A RIDDLE: What is the only collaborative and largest indoor artwork in the whole world? Existng in Winstead, Connecticut? Is the creative brain child of one person? Was built by 15,000 children from 17 states? Measures 5 stories high and 120 feet wide? Was only started in 2003? Is made of blown glass, aluminum panels and ceramic tiles? Is a grand tribute to all the workers who make America great?
If you answered the American Mural Project (AMP) you would be 100% correct! Photographer and painter Ellen Griesedieck was at the Boeing Airplane Factory in 1999 witnessing how engines were installed in 747’s and conceived the idea of painting in large scale working Americans for inspiration, especially for chidren to help them embrace their work. She saw a visual history as a tribute to all kinds of American workers over the past 100 years, to tell their stories and applaud their courage and work ethic. She feels the possibilities are endless: to look at the country and the guys and gals that get it done. Founded in 2001, AMP portraits “the dignity of the American worker with the goal of being an initiative for kids.” To date, 23 more states have also become involved.
With deep personal creativity, Ellen takes individual stories about the people she has met on her journey of discovery, like Eddie the truck driver who for three days shared his community with her as a social master, in a cocky and fun way, or Melissa who didn’t know women could be firefighters until she became one herself, or fishermen like Jeff and Pete who risk their lives on a daily basis fighting a dangerous ocean or Scott who knew at the tender age of three he wanted to be a farmer. Each story is unique and different about a real person Ellen knows, from auto workers making Mustangs to men who endanger their lives every day in a copper mine, truck drivers who keep the economy going to teachers who inspire our children. Together they accomplish something they couldn’t achieve alone and answer the question "How am I important?” They reflect in their giant size the significance of their hard work and why each one matters. To Ellen, the message is “Dream big.”
The emphasis is on what each of us contributes and AMP offers activities Friday, Saturday and Sunday to make opportunities happen, like Family Days, storytellers, scavenger hunts, games, teen vocational camps, outdoor work designing, welding sculptures, lectures on the upcoming 250th Birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, jazz concerts and musical events like a piano concert the fourth Friday of every month. This is a learning experience that Ellen gives as a gift to the community, a celebration of the artists who built our country and as a tribute to the dignity of their hard work, like the creation of the Empire State Building, the George Washington Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as well as homes for Habitat for Humanity.
Another fascinating project started by the Sharon Women’s Club was the donation of 13,000 watches, as symbols of the many hours people give for volunteering without pay to help someone else. Women’s clubs across the country have joined in and now 28 yards of aluminum wire mesh have glued them together. For more information, call AMP at 90 Whiting Street, Winsted at 860-379-3006, the hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are $15, seniors and veterans $12 and students $5, under 5 free. Every month a group of workers enjoys free admission, for example first responders in July and teachers in August. Self guided tours are available. Groups of 10 can engage a tour guide. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase as are hand painted t-shirts by Ellen, postcards and stickers.
Remember the American Mural Project is a one of a kind, the largest tribute to workers in the world, located in Winsted, Connecticut, the creative brainchild of Ellen Griesedieck, built in 17 original states by 15,000 children, a stunning gigantic artwork that celebrates the people who made our country so great. Come experience its incredible and majestic gifts.
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