ELLEN'S WORK

Holidays are upon us and there are plenty of exciting things to do everywhere I turn.


As I drive home from AMP in the evenings, it is great to see all the new businesses in Winsted lit up and so warming. I remember not too long ago when all those store fronts were dark. It cheers me up to see all this activity in town and think about a future for this area infused with all kinds of new initiatives and talent. I am going to make it a goal of mine in 2024 to visit, or revisit, all these new places and start to exchange ideas on projects we can do together.


Limitless possibilities and we can have so much fun giving new things a try.


EVENTS

GREAT MUSIC IN 2024

We’ll keep you warm through the cold months with these upcoming music events.

GET HAPPY! AT THE PIANO SERIES

Join us for happy hour. On fourth Fridays, AMP will be extending its exhibit hours for a new piano series. Relax and unwind after work with craft and domestic beer and wine from the cash bar, mingle with friends and coworkers, and peruse the mural gallery with musical accompaniment.

 

Piano Series Happy Hour

Fourth Fridays, 5 pm–7 pm

Music: 5:30pm–6:30pm

 

The piano series is made possible thanks to Kim and Jeff Greenberg.

JEN ALLEN

Friday, January 26

 

Musical enchantment is ahead with the talents of internationally applauded jazz pianist and composer Jen Allen. Jen is a member of the prestigious BMI Jazz Composers Workshop and was one of only eight pianists from around the world to be selected to participate in the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Workshop event at Kennedy Center, in Washington DC. She has performed with such jazz notables as Don Braden, Jimmy Greene, Kendrick Oliver, Sarah Caswell, Camille Thurman, Freddie Hendrix, Nat Reeves, Kris Allen, Ike Sturm, and Antoinette Montague. Her latest album is Sifting Grace.

LISTEN

JEFF BORATKO

Friday, February 23

 

Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and frontman of Streetlight Shakers Jeff Boratko will light up the evening with a blend of vocals and keys. Jeff has reached international audiences through radio and streaming services, including with seven-time Grammy award-winner Paul Winter’s live-streamed concerts. Jeff’s most recent album with Streetlight Shakers is A Light in the Dark.

LISTEN

LIVE @AMP KICKS UP THE HEAT

You’ve been asking, “When’s the next concert?” Mark your calendar because you won’t want to miss this one.



NIKITA

Saturday, February 17, 8pm

 

Come for a Saturday night of "purple soul," funk, R&B, and rock. Hailing from Hartford, CT, the five-piece band NIKITA pulls out all the stops for an evening of undeniable energy that will have you singing and dancing. Vocals, guitar, keys, trumpet, bass, and drums.

TICKETS

AMP'S STORY

AMP’s Story Now on Screen


Newly released! CPTV (Connecticut Public Television) captures the essence of AMP in a brand new mini-documentary (11 minutes long) by Kevin Kuhl. Share it with your friends!



MINI DOC

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Bragging rights!

AMP After School


The after-school CHAMPS program, with students from Winchester Elementary schools, is rife with creativity and fun. CHAMPS kids got to be the first in our community to collaborate on the whale project at AMP with National Geographic Explorer and teaching artist Kat Owens. But don’t worry, you’ll also have a chance to participate in this community art-making project in 2024.

 

CHAMPS is generously supported in part by the Tinty Foundation, American Savings Foundation, M&T Charitable Foundation, and Northwest Community Bank Foundation.

Just for teens!

Teen Art Studio

Second Saturdays, 10:30am–12:30pm


Know a teen looking for a supportive, social space to try out creative ideas and new art mediums? Look no further. AMP’s Teen Art Studio (TAS) is a monthly drop-in program with teaching artist Shana Bazelmans. Shana is a wiz at providing the right balance of structure and support while empowering youth to spread their artistic wings. Free with admission or a Student AMP Pass.


For more information, email: [email protected].

 

TAS is made possible in part by Renee Chatelain and Kevin Lyle.

Filling fast!

School Field Trips


AMP was abuzz with school field trips all fall, and the winter and spring schedule is filling fast. Limited winter dates are still available. During a field trip, students investigate the world of work and discover their power to make a difference. The mural exhibit is the springboard for lively discussion and inspires students to invent “big ideas” that benefit their communities. Students collaborate, design, create, problem solve—and leave feeling inspired to act.


To schedule a school field trip, email: [email protected].

GROUP TRIPS

“AWESOME EXPERIENCE! Can’t wait to go back. We spent hours there enjoying it.” –Denise Bergenty, Noble Horizons

 

Group tours are going strong–and getting rave reviews. Group visitors are guided by staff to engage more deeply in the art of the mural, the collaborative pieces that are part of it, and the stories behind its faces. By viewing the mural from three floors, groups can focus on specific aspects of the artwork as their guide invites new perspectives.

 

To schedule a group tour, email: [email protected].

NEW TEAM MEMBER

Odin Knutson, AMP intern


Our new marketing intern is keeping us on our toes. Odin Knutson joined the team in November and is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Marketing in Business Administration at CT State Community College Northwestern. “I am elated to be working in such a gorgeous and creative space,” raves Odin, when asked about his internship at AMP. During his internship, Odin will be learning the ropes of digital marketing and social media, and will gain skills in advertising (among a lot of other things!). “Everything I am learning, I plan to put to use in my future career,” shared Odin.

 

And we have no doubt you will, Odin. Thanks for all your hard work!

BUSINESS CIRCLE SPOTLIGHT

Every month we spotlight some of our business circle members. If you’d like to learn more about AMP's Business Circle, email: [email protected].

Whiting Mills

100 Whiting Street, Winsted, CT

 

Step into a world of artistry and imagination at Whiting Mills, Winsted’s hub of artist studios. This month, Whiting Mills transforms into a winter wonderland with their huge annual Holiday Open Studios, expanding on their resident artists and artisans with over 20 guest artists, on December 2 and 3, and also their Holiday Makers Shoppes every Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm through December 17. Beautifully decorated and offering handcrafted gifts for the holiday season, Whiting Mills is a visit worth making.

The Tributary Restaurant

19 Rowley Street, Winsted, CT

 

“The Trib,” as it is known to locals, is a Winsted gem. Family-owned, the restaurant is famous for its wide range of homemade fare–from classic Americana to Prime rib and seafood. It’s easy to find your comfort food either in the rustic dining room or with a glass of cheer at the bar. The Tributary is a great way to top off your day.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support AMP.

DONATION MATCH

Watch your inbox for our annual appeal. Thanks to a generous AMP donor, all donations are being matched through the end of the year.

DONATE

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Scope Construction

Northwest Community Bank

R&M Insulation

Hartford HealthCare

PRINCIPAL FUNDERS

Newman’s Own Foundation

AG Foundation

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

The American Mural Project seeks to inspire, to invite collaboration, and to reveal to people of all ages the many contributions they can make to American culture. A celebration of American ingenuity, productivity, and commitment to work, the project is intended as a tribute and a challenge.

Do you have a Donor Advised Fund? Please consider making a grant through your DAF to AMP, to help us continue to realize our full potential to honor, celebrate, and inspire the art of work!