GLOBAL ART GALA

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Photos by Party of Two Photography

The Mint Museum’s Coveted Couture Spring Gala presented by Wells Fargo Private Bank was also a celebration of the final days of the museum’s popular exhibition African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style. 

Just like the exhibit, the gala was colorful, culturally rich and reflective of the global community. Always a must-attend event, tickets sold out quickly. The Gala Chairs were chic couple Ashley and Scott Mattei who set the tone for the fashion-forward evening

Four hundred of Charlotte’s most prominent civic leaders, supporters and museum patrons were part of the glamorous black-tie dinner dance. Their participation allows the museum to continue its great programs that reach into all sectors of the commmunity.

“The gala is so important because it’s our signature fundraising event for the museum,” says The Mint Museum’s President & CEO Todd Herman. “It affords us the opportunity to celebrate our positive impact on the community with our closest donors and corporate supporters while raising critical monies for our annual fund. The genuine love and passion poured into this event by all those that touch it truly makes the difference.”

Guests filled the Mint’s park-like lawn with fun, fashion, friendship and philanthropy before a seated dinner under a beautifully decorated tent. Afterward, the tent was turned into a dance party as guests of all ages joined in the revelry.

Todd’s favorite part of the evening is mingling with friends and his Mint family all in support of art. “It is all so inspiring, moving and intensely gratifying to witness the energy and enthusiasm for our mission,” he says. “What I also find inspiring are the mix of people at our gala who support the Mint and many of the other arts organizations in Charlotte. It truly is an ecosystem that only survives when we all work together.”

A MAGICAL MORNING

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Photos by Travis Burton, TO2 Photography

Nina Campbell, one of the world’s most influential interior designers, was the speaker at the Mint Museum Auxiliary’s Room to Bloom Decorative Arts Symposium. The sold-out event at Charlotte Country Club was sponsored by Wells Fargo Private Bank and co-chaired by the Auxiliary’s Keri Clavin and Amy Kerr.

“The Mint is so grateful to the Auxiliary for their hard work on this extraordinary event,” says Hillary Cooper, Director of Advancement & Communications for the Mint Museum. “It serves as a wonderful fundraiser and friend-raiser for the museum. The caliber of speaker they annually attract is top-notch and the beauty, color, inspiration, positive energy, and palatable enthusiasm shared for art, design, and the Mint’s mission is absolutely electric.”

Campbell — whose clients include British Royalty, Rod Stewart and Ringo Starr — delighted the crowd with her sharp wit and timeless style. After her talk, she signed copies of her newest book, Nina Campbell Interior Decoration: Elegance and Ease. Then guests were seated for a lovely luncheon.

“What an honor to hear and learn from such a legend within the interior design industry,” Hillary says. “I loved when shared that brown furniture has always been in fashion and is experiencing a Renaissance – long live Lady Campbell.”

CELEBRATING WOMEN

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Photos by Tricia Coyne Photography

The mission of the Visionary Women Luncheon is to celebrate the power and purpose of women coming together to share big ideas that benefit the community. It's presented annually by Wells Fargo Private Bank, Queens University of Charlotte and the Mint Museum.

The luncheon is also a tribute to the past 34 recipients of Queens University of Charlotte's Business Woman of the Year; and the Charlotte Woman of the Year program, which began in 1955. Charlotte's 2019 Business Woman of the Year is Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President and System Chief of Staff for Atrium Health.

“This event is unique because it is singularly focused on celebrating women, women empowerment, women supporting other women and women coming together to make a difference in our community,” says Madelyn Caple, Managing Director for Wells Fargo Private Bank. “Every detail is perfect — the invitation, the flowers, the menu and the program content — it’s all so thoughtful,” she says.

For the first time, the luncheon was held outdoors on the grounds of the Mint Museum Randolph amid gorgeous displays from Watered Garden Florist. Acclaimed artist Windy O’Connor created the designs that were used for the tablecloths and the invitations.

While guests enjoyed a delicious meal from Porcupine Provisions, speaker Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Beautycounter cosmetics, was interviewed on stage by Pamela Davies, former president of Queens University of Charlotte and the 2018 Charlotte Business Woman of the Year recipient.

Gregg’s cosmetics company is revolutionizing the industry by creating clean and sustainable products while also advocating for safer beauty laws.

Attendees were delighted to discover that Gregg is the cousin of sisters Hillary Cooper, The Mint Museum’s Director of Advancement & Communications, and Leslie Culbertson, Corporate Relations Manager for Anne Neilson Fine Art.

“Leslie and I are so proud of Gregg — she is an incredible person, wife, mother, entrepreneur, and friend,” Hillary says. “She has always been smart, driven, fearless, and confident. She has built an amazing business and is transforming the world.”

The warmth of the crowd and the meaningfulness of the event left an impression on the guest of honor.

“Gregg was blown away by the luncheon, the women she met in Charlotte and how engaging everyone was,” Madelyn says.

VISIONARY WOMEN LUNCHEON

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                                                                          Tricia Coyne Photography

The Visionary Women Luncheon has a beautiful mission: to celebrate the power and purpose of women coming together to connect, listen and share. It's presented annually by Queens University of Charlotte, Wells Fargo Private Bank and the Mint Museum. 

Catherine M. Austin Designs, Todd Murphy Events and Watered Garden Florist transformed the Frances Young Dining Room at Morrison Hall on the university's campus into a garden inspired by fashion designer Oscar de la Renta. Porcupine Provisions created the delicious spring menu. And Arzberger Stationers set the tone for the event by designing the gorgeous invitations. 

Along with honoring all women, the luncheon is also a chance to pay tribute to the past 33 recipients of the Queens University of Charlotte's Business Woman of the Year; and the Charlotte Woman of the Year program, which began in 1955. Charlotte's 2018 Woman of the Year is the university’s president, Pamela Davies.

Host committee members Madelyn Caple, Pamela Davies, Hillary Cooper and past Charlotte Business Woman of the Year winners Joan Zimmerman, Theresa Drew and Mayor Vi Lyles planned an interesting program featuring speaker Alexis Jones. Alexis is an internationally recognized author, activist, speaker and media personality. She talked about her I Am That Girl nonprofit and why she founded the ProtectHer locker room program that educates male athletes  on the importance of respecting women. 

One of the most exciting moments was Madelyn Caple, Regional Manager for Wells Fargo Private Bank, announcing the Wells Fargo Foundation grant investments of over $750,000 in philanthropic support for nonprofits and organizations serving the needs of girls and women. Along with generous donations to many recipients, it was also revealed that Wells Fargo is the lead $50,000 underwriter of Charlotte’s innovative new Family Justice Center in partnership with The Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage. It will give domestic violence victims and their children access to all the services they need in a single place.