AMPed UP
December 22, 2018
The Connecticut Economic Resource Center - CERC recently held their annual Celebrate CT! event, which honored economic development successes throughout the state, including naming AMP (and 17 other organizations) a top economic development leader for our contribution to the state's economy!
Digging In: Construction Update
December 10, 2018
Fran, our plaster man, finishing up as fast as he can. Almost done with Phase 1!
Moving In: Mural Installation
December 6, 2018
Ellen finished cutting the Stitch section along the wheel, eliminating the white aluminum areas. Next up: attaching Steve on the right side of Stitch, finishing the tiles on Stitch's plaid shirt, and then hanging the section up. Getting closer!
Moving In: Mural Installation
December 3, 2018
Stitch and Steve, Native American mechanics from New Mexico, are in the building and the first to be attached to the armature in the weeks ahead. First job is to affix the 50 or so ceramic tiles—created by students at the Taos Day School in 2003—that make up Stitch’s plaid shirt. Check out the New Mexico Project.
Art at Work: Education Programs
November 30, 2018
Our “Whole School Mural” project with the Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School in Waterbury has wrapped, and what an amazing experience with those 615 students! Thanks to the Connecticut Community Foundation for making this possible.
Moving In: Mural Installation
November 28, 2018
It’s happening! The first piece of the mural is about to be installed.
Art at Work: Education Programs
November 19, 2018
Kids from our CHAMPS after-school enrichment program had a studio visit with a quilter at Whiting Mills last week. We’re so lucky to be where we are and to be able to offer these amazing learning experiences. Many more to come!
Building Up and Raising Funds
November 14, 2018
It’s that time of year when mailboxes, inboxes, and social media feeds fill up with donation requests. Of course we’re adding to that. From the mill renovation to education programs for the next generation of workers, every dollar truly is making an impact. Click here to donate now.
Digging In: Construction Update
November 1, 2018
Lots of excitement at the mill this week, with Doug, Paul, and Austin arriving from Michigan to install the wood planking on the first level platform and the ramp that goes behind the mural. These guys have now joined the club of subs who have had to work around the HVAC ducts and giant beams, all three showing great skill and the requisite sense of humor necessary on this project. Just incredible to get a chance to walk up on this level and admire the terrific craftsmanship these guys have brought to the job.
Digging In: Construction Update
October 27, 2018
Lots of excitement at the mill this week, with Doug, Paul, and Austin arriving from Michigan to install the wood planking on the first level platform and the ramp that goes behind the mural. These guys have now joined the club of subs who have had to work around the HVAC ducts and giant beams, all three showing great skill and the requisite sense of humor necessary on this project. Just incredible to get a chance to walk up on this level and admire the terrific craftsmanship these guys have brought to the job.
Art at Work: Education Programs
October 24, 2018
Welcome our newest education intern, Nolyn! He is assisting with the CHAMPSafter-school program at AMP, helping the kids enjoy and learn new ways of thinking about music and art. He loves working with kids and is a great help with homework, particularly math. Currently a student at Northwest Connecticut Community College, he’s a hard worker, a great goal setter, and hopes to own his own business in the future. When he’s not at AMP, he loves to draw and doodle clothing ideas, and he’s an avid singer.
AMPed Up at the Art House
October 19, 2018
Another big moment in AMP's history: office space! With desks, chairs, meeting space, staff, and incredible views of the mill next door.
Building up and Raising Funds: Art of Work Gala
September 30, 2018
Oh, what a night! AMP's 3rd annual Art of Work Gala was a huge success. Everyone loved seeing the newly renovated building, the massive armature just waiting for the mural to be affixed, and the incredible height of the space. Delicious food by Spice Catering, beautiful music by players from the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, the opportunity to help paint "A M P" benches, and extraordinary “art in motion” video projections by Joe Wheaton all contributed to an evening full of appreciation for what’s been accomplished and anticipation for what’s to come. Special thanks to our corporate sponsors, Newman’s Own Foundation and Scope Construction Company, Inc. Click here for View more photos.
Digging In: Construction Update
September 10, 2018
Digging down once again—this time for trees. And we’re also prepping the soil for prairie grass, milkweed, and wildflowers. Should be great next summer for our cAMPers!
Digging In: Construction Update
September 6, 2018
We have lights! The crew from Vision Electric, along with their worker-in-training, Delia, made it happen—60 feet up and 130 feet across the building.
AMPed Up at the Art House
September 5, 2018
Smiles abound on Amy's first day! Perfect timing for our new executive director to begin.
Art at Work: Education Programs
September 2, 2018
Beginning next month, AMP is teaming up with CHAMPS, an after-school enrichment program for students in the Winchester Public Schools in grades 1–6. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students in the CHAMPS program will come to AMP for three hours after school.
Tuesday’s program focuses on musical creativity, with AMP instructors teaching students to use instruments, found objects, Boomwhackers®, and body percussion to write songs together “STOMP” style. By the end of the session, all participants will have written and performed original songs—in groups, solos, or a combination of the two. On Thursdays, participants will use all types of art materials, including found and recycled objects, to create artistic masterpieces. From masks and puppets to painting and making toys, students will use their imagination to paint, sculpt, and draw their way around the creative rainbow.
Digging In: Construction Update
August 30, 2018
We're fans of the fans! And the HVAC looks pretty good, too.
In the Studio
August 25, 2018
Ellen has been working on the AMP music tribute, making giant stencils and transferring scores onto the piano. We are receiving some of the neatest letters from people in the music business with wonderful picks for this project, and Ellen wants to continue to load up on the overlapping scores, so keep the suggestions coming! Visually this is so exciting as a surface—and the letters accompanying these selections are drop-dead wonderful, all to be on display in our Visitors Center.
Art at Work: Education Update
August 20, 2018
Last week was such a blast with our Show @AMP kids! Our summer programs are over now, but stay tuned for an exciting summer of programs in 2019!
