Winsted, Conn. — It was a celebration of workers and the completion of a 120-foot-long, five-stories-high mural at the American Mural Project’s sixth annual Art of Work Gala. The event was held at the location of AMP at 100 Whiting St. on Saturday, September 17. After 21 years of work, the mural was recently completed.
In previous interviews, Sharon, Conn. based artist Ellen Griesedieck launched the American Mural Project as a tribute to American workers.
One of the attendees at the event was Donna Burdick from Lenox, whose daughter, Lynn Kiesewetter, lives in Winsted.
“To me, this mural is unbelievable,” Burdick said. “It’s unbelievable in itself, and unbelievable it’s happening in Winsted.”
The event included a celebration of American music, including performances by children’s choir Chorus Angelicus which was conducted by Gabriel Löfvall, along with performances by Theresa Thomason, and the Miss Milo Band.
“To us, there’s no such thing as a state border,” Executive Director Amy Wynn said to The Berkshire Edge. “I would tell people from Massachusetts to not let a border stop you. We have students, visitors, and teaching artists who are coming from Massachusetts. This mural is a celebration of workers from all over the country.”
Wynn said that AMP has received a favorable response from visitors. “They’ve really enjoyed the mural,” Wynn said. “Our visitor service team always answers the different questions posed with stories about the mural, and the people portrayed in it.”
Wynn said that, while the mural has been completed, Griesedieck plans to add several more pieces to it, and that the educational programs at AMP will continue. “There will always be more to show,” Wynn said. “The campus will continually expand, along with activities and workshops. We plan to grow with our communities, and our community includes the Berkshires.”
For more information about The American Mural Project go to its website.
