Mint Museum Exhibit Reimagines Feminine Form as Art

'Mint to Be' debuts May 1 at Uptown location, celebrating fashion, identity, and self-expression.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:35am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, geometric shapes in teal, fuchsia, and gold, conceptually representing the feminine form as a living work of art.The 'Mint to Be' exhibit reimagines the feminine form as a vibrant, artistic canvas for self-expression and transformation.Charlotte Today

A new exhibit at the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolina, titled 'Mint to Be: The Feminine Body as Costume Art,' is reimagining the feminine form as a living canvas. The monthlong exhibition, curated by Professor Perrine DeShield-Jenkins, is a follow-up to last year's 'Superfine: Exploring Black Dandyism' and features interactive narratives of self-adornment, storytelling, and transformation.

Why it matters

The exhibit aims to center the voices of marginalized communities at the intersections of fashion, identity, and fine art, providing a platform for self-expression and celebrating femininity as art. It also includes a runway show competition where 20 local designers will compete for a $1,000 prize for couture that best embodies the feminine body as costume art.

The details

The 'Mint to Be' exhibit will feature interactive displays and narratives exploring themes of self-adornment, storytelling, and transformation. It is supported by a diverse group of local artists and the nonprofit gallery ArtPop. The runway show competition will allow 20 Charlotte designers to showcase their couture creations, which will be judged by a panel as well as the audience.

  • The 'Mint to Be' exhibit will debut on May 1, 2026.
  • The exhibit will run for one month.

The players

Mint Museum Uptown

An art museum located in Charlotte, North Carolina, that is hosting the 'Mint to Be' exhibit.

Professor Perrine DeShield-Jenkins

The curator of the 'Mint to Be' exhibit, who previously curated the 'Superfine: Exploring Black Dandyism' exhibit.

Luvly Moon, King Carla, Davita Galloway, Shekinah Williams, Gabi Richmond, and Kimberly Powell

Local artists and the nonprofit gallery ArtPop that are supporting the 'Mint to Be' exhibit.

Will White, Jamie Lykes II, and Gianna Ross

Charlotte designers who will compete in the runway show competition as part of the 'Mint to Be' exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“The 'Mint to Be' exhibit is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the feminine form as a living canvas for self-expression and artistic exploration.”

— Professor Perrine DeShield-Jenkins, Curator of the 'Mint to Be' exhibit

What’s next

The runway show competition will take place during the 'Mint to Be' exhibit, with the winner receiving a $1,000 prize.

The takeaway

The 'Mint to Be' exhibit at the Mint Museum Uptown is a powerful celebration of femininity, identity, and self-expression, providing a platform for marginalized voices in the fashion and art worlds.