‘Vote for Art’ at the Mint Museum Uptown

Beginning September 1, 2012, visitors to the Mint Museum Uptown will have the opportunity to vote for three pieces of art, which will result in the museum purchasing the three most popular pieces for the museum’s permanent collection.

In an effort to engage visitors to Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention, as well as Charlotte residents, the Mint Museum Uptown is encouraging museum-goers to vote numerous times. While only one ballot is permitted per visit, patrons are invited to make multiple visits throughout the duration of the project. For non-members of the museum, admission must be paid for each entry. Voting will initially take place from September 1 – 7, coinciding with the DNC. Voting will then reopen on October 1 and run through November 9. On Election Day, November 6, free admission will be offered from 10am – 9pm, in addition to regularly scheduled free hours every Tuesday from 5-9pm. The Mint does not require voters to be of a certain age; children of all ages are allowed to take part in the process by voting for their three favorite pieces of art.

Chosen by a committee consisting of Mint Museum curators and representatives of the museum’s three affiliate groups, a total of six works of art will be on display. The pieces represent both the local and international art scene, with artist hailing from Durham, Denmark, Brazil, Italy, Spain, and Chile. Of the six works to choose from, three of the works exemplify the best current examples from the field of craft and design, a specific focus for the Mint.

Vote for Art Logo courtesy of The Mint Museum of Art

Due to the belief that the works of art have to be seen in person to fully understand their beauty and impact, no online voting is permitted. For visitors wishing to learn about the six pieces prior to placing their votes, an overview of the project is available from www.mintmuseum.org.  The three winning pieces will be unveiled at the Ballot Ball, held on November 9 at the Mint Museum Uptown. Registration for the Ballot Ball will begin September 1.

According to the Mint Museum Uptown press release, “’Vote for Art’ is a project aimed at educating the public on both the electoral process and the process of building a world-class collection for Charlotte and the region.” The opportunity to learn more about the electoral process as well as help build an internationally-renowned art collection is unique and exciting.