CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On behalf of our Board of Trustees, staff, and the entire Mint family, it is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Patty Gorelick’s passing – one of the museum’s most generous, stylish and beloved patrons for over 25 years. Patty and her husband, Bill, helped found the Mint Museum of Craft + Design and were charter members of the Founders’ Circle. Patty served on the Mint’s board, as president of the Founders’ Circle in 2003 and was a member of the Mint Museum Auxiliary from 1990 to 2006.

Patty’s commitment to, and passion for the arts, was truly inspiring, illustrated by her service on our board, the Gorelick Family Galleries Uptown and many acquisitions for the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, including the iconic “Royal Blue Mint Chandelier” created by Dale Chihuly, “Threshold” by Danny Lane, as well as works by Chuck Close, Tori Ippo and Randy Shull, to name just a few. In 2005 and 2006, Patty’s unparalleled collection of Bakelite jewelry was featured in the “Thirties Glamour and the Allure of Bakelite” exhibition at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design.

Our deepest condolences go out to Bill, Todd, Marcelle, Rael and Patty’s entire family and countless friends in the Charlotte community, and beyond, whose lives have been enriched by her warmth, wisdom, compassion, creativity, style and strength. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Sincerely,

Kathleen V. Jameson, PhD