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Annie Carlano's career brought her to Charlotte in June from Santa Fe, N.M., where she was senior curator at the Museum of International Folk Art.
While she works hard, Carlano, 52, says she's about more than her job. So it's fitting that in a recent interview with the new director of the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, only half the conversation was about work.
“I'm really having a great time,” Carlano said of her new job. She's excited about joining the museum at a “turning point” – before it moves into its new home inside the Wachovia cultural campus rising on South Tryon Street.
Carlano is looking forward to putting the collection, which includes textiles, paper art, glass and ceramics, together in a way that best shows off each piece. Both the craft museum and the bigger Mint Museum of Art are slated to open new uptown digs in early 2010.
While Carlano likes working uptown, she equally enjoys going home to the “country,” specifically to her home in southeast Charlotte near Matthews that she shares with her 9-year-old Weimaraner, Belle du Jour.
Carlano appreciates that Charlotte allows her to indulge in the outdoors and in food she loves. She likes hiking, biking and walking outside and shopping at farmers markets.
“Every Sunday, because I am getting to know Charlotte, I walk a greenway – five or 10 miles – and then go to brunch with friends,” she said.
Favorite greenways? Belle du Jour probably prefers McMullen Creek, because that's where they have seen the most deer. Carlano likes McAlpine Creek best, because it's closest to home and the longest. (For more on Mecklenburg County greenways, go to www.charmeck .org and type in “greenways.”)
Carlano's brunch spots? The Flying Biscuit on Rea Road, Katz's N.Y. Deli & Restaurant on Providence Road and Café Monte on Fairview Road.
Got a question or comment about Living Here? Let me hear it. abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com, 704-358-5179.
