As she began conceiving her mural, AMP Founder Ellen Griesedieck knew she wanted to include a military worker; she just needed the right subject. After reading about the Air Force pilot who first tested the top secret Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk, Ellen went on her own reconnaissance mission: find Colonel Alton “Al” Whitley. Like anyone in the path of Whitley’s stealth fighter, the U.S. Air Force veteran didn’t know what was about to hit him. When the two met, she knew she had found the right guy.
For the first time, Col. Whitley will be appearing at AMP to discuss his long career leading dangerous combat missions in Vietnam and Thailand, as well as leading the 37th Fighter Wing into combat during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Over his twenty six-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he has led squadrons while piloting the F-100 Super Sabre, the A-713 Corsair, F-117A Nighthawk, A-7 Corsair II, FS-E Aggressor, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Due to his courage in battle and exceptional leadership qualities, Al has received many top military honors including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. After his retirement from active duty, Al has dedicated his life to education serving as the Director of the Air Force Junior ROTC program, and as an Aerospace Science Instructor for high school students.
With our soaring mural (featuring Al piloting his F-117!) providing an epic skyline, Connecticut World Affairs Council Executive Director Megan Torrey joins Col. Whitley and Ellen for an insightful and inspiring conversation sure to cover his high-flying experiences, education, and beyond.
VIP All-Access Experience
AMP is delighted to offer attendees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with Colonel Whitley while also supporting our mission. 𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 guests will receive a private tour of the mural before the talk, priority seating during the program, and access to an intimate post-event reception with Al and Ellen. The reception includes a meet and greet with photo opportunity, complimentary wine/beer, a signed poster, and an additional chance to ask questions of a decorated war hero. Tickets for the 𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 are extremely limited, so reserve early!
The celebration continues along the riverfront with the City of Hartford, East Hartford, and West Hartford. Enjoy live performances, local vendors, family activities, and a vibrant public celebration of freedom and unity.
Free admission | Mortensen Riverfront Plaza (Hartford and East Hartford).
Courtesy of The Hartford, and The Amistad Center for Art & Culture.
The Center for Contemporary Printmaking invites you to celebrate the opening of the 10th Biennial FOOTPRINT International Competition on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 2–4 PM. Join us for an afternoon of drinks, lite bites, and conversation with several of the artists featured in this dynamic international exhibition. Juried by Dr. Amé Bell, the exhibition highlights contemporary innovation in printmaking from artists around the world.
The Biennial FOOTPRINT International Competition showcases current trends in contemporary printmaking within the unique constraint of the one square foot (12” x 12”) format. Though now embraced by contemporary artists, the square composition was historically uncommon in art and presents distinct creative challenges in balance, structure, and visual expression. Within these precise dimensions, artists are challenged to create compelling and original works that push the boundaries of printmaking.
All fine-art printmaking mediums are represented in the exhibition, including woodcut, intaglio, lithography, screenprint, monotype, and original digital media. For the 2026 competition, Dr. Bell reviewed 360 submissions from artists across the globe and selected 90 prints for inclusion in the exhibition.
Join us for a joyful, family-friendly afternoon celebrating Flag Day with art, music, and community.
Free & Open to All
• Complimentary Ice Cream Social
• Live Music by Sweetcake Mountain Bluegrass Band
• Family Fun Activities: Face Painting by Picasso Parties + Pop-up Circus Zone by Circus Moves
Celebrate Flag Day with Fairfield University | Arts & Minds!
Spend a summer afternoon on campus enjoying live bluegrass, free ice cream, and activities for all ages. Bring the kids, meet friends, and soak in the spirit of the day on campus.
The Fairfield University Art Museum will be open from 1–5 p.m., featuring the exhibition For Which It Stands in both galleries.
Location: In front of the Quick Center for the Arts + Fairfield University Art Museum (Bellarmine Hall Galleries and Walsh Gallery)
LIVE @AMP
Our LIVE @AMP series offers intimate musical performances against a huge, colorful backdrop. With its five-story mural and multiple viewing platforms, Connecticut’s most unique art space is also the Nutmeg State’s coolest concert space. Whether it’s an evening of jazz, rock, folk or R&B, Live @AMP is a stellar night opportunity to vibe out with fellow music-lovers, award-winning musicians and vocalists in an unparalleled setting.
Women Take the Lead
This year’s LIVE @AMP lineup puts the spotlight on women artists who bring a diverse array of styles and artistry to vibrant life.
Riley Cotton and the Tin Men
Saturday, June 6
Doors: 7pm | Show: 8pm
Riley Cotton is a Texas-born, Connecticut-based singer-songwriter known for her Americana and folk-infused music that often blends classic country storytelling with themes of identity, love, loss, and longing. She is praised for her old-school songwriting and has released music including the full-length album A House With Blue Siding (2022) and the EP Falling of the Fervor (2024).
The Venue
AMP offers a one-of-a-kind experience for concertgoers, providing tickets with access to all levels to mingle, dance, and take in the entire sweep of the grand art of work mural—plus balcony seating. The venue’s innovative approach bridges music and visual art, making it a standout destination in Northwestern Connecticut.
The first drama ever performed under the Connecticut Capitol’s golden dome now in Torrington, celebrating 250 years of American history.
In 1863, a time when handwritten letters carried news of hope or despair, a correspondence began between two young New England residents whose relationship blossomed in the shadow of the Civil War. Missed opportunities, unreliable mail, and the ever-present threat of tragedy raised profound obstacles that would make or break their bond. This dramatization of the deeply moving real-life correspondence between two individuals proves the triumph of human connection despite all adversity.
Based on actual love letters, this historical drama was produced and directed by veteran TV/film actress Kathy Kelly and written by award-winning, internationally acclaimed playwright Cinzi Lavin.
ACTIVITIES 10AM–2PM | FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY
Roll up your sleeves for art-making activities inspired by National Craft Month. Join a docentled tour of the collection and learn how makers drew inspiration from nature and local materials; then be inspired by the works on view and create a one-of-a-kind wooden artwork. Watch artists from Hartford Stitch contribute to the America’s Tapestry project, a community project celebrating untold stories of the original 13 colonies during the American Revolution. Grab a complimentary bag of popcorn and stay for a free screening of The Inventor at 2pm.
Free. Registration encouraged.
Second Saturdays for Families is supported by the Art Bridges Foundation, Connecticut Health and Education Facilities Authority (CHEFA), the Andrew J. and Joyce D. Mandell Family Foundation, the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, the George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee, the J. Walton Bissell Foundation, Inc., the David T. Langrock Foundation, the Charles Nelson Robinson Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, and the Greater Hartford Arts Council. Program supplies are generously donated by S&S Worldwide.
TEEN ART WORKSHOPS
AMP’s Teen Art Workshops are open to all skill levels. The suggested donation is $10, but all teens are welcome regardless of ability to pay. Come ready to make art, try new things, and connect with a community of teen creatives.
Intro to Oil Painting with Abigail Lindquist
Saturday, February 28
10:30am-1:30pm, AMP Program Room
Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Kahlo, YOU! Many of the greatest artists in history worked with oil paints for their vibrant array of colors…and ability to easily hide mistakes! AMP Educator and Artist Abigail Lindquist will show you basic color mixing techniques and help you create a color wheel mixed from primary colors. As you paint your very own still life, the workshop will cover everything from the basics to safety and storage.
Abigail Lindquist is a multimedia artist and educator with a background in fine arts and art history from Central Connecticut State University. Her work spans oil painting, fiber arts, photography, printmaking, and narrative installation. With over a decade of teaching experience, Abigail designs hands-on programs that encourage young artists to explore their own creative voice while building the skills and language to engage more deeply with art. She has also worked in artist representation and commercial photography, supporting illustrators whose work appears in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and the BBC. At AMP, she leads thoughtful, media-driven workshops that inspire connection, curiosity, and artistic growth.
Fall head-over-heels at Greenwich Historical Society Museum Store Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Shop! From sweet treats and swoon-worthy gifts, the Museum Store is your one-stop shop for spreading love. Discover curated gifts, elegant keepsakes, and unique finds perfect for your loved one. Pop-up vendors include GingerBitz Bakery, Ilyse Pieces and Greenwich Botanical Art. Whether selecting something meaningful for a partner, a friend, or yourself, enjoy a refined shopping experience that blends creativity, culture, and romance. One day only! Gift wrapping included free with purchase!
Bundle up and join Greenwich Historical Scoiety for a peaceful winter adventure in the forest with Greenwich Botanical Center! Children will explore the quiet beauty of the winter woods, learning to spot signs of how animals adapt and survive in the colder months. Along the way, we’ll gently gather natural materials—like acorns, feathers, seed pods, and leaves—that will become the building blocks of our own nature mandalas.
In the Botanical Center classroom, children will use their gathered treasures to create beautiful, temporary art. Families are welcome to take photos of these unique creations before we return all foraged items to the forest for the animals that need them. This is a wonderful way for children to connect with nature, practice mindfulness, and celebrate the magic of the season!