The Art of Reading: “Red Brick, Black Mountain, White Clay”

Join a guided exploration of Christopher Benfey's celebrated book, which weaves together personal stories and broader cultural narratives. This event pairs the author's insights with the Mint's own ceramic collections, creating connections between the objects on display and themes of identity, craft, and heritage. You'll walk through the Portals to the Past and Ancient Americas galleries, discovering how pottery and clay have shaped different moments in history—from the work of Josef and Anni Albers at Black Mountain College to the potters of Seagrove and early American ceramic traditions. This 90-minute program is included with your regular museum admission, making it a great way to deepen your appreciation of the galleries. The guided format works well for families wanting to learn more about the stories behind what they're seeing. If you need accessibility accommodations or services, reach out to the museum's ADA Coordinator at (704) 337-2081 or via email to arrange what you need.