August was not the sleepy summer month I anticipated. AMP continues to move in exciting directions. The staff is busy making plans for fall programing and is looking ahead to 2024. As a group, we are excited as we discuss our favorite moments from this past year and decide what will be most fun for next summer. Michelle, Abigail, and Olivia continue to expand on program ideas for all ages, and now some of AMP’s adult visitors are asking if we might schedule a few similar programs for them. Why not?

I have been working hard to finish the installation of the Washington project we did in 2012 with eight schools in DC. More than 800 kids were involved and each of them created their own silk-screen piece honoring a family member working in a government job. I am pulling the pieces out, one by one, and inserting them slowly into one major wall area in AMP’s back ramp gallery, which will draw people in behind the mural.

As I climb higher on the ladder, drilling these assemblies into place, the whole space is transformed. All these three-dimensional pieces, full of color and light. Each one is special. All together they make up the most thrilling, collaborative work of art.

I can’t wait for you to walk up the ramp and take all of this in. A giant part of AMP, with all these wonderful contributions from kids from all over the country, is still hidden from view behind the mural. But hopefully not for long.

Get excited!

LIVE @AMP

Saturday, September 16, 8pm

One Time Weekend with Ruby Leftstep

AMP welcomes One Time Weekend to the stage for a night of high-energy guitar rock. Twin lead guitarists—Adam Eytan and Zac Mulcahy—shred over Ian D’Arcangelo’s funky bass lines and dynamic vocals, while Ben “Beano” Sullivan holds down the rhythm. 

Up-and-coming alternative rock band Ruby Leftstep opens the show. This tight group of talented musicians take seriously “the independent side of independent rock” and know how to make it fun. 

Come early! Doors open at 7pm for ticket holders to explore the mural exhibit from all three viewing levels. Show starts at 8pm.

Cash/credit bar. Food by Railway Cafe is also available for purchase.

Advance Limited Seating (upper levels) $35

Advance (standing room) $15

At the door (standing room) $20

Students (with ID) $10

RECYCLED RUNWAY

October 21, 7pm

Recycled Runway 2023 is a funky fashion show of wearable art made from recycled and trash-rescued materials. Live models tout fanciful and fantastic designs beside the five-story mural exhibit—making for a one-of-a-kind creative celebration of "the art of work." The environment-forward runway show will be emceed by comedic playwright Jacques Lamarre and followed by a deejayed dance party.

Runway Seating & Dance Party $50

Balcony Standing & Dance Party $35

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

School Field Trips

Fall 2023–Winter 2024

At AMP, students explore the world of work and discover their power to make a difference. The mural exhibit is a springboard for lively discussion and inspires students to invent “big ideas” that benefit their own communities. AMP’s guided, Tour & Explore field trips are fun for all ages. Students collaborate, design, create, problem solve—and leave feeling empowered. To schedule a field trip, email michelle@americanmuralproject.org.

Professional Development for Art Educators and Artists

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Community art-making and choice-based art rooms are at the heart of our professional development programs for art educators.



Visit americanmuralproject.org/professional-development for more information.

VISIT AMP

Watches Exhibit Is Up

If you haven’t visited lately, you will want to! Ellen’s new work, made of more than 10,000 wrist watches, is garnering raves from visitors. The watches represent countless hours of volunteer work, and the exhibit is a great companion piece to the mural.

SUPPORT AMP

You can support AMP’s Recycled Runway designers, the charities of their choice, and AMP all at the same time.

Visit americanmuralproject.org/runway after September 15 to view this year’s fashion creations and vote/donate for your favorites. You can vote as many times as you like. Voting ends at Recycled Runway on October 21.

OUR COMMUNITY

Touch-a-Truck

Sunday, September 17, 11am

Northwest Community Bank

416 Winsted Road

Torrington, CT

Touch-a-Truck is a great Sunday activity for the family, before or after you visit AMP. Kids can explore the many large trucks and other vehicles. All proceeds will benefit the Cancer Care Fund of the Litchfield Hills. $5 per person.

BUSINESS CIRCLE SPOTLIGHT

Every month we spotlight one of our business circle members. If you’d like to learn more about AMP's Business Circle, email mimi@americanmuralproject.org.

Looking for a special gift to mark a milestone? Look no further than the side-by-side shops of F&G Richards Jewelers and The Still River Studio.

F&G Richards Jewelers, founded in 1955, is a full-service jewelry store that offers 14-karat and sterling silver jewelry, name brand watches, and clocks. 

572 Main Street, Winsted

860-379-5366

The Still River Studio & Art Gallery features the work of four artists (Sharon Dougherty, Gail O’Connor, Monica Rosenberg, and Kate Sherwood) whose work has been shown at museums and galleries throughout the Northeast.

568 Main Street, Winsted

860-379-5366

CONNECTING WITH AMP

AMP Store

Volunteer

Facebook

Instagram

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

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!