"We've taken all you've given It's gettin' hard to make a livin' Mr. President, have pity on the working man" (Randy Newman) The American Mural Project is a 2001 nonprofit that honors and dignifies the American worker with the largest indoor collaborative artwork display in the world. The three-dimensional mural is a staggering 120 feet long and five stories high and it visualizes the last 100 years of American history through images of its workers. Some of the images you'll see are heart surgeons, farmers, steel workers, athletes, farmers, assembly workers, musicians, police and fire first responders, and even jet airplane builders. So how is it collaborative? It's visionary artist and creator Ellen Griesdieck saw an opportunity to involve over 15,000 individuals (mostly students) across the country to participate in specific art projects and the results of those projects were incorporated into the gigantic finished mural. A video we watched gave a terrific example of this collaboration. We learned that scores of students at an American Indian school meticulously hand painted red and white mosaic tiles that became the shirt of a blue jean wearing mechanic you'll find near the bottom left corner of the mural. Another great video interviewed Melissa, a Brooklyn firefighter represented on the mural. The American Mural Project campus is undergoing expansion and improvements, starting with the parking lot and entry areas. An adjacent mill building will be renovated and eventually connected to the mural room with an atrium. You can visit the mural on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-5pm and on Sunday from 12-5pm. Admissions are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans, $5 for students, and free for children age 4 and younger. I have to give a shout out to Abigail, the young lady who checked us in, gave us some background on the project, and answered our questions. She was so enthusiastic about the mural and the stories about it, she was almost evangelical. What a great and passionate ambassador! If you love art, creativity, and want a real "wow factor" you won't be disappointed by the AMP. read more

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American mural project is the largest collaborative artwork in the world 120ft long and 5 stories high. It took 21yrs to complete it. The mural is a tribute to the American worker from heart surgeons to steel workers, athletes , farmers, assembly workers, Boeing 747 fabricators...and more.It seeks to inspire, to educate, to invite collaboration, and to reveal to people of all ages the many contributions they can make to American culture. That said, I loved walking through the gallery and the best view for a panoramic photo is probably the 2nd or 3rd level. And not to forget the 10000 watch mural on an aluminum frame... quite impressive!! read more

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This Mural Project is Amazing!! Ellen Griesiedieck has dedicated this mural to labor workers and has been working on it for more than 20 yrs. The Mural Project is located near the Whiting Mills buildings in Winsted, CT . It's a huge space . I mean the mural Is 5 stories high and you can go up the stairs to take pictures . There is a little room on the top where classes are held as well. Everything on the mural has so Much detail. They also rent the space for events , they have music also. Make sure you check the calendar for upcoming events. The mural has so much meaning behind it. It's incredible what Ellen did to get her mural Together. She involved workers from Many areas, children as well . There is more to come to This project and it'll be pretty exciting to see what will be in store! Staff is super friendly, things are nice , clean and also there are many detailed explanation and a video about Ellen and her work! read more

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I've never been artistically gifted, and I've struggled to understand many famous painters, but the American Mural Project was both impressive and easy to understand. There was a video explanation of the project, that really helped, but even seeing the project, on its own, before walking past it to watch the video, I understood the significance of everyday Americans, of varying colors and professions, being portrayed in larger-than-life form. It was even more fascinating to learn, from the video, that many pieces of the mural were made by students around the country, and that the artist has done such a phenomenal job of bringing art to children. It was inspiring to read and watch about the various programs. I don't think I've ever parted with my hard-earned money as happily as supporting this project, especially since no food was provided in return. There was also an interesting art piece featuring watches on multiple levels/walls surrounding the elevators. We were instantly impressed by the number of hopefully fake high-end watches, and it was fun to both look at the individual watches, and the art installation as a whole. In summary, if you haven't seen it, or if you need a destination to keep your family entertained when the weather isn't great, or you just want to support art, this is a can't miss venue. read more