Vote for Art Ballot Ball: November 2012 Over 250 patrons gathered on Friday , November 9, for an evening of food, wine and dancing and to await the announcement of the winners of The Mint Museum’s one-of-a-kind art election. The museum, in partnership with three of its affiliate groups –Founders’ Circle, the Mint Museum Auxiliary, and Young Affiliates of the Mint – placed six specially-chosen contemporary works of art on view tand invited visitors to cast ballots for up to three. A special early-voting period ran during the Democratic National Convention in September, and public voting for all museum visitors ran through the museum’s November Ballot Ball gala fundraiser where attendees cast the final votes. The ballots were counted and Vik Muniz, Mattia Biagi, and Mathias Bengtsson were the winners. The project drew nearly 20,000 votes throughout its run. Click on any image below to view the event slideshow.

Fall Celebration 2011 Honors Sheila Hicks The Founders’ Circle Fall Celebration set the stage to honor Sheila Hicks where she was bestowed with the Founders’ Circle Award. The Founders’ Circle Award was established by the Founders’ Circle and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design to celebrate the contributions made by individuals whose unique passion, long-term leadership, and extraordinary zeal have created and nurtured a foundation for future growth in the field of craft and design. The role of Founders’ Circle Award recipients in the development of the culture and economy of the field has focused upon assuring an environment in which craft makers, craft patrons, collectors, craft educators, educational institutions, craft presenters, and those aspiring to these roles can knowledgably and confidently pursue their mission, vision, and love for craft. Click on any image below to view the event slideshow.

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Year-end Party at Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy
The Founders' Circle hosted a year end wine and cheese party at Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy on 25 June 2011.
          

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Cocktail Reception Honoring Executive Director Lorne Lassiter
The Founders' Circle feted retiring Executive Director Lorne Lassiter on 2 June 2011 at a cocktail reception at the lovely Pellyn Woods home of Richard and Yvonne McCracken.
          

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Wood Working Demonstration with Anatoly Tsiris
On 1 May, 2011 a group of Founders' Circle members met at the home and studio of Anatoly Tsiris for a reception, demonstration, and conversation about wood turning.
          

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Mint Condition Gala Volunteer and Staff Appreciation Party
On 17 April, 2011 Gala Co-Chairmen Judy and John Alexander hosted an appreciation event for gala staff and volunteers. The reception and buffet dinner was held on a warm afternoon in the lovely back yard of the Alexander home.
          

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The James Renwick Alliance
On Friday evening 4 February 2011, the Founders’ Circle hosted a group from the James Renwick Alliance at the Mint Museum Uptown. Renwick and Founders’ Circle members Marc and Diane Grainer led a walk-through of their collection which is currently on exhibit at MMC+D in the Gorelick Galleries, Contemporary British Studio Ceramics: The Grainer Collection. Afterwards, the groups gathered in the Executive Boardroom for a cocktail reception.
          

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Paper Making Workshop
On 15 January 2011 the Founders' Circle Ltd. offered a paper making workshop with Brooke Hofsess at the Charlotte Community School for Girls.[Photos: Adrienne Gossett]
          

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Cocktail Reception and Tour of the Galleries of the MMC+D
On 26 October 2010, the Founders’ Circle gathered in the foyer of the new Mint Museum Uptown for a cocktail reception. Immediately following the reception, Director of Craft + Design, Annie Carlano, led us on a tour through the galleries of the new Mint Museum of Craft + Design at Levine Center for the Arts.
          

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Cocktail Reception Honoring President CEO Dr. Kathleen V. Jameson
Founders’ Circle outgoing President Barbara Laughlin hosted the Founders’ Circle Ltd. at a cocktail reception at her home in August 2010 to honor and greet new Mint Museum Executive Director Dr. Kathleen V. Jameson.
          

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Founders' Circle Ltd. Annual Meeting 2010
The Founders’ Circle Ltd. held its annual meeting for FY2010 in Asheville NC in June 2010. It was a weekend of dining, home tours and artist studio visits.