Contact information
Michele Huggins, associate director of marketing and communications
michele.huggins@mintmuseum.org | 704.564.0826
Clayton Sealey, senior director of marketing and communications
clayton.sealey@mintmuseum.org | 704.534.0186
Don Vecchiarello, Bank of America Media Relations
don.vecchiarello@bofa.com | 980.387.4899
Roger Fenton (British, 1819–69). Officers of the 42nd Highlanders, 1856, 1856 negative, albumen print.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlotte, North Carolina (August 19, 2025) — As part of an initiative to diversify its collection and deepen community engagement, The Mint Museum is set to transform its photography holdings into one of the premier collections in the Southeastern United States. With a generous multiyear gift from Bank of America, The Mint Museum will receive more than 1,000 photographs over the next five years—doubling the Mint’s photography collection and laying the foundation for a gallery space dedicated to displaying the Mint’s photography collection.
The first group of photographs arrived at the museum in mid-August and features a compelling selection that reflects the breadth and depth of Bank of America’s collection with historic works from the 19th century included with 20th and 21st century. This initial group of images emphasizes the work of Southern photographers highlighting their voices and perspectives.
The creation of a dedicated photography gallery will ensure that photography installations are always on view at the Mint and serve as a resource for artists, educators, and students. It will expand access to world-class photography, support artist development, and inspire public programming that is both inclusive and innovative.
“Photography is one of the most accessible and dynamic mediums today,” says Todd A. Herman, PhD, president and CEO of The Mint Museum. “It reflects how we see the world—and how the world sees us. This transformative gift allows us to share powerful stories, cultivate new talent, and serve our community in new and meaningful ways.”
Among the artists featured in the donation are some of the most significant names in photography, including Richard Avedon, Chuck Close, Rineke Dijkstra, Lee Friedlander, Lyle Ashton Harris, Candida Höfer, Sally Mann, Robert Mapplethorpe, Richard Misrach, Catherine Opie, Irving Penn, Raghubir Singh, Paul Strand, William E. Williams, and Garry Winogrand.
“We are excited to support The Mint Museum as it transforms its photography collection into one of the premier exhibits in the Southeast,” says Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte. “We believe investing in the arts has a positive impact on our lives and enriches the local communities we serve. The donation of these photographs is part of our continuing commitment to creating a brighter future for Charlotte.”
Bank of America believes that art helps support the local economy, promotes creativity and fosters greater cultural understanding. As the bank has grown over the past several decades, it acquired various art collections from legacy institutions like NCNB and LaSalle Bank which were purchased to decorate offices. Today, this “collection of collections” is composed of more than 20,000 works by a diverse array of artists, including many of the most important in the history of photography.
To further support the expansion of this collection, The Mint plans to:
- Launch a “Friends of Photography” support group to help grow the collection and build community connections.
- Host a major photography exhibition in 2027 celebrating the gift, organized by Chief Curator and Curator of Contemporary Art Jen Sudul Edwards, PhD. Allen Blevins, former Bank of America arts and culture executive, and Kelle Botkin, former assistant to the curator of the Hallmark Photography Collection, have been integral to the selection of this gift and will serve as advisors for this first exhibition.
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About The Mint Museum
Established in 1936 as north Carolina’s first art museum, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design. With two locations — Mint Museum Randolph in the heart of Eastover and Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts — the Mint boasts one of the largest collections in the Southeast and is committed to engaging and inspiring members of the global community.