American Mural Project Will Be Five Stories Tall and 120 Feet Long 

Text and Photo by Jeremy Withnell

The first impression one gets when stepping into the cavernous space occupied by the American Mural Project (AMP) in Winsted is one of enormity. This work of art, once completed, will stand five stories tall and 120 feet long. The roof of the building in which it is housed, part of the Whiting Mills complex in Winsted, had to be raised by two floors. There are about a dozen panels of paintings made of honeycombed aluminum depicting larger than life workers. It’s already a stunning piece of work, and the mural itself is only half finished. 

 In addition to the metal panels, many other materials make up the giant artwork. Ceramics, glass, textiles, and marble all are incorporated into the whole. For instance, the fiery blast from a depicted rocket ship is a three-dimensional sculpture of those mixed materials. Interestingly, the panels are not all affixed on the same vertical plane. A special mechanism was built that allows each panel to be adjusted inwards and outwards, giving a sense of depth to the viewing experience. 

In October, the American Mural Project hosted half-hour preview tours. This was the first time that AMP had been open to members of the general public. Amy Wynn, the executive director of the project, was on hand leading tours. She explains, “The whole thing was the vision of artist Ellen Griesedieck, and it began while she was doing commissioned portraits of workers.” Wanting to “wake people up to the value of work”, Griesedieck conceived of a “cathedral to work”. Cathedral is an apt term to describe the experience of viewing the mural, as visitors immediately crane their necks upward to take in the vast depictions of engine repair people, truckers, a lineman on a pole and a female firefighter in the center of it all. “Every individual depicted in the mural is an actual person that Ellen knows”, says Wynn. 

Equally impressive are the plans the project has for the space around the mural. Currently under construction are three levels of viewing platform directly across from the mural. These will be accessed via a ramp until funds for an elevator are raised. There will also be walkways behind the mural, with explanatory plaques detailing the history of the work and the meaning behind it. An atrium connecting to a secondary building will be constructed, forming a visitor center and function space. It is clear that this is a major undertaking that will become quite the landmark in the center of Winsted. 

Detailing the main challenges for the project thus far, Wynn states “Completing funding for the basic components of the construction – basic being having the roof raised, the armature that supports the mural in place, and our Certificate of Occupancy for that first floor – was key.” Also key was, “Hiring staff in order to free Ellen so she could focus more on the complicated process of installing the giant 3-D vertical puzzle, which is the mural.” According to Wynn, the community response initially was one of “confusion”. That is until “they see the space and now the mural, and are in awe as they come into the space and have a chat with us while exploring…it’s becoming more accessible for people to grasp now.”

Along with actually completing the mural itself, AMP will be concentrating on education programming, including internships with high school and college students, after-school programs, in-school residencies, and school visits. “We are growing leaps and bounds in the programming area, and are always working to have funding for the necessary and basic operational support…paying staff, keeping the lights on, internet, heat, etc.” Wynn says. T-shirts, sweatshirts and posters were available for purchase for those interested in assisting towards those funding goals. AMP is always looking for grants, both private and governmental, as well as donations from foundations and individuals. 

Those interested in viewing the mural and exploring the space will have another chance, as further previews will be held on Nov. 17, Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. For more information, go to americanmuralproject.org.