‘Massive’ mural in Winsted to be exhibited June 18

2022-08-13 11:53:43 By : Mr. Sam Lee

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A “massive” three-dimensional mural will be part of a new exhibition later this month at the American Mural Project in a historic downtown mill building. The mural — 120 feet long and five stories high, according to a release — depicts “a visual narrative of Americans at work and celebrates the various professions that have shaped American culture over the past century,” it said.

WINSTED — A “massive” three-dimensional mural will be part of a new exhibition later this month at the American Mural Project in a historic downtown mill building.

The mural — 120 feet long and five stories high, according to a release — depicts “a visual narrative of Americans at work and celebrates the various professions that have shaped American culture over the past century,” it said.

“Incorporating artistic contributions from thousands of children across the country, the mural features a vivid compilation of three-dimensional sculptural vignettes portraying Americans at work — from heart surgeons to steel workers, firefighters to farmers, school teachers to fabricators of a 747 aircraft, and more,” the release said. “Constructed with unconventional materials including honeycomb aluminum panels, blown glass, clay, reclaimed wood, native indigo, and spackle, the mural offers an optical journey and sensory adventure through the past 100 years of work in America.”

The exhibition begins June 18, the release said.

AMP was founded in 2001 by artist Ellen Griesedieck, who “first conceived of the mural in 1999, with a vision to create a giant collaborative artwork that celebrates American ingenuity, productivity, and commitment to work,” according to the release.

AMP purchased two vacant mill buildings and three surrounding acres on Whiting Street, the release said, and through a federal Brownfields grant the property underwent extensive cleanup. A state grant was used for the first phase of construction on the mural building, and the final phase of construction will include renovation of the second mill building for use as an education and visitor center, the release said.

“It is pretty wonderful to think that this idea, two decades in the making, has come full circle,” Griesedieck said in the release. “I have logged a lot of time painting large panels in my studio. Maybe more memorable are the weeks I have spent working on projects with thousands of kids and adults across the country. This is not one artist’s idea but the work of many in collaboration.”

According to the release, “AMP has engaged more than 15,000 students and adults across the country in creating pieces of the mural. AMP has led projects with children from preschool to high school on artwork addressing health, fitness, conservation, energy alternatives, space exploration, and more.”

In addition to the mural exhibit, AMP also offers education programs both on and off site for schools, summer programs and internships, the release said.

“The aspects that the American Mural Project celebrates — innovation, discovery, and ingenuity—match the exact spirit that the workforce here in Connecticut has delivered for many decades, which is why it is so appropriate that this exhibition is on display in our state,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in the release. “Viewing this collaborative mural is an incredible educational and artistic experience, and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to check it out.”

AMP is located at 90 Whiting St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit americanmuralproject.org.