


*Disclosure: I am a current board member for YAM's 

Source: My camera

Experience: And the Bead Goes On Exhibit

Any fashionista and museum lover should run, not walk to the And the Bead Goes On exhibit currently taking place at The Mint Museum Randolph. The exhibition celebrates the Mint's renowned Fashion Collection by meshing vintage garments with contemporary pieces that can literally be found on a runway near you.


Charles Mo, the Mint's director of fine arts discusses the beautiful garments

One of the contemporary designers, Kevin Carter resides in Charlotte and says he "still can't believe" his designs are on display at The Mint Museum. His work is among fashion icons such as Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, Bob Mackie, Giorgio Armani and Lisa Folawiyo. All the designs show a variety of beadwork including glass beads, metallic sequins, metal filigree beads, faux pearls and faceted crystal rhinestones. 

Fashion Designer, Kevin Carter stands in front of his work

Some of the historic beaded garments on display look as though you could take them off the manniquins and wear this weekend for a fun girls night out or dinner with the hubby. The contemporary garments are fresh and fun.
The And the Bead Goes exhibit will be on view until February 2013.  Here are a few photos to peak your interest....

source: my iphone

Experience: Derby Days at The Mint Museum

Derby Days, an annual event hosted by the Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum brings together young professionals outfitted in seersucker and big hats to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. The event has been named  "Best Party for Young Socials" by SouthPark Magazine and takes place at the Mint Museum Randolph. This is one event that should not be missed, it is not your average gathering! Just imagine, the landscape of the beautiful Mint Museum and the many guests watching the "most exciting two minutes in sports", enjoying a live band, food and drinks from local restaurants--and to put the mint in the julep--all these extras are included in your ticket price! Did someone say all-inclusive?! Love that!

There will also be a silent auction featuring everything from jewelry to fly-fishing. In addition, if you are feeling lucky there will be a raffle where you can try your hand at picking the winning horse of the race.

Bzzz: Be sure to purchase your ticket to this fun event this week, as tickets will not be sold at the door.

source: derbydayscharlotte.com