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What a GIANT, busy, terrific year for AMP!
I am so impressed with what the AMP team has accomplished in the past 12 months. We all set goals for ourselves and have matched or exceeded them. Even as we have welcomed new staff members, we have increased output in every area on AMP. Our interns and teaching artists are the best anywhere. How do we get so lucky?
As we all look ahead to 2025, the operative word is new. New goals are being set and new programs and events are in the works, including LIVE @AMP and AMP Talks. We have new ideas to introduce to our visitors and new lessons for all of us to learn as we try out different things at AMP.
I have a giant list of must-do projects slated for myself, including finishing the installation sections of the back ramp gallery so we can open it to the public this summer. I am psyched to continue working with the ten Connecticut schools participating in our Regeneration Project. And I have some new ideas of my own I want to try out in the months ahead.
Whatever we go for, and however successful the ideas, we will hold firm to one agreed principle: the American Mural Project welcomes everyone—young, old, and in-between. Our main incentive is to demonstrate how much we can continue to accomplish simply by working together.
And, as always, we can’t do it without you. Thank you for all your help in 2024.
Here we go!
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Only 4 weeks away! Get tickets now for the neo-soul jazz band led by singer-songwriter Erica Tracy of West End Blend. | | LIVE @AMP is supported in part by Torrington Savings Bank, the Magnifico family, and Elyse Harney Real Estate. | |
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Call for Designers – Register Today!
Recycled Runway—AMP’s funky fashion show featuring wearable art made from reused and recycled materials—is back! Designers of all ages and abilities, and both individuals and teams, are invited to participate. Designer registration is open now, so you can secure your spot and submit your design later.
Recycled Runway 2025 promises to be bigger and better than ever, with an emceed runway show, a DJ dance party, and exciting new additions for 2025, including an eco-raffle. Join us on Saturday, May 10 for this spectacular show.
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your creativity, celebrate sustainable fashion, and show your support for AMP.
Sign up today and spread the word!
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AMP Welcomes Pianist Natalie Hamilton
Friday, January 24
Doors 5pm | Music 5:30pm
You won't want to miss this happy hour! Pianist and singer/songwriter Natalie Hamilton has been praised in both Rolling Stone and Spin magazines. She is known for captivating audiences with her narrative, lyrical style and amazing versatility. As a singer and a songwriter, Hamilton is considered a 2024 Rising Artist by Authority Magazine. Her song "Show You My Love" was included in The Essential Western New England Songbook as "one of the best songs ever written by an artist from the New England area." Natalie’s latest album is Live at the Legacy Theater. $8 at the door. Cash/credit bar.
Happy Hour Piano Series is made possible in part by the Greenberg family.
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See Why Everyone Is Raving About the Mural Stories Audio Tour
If it’s been a while since your last visit to see the mural exhibit, now is the perfect time to return to experience the Mural Stories. This audio tour, launched in January of 2024, brings the mural to life through inspiring accounts from mural artist Ellen Griesedieck and the workers depicted in the mural.
The audio stories have received raves from visitors:
“[The Mural Stories] were very informative and provided a depth of association and inspiration that greatly enhanced the experience.”
“Outstanding audio stories!”
“This is a gem, would love more.”
We’re thrilled by the positive response to this exhibit enhancement and are seeking funding to expand the audio tours so we can bring even more mural stories to life. Stay tuned for future updates.
Mural Stories audio players are free to use with admission. You can also access the stories on your cell phone. Transcripts are also available in English and Spanish.
The Mural Stories audio tour is made possible with support from the Connecticut League of History Organizations on behalf of Conservation ConneCTion, and Richard and Laurie Goldsmith.
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Teen Art Studio: Stop Motion Project Now on View
The stop motion project at Teen Art Studio (TAS) is a wrap and the results are nothing short of epic! Over the course of two months, ten teens brought an original story to life, complete with two werewolves, a heroic rubber band, and a fearless frog. Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, the narrative unfolded across two hand-crafted locations—a bustling town and a treacherous mountain—featuring props like arrows and a boulder.
For most, it was their first foray into animation, but that didn’t stop them. Using paper cutouts and animating at 12 frames per second, the group produced over 400 hand-animated shots, creating everything from storyboards to sound effects. The result? A collaborative, creative journey where teens honed their artistic skills and discovered the magic of storytelling through animation.
This month, Teen Art Studio meets on Saturday, January 11. No registration is required—new teens can drop in anytime. Free with student admission ($5) or an annual AMP student pass $25).
Teen Art Studio is made possible in part by the Torrington Savings Bank Foundation.
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Monthly Family Days—The Fun Begins Saturday, February 8
In 2025, Family Days will run monthly from February through May, thanks to a generous grant from the Comis Foundation. Each Family Day will feature a program by a guest presenter and hands-on art activities designed for all ages, creating opportunities for families to explore their creativity together. Most Family Day events will also align with our drop-in Teen Art Studio program, making AMP the perfect destination for visitors of all ages to engage with art and community.
Join us on February 8 for Who works with snakes? A herpetologist! This all-ages program features story time and related craft for little ones, an all-ages art activity, and an educational presentation that includes live snakes.
Family Days are made possible in part by the Comis Foundation.
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AMP School Field Trips: Students Discover the Power of Art and Working Stories
We like to call it “The Wow! Factor.” The moment field trip students step through AMP’s door, they’re captivated by the sheer size and scope of the mural. But this is only the beginning. During the field trip, students are immersed in art, real-life worker stories, and hands-on creativity. It’s an experience that leaves them thinking, “Wow!” long after the day is over.
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Luke Deming
Marketing Intern
We’re excited to welcome Luke Deming to the AMP team as our new Marketing Intern. A first-year student at CT State: Northwestern studying Natural Resources, Luke is a lifelong resident of Windsor and a proud graduate of Windsor High School.
Luke was drawn to AMP’s internship, saying, "I was excited by the prospect of playing a role in such a creative space." Luke has been working diligently on Recycled Runway 2025 outreach and other marketing projects. We’re thrilled to have Luke on board!
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Every month AMP spotlights two of our business circle members. | | |
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Mama Pho Vietnamese Restaurant
242 Main Street, Winsted, CT
When you’re craving a steaming bowl of authentic noodle soup, look no further than Mama Pho. This local favorite serves up fresh, flavorful Vietnamese dishes, including pho with steak, beef, pork, shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Beyond their signature soups, the menu features an array of delicious options, like sandwiches, salads, crepes, skewers, and wraps. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or catering an event, Mama Pho is sure to impress.
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Laurel Bowling Lanes
266 Main Street, Winsted, CT
Looking for year-round indoor fun? Laurel Bowling Lanes has you covered. This duckpin bowling alley is perfect for groups, offering plenty of space and even themed glow-in-the-dark parties. Lanes start at just $15 an hour for adults and $10 an hour for kids, making it an affordable outing for all ages. After you’ve bowled your best (or worst), grab a drink from the on-site Boba Tea Bar or challenge your friends to a game of pool. With bowling leagues for all skill levels, Laurel Lanes is the perfect spot to make memories—and maybe a new tradition.
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Become a Corporate Sponsor
You can be a driving force behind AMP’s 2025 programs. Sponsorship levels include benefits like premium visibility, access to exclusive receptions, and private tours. From $1,250 to $10,000, there’s a perfect fit for your business. Let’s create something amazing together!
For more information please email sarah.blecher@americanmuralproject.org or call 860-379-3006.
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