Charlotte's Mint Museum announced Thursday key exhibitions for the year, including an unusual collection of decorative pins assembled by former secretary of state Madeleine Albright.

"Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection" will open June 30 at the Mint Museum Uptown and remain on display during the Democratic National Convention in September. Ranging from the subtle to the outlandish, the jewelry was chosen for its symbolic value, a trademark of Albright's style of fashion diplomacy during the Clinton administration.

Among other exhibitions are:

"Surrealism and Beyond," opening Feb. 11 at the Mint Uptown, focusing on art by Kay Sage, Yves Tanguy, Charles Seliger and other surrealists.

"Fairytales, Fantasy, & Fear," opening March 3 at the Mint Uptown, features interpretations of classic icons, including Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella's carriage.

"Sophisticated Surfaces: Pottery of Herb Cohen," opening April 7 at the Mint Randolph, a collection of about 60 works and a variety of forms from the Charlotte artist.

"American Art Tile," opening April 7 at the Mint Randolph, featuring about 40 decorative art tiles dating to the 19th century.

"Heritage Gallery," opening May 12 at the Mint Randolph, a collection of works and artifacts tracing the Mint's 75 year history.

"Matthew Weinstein," opening April 28 at the Mint Uptown, a collection from the Brooklyn artist known for 3D animation. Weinstein has been commissioned to create a digital accompaniment to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's performance of Ravel's "Bolero" debuting May 4.

"Hard Truths: Art of Thornton Dial," opening June 30 at the Mint Uptown, a survey of the artist's symbolic paintings and sculptures addressing social themes.

"Against the Grain: Wood in Contemporary Art and Craft," opening Sept. 1 at the Mint Uptown, features about 80 pieces from craftsmen including Alexandre Arrechea, Hugo França, Maria Elena Gonzalez and George Nakashima.

"Weir Family, 1820-1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art," opening Oct. 20 at the Mint Uptown, contains works from American artist Robert Walter Weir and his sons, John Ferguson Weir and Julian Alden Weir.