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For it being the dead of winter, we sure have rolled out a lot of activities for 2024. On January 18 we hosted a fabulous Manufacturing Ambassadors event with Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. I met some of the most interesting people doing remarkable work in support of manufacturing in this state. Many of them give professional advice to young people who are entering the workforce. I am looking forward to this group visiting again.
Last Friday, the 26th, we rolled out the first event of our Fourth Fridays Happy Hour Piano Series. Jazz pianist Jen Allen played beautifully for an incredible crowd. She is sheer talent. Everyone I spoke with announced they were coming back for the next Fourth Friday. We may have to purchase more chairs and fortify the bar!
And now, on to February and the annual Friends of Main Street Bubbles and Truffles party. This year it’s at Winsted’s Little Red Barn Brewers on Friday, February 9, at 5:30pm. Come on out! It’s such a fun way to support our town.
At AMP, two long-awaited events are ahead this month. On February 17, the much-loved band Nikita opens up our LIVE @AMP season with some of the best R&B, rock, soul, and funk around. Can’t wait for that magic energy of the crowd in our giant space, dancing on all three levels. Nikita is guaranteed to make that happen. Get your tickets soon. I predict a sell-out.
On the following Saturday, February 24, my friend Edwin Raymond, former NYPD lieutenant, will sign his recently published book An Inconvenient Cop: My Fight to Change Policing in America. Edwin is depicted in the mural and, over the past five years, I have come to know and admire him more and more. Edwin will talk and show a clip from the award-winning documentary Crime + Punishment, which features his story. Having read his book, I think of Edwin as this generation’s Serpico. Edwin’s experiences in policing seem to exceed possibility for someone so young. And if any of you speak Haitian, feel free to ask Edwin questions in either English or Haitian, whichever language makes you more comfortable. I am so excited for you to meet Edwin!
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AUTHOR TALK & BOOK SIGNING | | |
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An Inconvenient Cop
Author Edwin Raymond
Saturday, February 24, 7pm
A leading voice on criminal justice reform, Edwin Raymond will share his journey as an NYPD lieutenant and whistleblower and offer a vision of radical hope. Raymond is depicted prominently in AMP’s mural of workers in his former role as a police officer. His critically acclaimed book, An Inconvenient Cop: My Fight to Change Policing in America will be discussed and signed, and he will be joined by mural artist Ellen Griesedieck. His book will be available for purchase for the book signing.
About An Inconvenient Cop
From the highest-ranking whistleblower in NYPD history, a gripping insider look at the complexities of modern policing and the urgent need for reform.
A Washington Post Best Nonfiction Book of 2023
A Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of 2023
This event is free, but pre-registration is required.
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Five-Piece Band NIKITA
Saturday, February 17
Doors: 7pm
Music: 8pm
Sweeten the pot this Valentine’s Day weekend with a little “Honeytone”—that’s the single from NIKITA’s latest album. That song, and the rest of their psychedelic soul-rock set list, are sure to get you up and grooving.
NIKITA takes inspiration from such greats as Earth, Wind & Fire; Prince; and D'Angelo. They’re known for their high-energy performances and full, five-piece sound, which includes vocals, guitar, keys, trumpet, bass, and drums. Come on out for a festive night of soul-rock-funk-R&B fusion, dubbed “purple soul.”
Cash/credit bar. Food available for purchase.
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The Mural as Muse:
An Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop
with Poet Ed Lent aka Ezra Lovecraft
Saturday, March 2, 9am–12pm
Explore the intersection of art and poetry at this half-day creative writing workshop. In Greek, ékphrasis means “description.” Ekphrastic writing describes a work of visual art, using the artwork as a source for personal and imaginative interpretation. Facilitator Ed Lent will share examples of poems created in response to art, and offer inspiration and guidance as participants reflect on—and write in response to AMP’s mural. Participants will also have the chance to showcase their poetry in The Mural as Muse exhibit at AMP for National Poetry Month, April 2024.
Pre-registration is required.
Adults $20
Students (grade 6–college) $12
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Poetry lovers–save the date:
Saturday, April 20 LIVE @AMP Poetry Performance: Taylor Mali and Ed Fast Trio.
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HAPPY HOUR PIANO SERIES
FOURTH FRIDAYS
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Jeff Boratko, Singer/Songwriter
Friday, February 23
Doors: 5pm (cash/credit bar opens)
Music: 5:30–6:30pm
Admission: $6 at door (Free with AMP Pass.)
Come mingle with your friends and take in the mural accompanied by live piano music. 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.
The piano series is made possible thanks to Kim and Jeff Greenberg.
Upcoming Artists
Maria Centola, Classical and Tango Piano
Friday, March 22, 5–7pm
T.J. Thompson, Blues, Soul, and Jazz Piano
Friday, April 26, 5–7pm
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This year, Summer @AMP is offering seven incredible enrichment programs for kids, tweens, and teens. Mark your calendars! Registration will open on Friday, March 1.
Outdoor Design & Build
Session 1: June 24–28, 9am–3pm
Session 2: July 8–12, 9am–3pm
Ages: 12+
Theater @AMP
Working, The Musical
July 8–11, and July 15–18, 9am–3:30pm
(Participation in both weeks is required.)
Ages: 12+
STEAM @AMP
July 8–12
8:30am–3pm
Ages: 7–11
Led by CT Stem Academy
Grow @AMP
July 15–19
8:30am–3pm
Ages: 7–11
Teen Art Studio @AMP
July 22–26
9am–3:30pm
Ages: 12–17
Music @AMP
July 29–August 2
9am–3:30pm
Ages: 13–17
Dabble @AMP
July 29–August 2
8:30am–3pm
Ages: 7–11
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TEEN ART STUDIO
SECOND SATURDAYS
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Teen Art Studio
February 10
10:30am–12:30pm
Included with admission ($5) or student AMP pass ($25).
Teen Art Studio (TAS) is a once-a-month, drop-in program that empowers teens to work independently and together on self-directed art projects. Facilitated by beloved teaching artist Shana Bazelmans, TAS is a place to have fun with art while making friends. New teens can join any time.
Teen Art Studio is funded in part by Renee Chatelain and Kevin Lyle.
To find out more, email: michelle@americanmuralproject.org.
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National Poetry Month is April, and AMP will be celebrating with a performance and workshops with poet Taylor Mali, thanks to a grant from Connecticut Humanities (CTH). Stay tuned for workshop and performance details!
Connecticut Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs.
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Play with Us on Spotify
Missed one of our LIVE @AMP concerts? Want to hear something again or sample who’s coming next? Check out our new Spotify channel.
What you’ll find:
- Artists AMP follows: AMP performers, past and present
- Nikita AMPlified: ten of our favorite Nikita tracks
- Work soundtrack: classic work-theme tracks
- Mural mix: a playlist, in progress, of songs on the piano in the mural—a representation of great American music from Buddy Holly to Jay-Z, chosen by Ellen and a network of music critics, composers, and performers. (Check out the piano with binoculars from visitor services the next time you come.)
We’ll be adding more music in the months ahead, so keep tuning in!
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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: mimi@americanmuralproject.org. | | |
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Annie Q Simard
KW Realtor
564 Main Street, Winsted
860-841-2633
If you are looking for a knowledgeable realtor who can answer all of your questions about the Northwest Corner of CT and the current market, look no further than Annie. She can help you find or sell your home and can offer sage advice on relocation.
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Wonderland Nail Studio
246 Main Street, Winsted
860-967-9366
Pamper yourself with a manicure or pedicure at Wonderland Nail Studio in Winsted. A full-service nail salon, Wonderland offers high-quality, professional nails care, lashes treatments, and waxing. Whether you’re looking for a special look for an occasion or for everyday beauty care, they will match you to the perfect package. Come with friends, sit back, and relax while they work their artistry magic.
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Leave Us a Review on Google
What has been your experience of AMP? We’d love to know. If you’ve recently visited, consider leaving us a review on our Google Business Page.
Support the arts by making a tax-deductible donation to AMP today.
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CORPORATE SPONSORS
Scope Construction
Northwest Community Bank
R&M Insulation
Hartford HealthCare
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PRINCIPAL FUNDERS
Newman’s Own Foundation
AG Foundation
Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts
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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. | | | | |
