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As we move out of March and into April, I am making an executive decision to get back to work on the back-ramp gallery behind the mural. There are so many things happening at AMP, and there is a definite need to stay ahead of them. It’s good to divide my time between desk work and the mural itself.
As I begin again in the studio, I am reminded how wonderful it is to work on a creative project, physically pushing pieces around and dreaming about how they will all come together and surround you as you walk through that secret back-ramp space. And, of course, there is so much area to cover, so much to do to make this all work.
In my next life, I am going to paint miniatures.
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There is always something fresh to return to AMP for. Each quarter, a different aspect of the mural is highlighted through tours, family activities, and special events.
Our first theme of 2024, Time, ran from January through March and included family activities, children’s story times, and the AMPTalk, The Radium Girls: The Fascinating History Behind the Film and Best Seller.
The theme for April–June is Space/Science. Tours will highlight the work in the sciences and aerospace. Family Day on May 5 will feature a space-themed story time and theater improv for teens.
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The Mural as Muse Poetry Exhibit
Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 28
The Mural as Muse exhibit grew out of AMP’s poetry workshop of the same name. Curated by poet Ed Lent, the exhibit offers select poems composed by workshop participants in response to the mural. This special exhibit and its companion poetry activities are included with admission.
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Poetry Workshop
The Humanity of Metaphor—with Taylor Mali
A Creative Writing Workshop
For High School and College Writers
Friday, April 19, 11am – 1pm
In this workshop, poet Taylor Mali will help you break through the barriers that keep you from using metaphors in your writing. You will play Metaphor Dice—Mali's addictive, imaginative game that aids writers to think (and write!) more figuratively—and invent your own metaphors. $15. Pre-registration is required.
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Poetry Workshop
Restocking Your Quiver—with Taylor Mali
Professional Development Workshop
For Teachers (active and retired)
Friday, April 19, 3–5pm
Perhaps best known for his viral YouTube slam-poetry performance, “What Teachers Make,” poet Taylor Mali knows all about the joys and challenges of teaching. That’s because he’s a veteran teacher himself.
This workshop will breathe fresh life into your teaching-writing process. Mali will share his classroom expertise, refilling your writing quiver with gems like Rhyme Time; Slam Poem Mad Lib; and Thing, Direction, and Discovery. You’ll receive a big dose of inspiration along the way. $50. Pre-registration is required.
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LIVE @AMP
Poet Taylor Mali
Performance, Q&A, and Book Signing
Saturday, April 20, 7pm
“Taylor Mali is a ranting comic showman and literary provocateur.” – The New York Times
If you love slams, performance poetry, live spoken word, or stand-up comedy, Taylor Mali is not to be missed. A stand-out performer who emerged from the poetry slam movement, Mali has appeared in the HBO series “Def Poetry Jam,” Slam Planet, SlamNation, and the Peabody Award-winning “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry.” Mali has performed with such poet icons as Billy Collins and Allen Ginsberg and is a four-time National Poetry Slam champion. He is perhaps best known for his viral YouTube performance of “What Teachers Make.”
Doors open at 7pm with live music by the Ed Fast Trio, a cash/credit bar, and light refreshments for purchase. This special pre-performance hour offers time to mingle and explore the mural gallery to music before Taylor Mali'’s performance at 8pm. A book signing will follow the performance. Books will be available for purchase at the event through the Curious Cat Bookshop.
Tickets on sale now.
Advance: $20
Door: $30
Students: $10
Special thanks to our AMPlifiers: Torrington Savings Bank and the Magnifico Family for their support of LIVE @AMP.
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The Mad River Literary Festival
Founders Hall
Wednesday, April 17
CT State Community College – Northwestern’s Mad River Literary Festival is free and open to the public. This year, the festival features a juried student art exhibition, musical performances, readings, an open reading on the theme of “Becoming,” a book launch for the 2024 Mad River Anthology, and featured guest speaker Frederick-Douglass Knowles II.
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Poetry Sponsors
Events with Taylor Mali are made possible by a grant from Connecticut Humanities (CTH), an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs.
The events are presented in part with support from CT State Northwestern and with funding from the Northwestern Community College Foundation.
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T.J. Thompson – Blues, Soul, and Jazz
Friday, April 26, 5–7pm
You are in for a special happy-hour treat. T.J. Thompson of T.J. Thompson Trio will play blues, soul, and jazz songs while you explore the mural, the Watches Project installation, and The Mural as Muse poetry exhibit.
T.J. has performed with Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead and was a featured artist on Branford Marsalis’ Jazz Set. He’s been a teacher and performer for more than 25 years, playing the music of New Orleans, Memphis, and more.
$6 entry. The cash/credit bar offers wine, craft and domestic beer, select cocktails, and other beverages.
The piano series is made possible thanks to Kim and Jeff Greenberg.
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SUMMER @AMP
AMP’s summer enrichment programs empower kids and teens, giving them expansive opportunities to play, create, make friends, and try new things—all right here on the AMP campus, mentored by their teaching artists.
Outdoor Design & Build – Waitlist only.
June 24–28, July 8–12
Real-life carpentry and woodworking for kids 12 and up.
Theater @AMP: Working, The Musical
July 8–11 and July 15–19
Performing arts for ages 12 and up.
STEAM @AMP
July 8–12
Fun tech-art activities that spark the imagination for kids 7–11.
Grow @AMP
July 15–19
Exploring, gardening, and art-making in the natural world for ages 7–11.
Teen Art Studio @AMP
July 22–26
Authentic art exploration for ages 12–17.
Music @AMP
July 29–August 2
The ultimate, expansive group music experience for ages 13–17.
Dabble @AMP
July 29–August 2
Guided artistic play and self-expression—indoors and outdoors—for ages 7–11.
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Teen Art Studio
Saturday, April 13
10:30am–12:30pm
Every second Saturday, AMP offers Teen Art Studio (TAS). 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 making art while making friends. New teens can join at any time. Free with admission or an AMP student pass. For details: americanmuralproject.org/teen-art-studio.
Teen Art Studio is made possible in part by Renee Chatelain and Kevin Lyle.
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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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Railway Cafe
560 Main Street, Winsted, CT
railwaycafewinsted.com
Start the day off right at the Railway Cafe. They have something for everyone to enjoy—from hot skillet bowls like the Green Caboose and The Conductor, to made-from-scratch Butter Pecan Belgian Waffles. They also offer vegetarian, gluten free, and organic options. Pair your choice with a specialty coffee or tea and you have breakfast fit for royalty. Bring your family or friends to share a bite and gab about the train-themed decor or sit outside on the patio during the warmer months. And don’t pass up one of their famous cinnamon buns!
Thanks for supporting the businesses that support AMP.
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Become an AMPlifier
If you love the LIVE @AMP series, consider becoming an AMPlifier. AMPlifiers are individuals and businesses that sponsor the LIVE @AMP performance series and AMPTalks, helping us bring exceptional talents, engaging speakers, and fun performances to AMP’s mural gallery stage.
Being an AMPlifier is a great way to build brand awareness and credibility while supporting the arts and education. Individuals can also come together with friends as a group AMPlifier—and enjoy special perks. For more information, email mimi@americanmuralproject.org
Donate
Your donation supports AMP’s educational and arts programs for all ages. Thank you for your support!
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CORPORATE SPONSORS
Scope Construction
Northwest Community Bank
R&M Insulation
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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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