Clarinetist Chadwick Thomas and pianist Yujin Lee present a concert inspired by the Friends and Enemies of Modern Music, a society founded by celebrated Wadsworth Director Arthur Everett “Chick” Austin, Jr. (1900–1957) that sponsored performances by pioneering modern composers in Hartford in the 1930s. Before the performance, drop by the galleries to view Staging Modernism: How the Wadsworth Made America Modern.
Free with museum admission.
Supported by the Saunders Foundation Endowment for Music and the Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation Fund at The Wadsworth.
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.
Persona poems are written from the perspective of someone or something else—a historical figure, an animal, a personified object, a fictional character, someone in a photo—using “I” to give voice and understanding to a different being and inspire exploration into emotions, ideas, possibilities and experiences beyond the poet’s own.
Using AMP’s extraordinary mural as muse, participants are invited to stretch their imaginations and explore the potential of others. We’ll warm-up with a viewing/discussion of three incredible examples of persona poetry to help inspire our writing and our pens, and then dive into writing our own pieces. There will be time at the end for sharing out loud.
Registration fee includes the workshop and admission to AMP. Participants are invited to tour the exhibit before or after the workshop. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided, and participants are free to bring their own beverage and food if desired. Please bring a pen/pencil and notebook.
Elizabeth Thomas is a published writer, performer and educator who designs and teaches creative writing programs for all ages. The author of two poetry collections and a book on writing, she has been an outstanding advocate of youth in the arts, she is a Master Teaching Artist for The Bushnell and has presented workshops for Capitol Region Educational Council, New England Association of Teachers of English, Florida and Georgia Teacher’s Council, Florida Literacy Coalition and taught Poetry as Theater in United Arab Emirates. For many years, Elizabeth served as coach and organizer with Brave New Voices: International Youth Poetry Slam and Festival.
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 on Saturday, June 13, from 1–3 PM for a FREE Screenprinting Summer Sampler Session at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking! Perfect for beginners, families, and curious creatives, this hands-on workshop offers a fun introduction to the art of screenprinting. Open to all ages and experience levels, participants under 14 must attend with an adult.
We will be printing pre-designed images on paper, but if you would like to bring your own t-shirt, bandana, tote bag, or other fabric item, we will help you print our design onto that as well!
All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with a unique handmade print in just minutes!
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.
Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of a Living
In 2026, American Mural Project observes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This multi-part program explores how work has shaped our national consciousness and Connecticut communities across history through personal storytelling workshops, live performance, film screenings, exhibits, and lectures. Together, these programs engage participants in remembering pivotal events, amplifying personal stories, and sparking dialogue about how labor continues to shape American culture and civic life today.
So What Do You Do?: Work Stories Live
Friday, May 1 | Doors: 6pm | Show: 7pm
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Oftentimes when meeting someone new, one of the first questions asked is, “So what do you do?” Of course, the question really means “What do you do for work?” Terry Wolfisch Cole, Moth GRANDSlam champion and founder/producer of Tell Me Another storytelling events, curates an evening of live storytelling inspired by our mural: tales of the work we do, the work we’ve done, and what our work reveals about us. Experienced storytellers and newbies drawn from our community will create a moving, funny and unique evening certain to make us reflect on the role of work in our lives.
Who doesn’t need to decompress and unwind after the grind? AMP’s popular Happy Hour Piano Series eases you into the weekend with live piano music and libations in Connecticut’s most unique art space.
Held the fourth Friday of the month from 5pm to 7pm, AMP’s Happy Hour Piano Series features a captivating pianist performing in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, pop, classical, and more. It can be a relaxed hang with friends or an intimate evening out.
Reserve your $8 tickets in advance or purchase at the door.
AMP’s regular Friday exhibit hours (10am to 5pm) are extended for the Happy Hour Piano Series, 5–7pm. The cash/credit bar opens at 5pm. Live music begins at 5:30pm.
The Happy Hour Piano Series is supported in part by the Greenberg family.
Isabella Mendes, jazz and bossa nova
Friday, April 24
5–7pm | Music Starts: 5:30pm
Singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and educator Isabella Mendes is one of New Haven and Hartford County’s top Brazilian and Jazz entertainers in the industry and has earned an impressive list of accomplishments well beyond her years. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Isabella started to study music at age four and hasn’t stopped since. She has been studying with Grammy Winner pianist Fabio Torres and Emmy Winner vocalist Michal Towber. Isabella is also the founder and owner of IMMusic Studio, a private music school, where she teaches piano and voice. She is an advocate for women and diversity in the arts, and is leading workshops bringing diversity through music in schools and community events.
Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of a Living
In 2026, American Mural Project observes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This multi-part program explores how work has shaped our national consciousness and Connecticut communities across history through personal storytelling workshops, live performance, film screenings, exhibits, and lectures. Together, these programs engage participants in remembering pivotal events, amplifying personal stories, and sparking dialogue about how labor continues to shape American culture and civic life today.
Women of the American Revolution
Sunday, April 26 | 1–3pm
HISTORY TALK
Historian Hamish Lutris presents a fascinating illustrated talk on some of the women who played significant and often-hidden roles in the American Revolution.
Sponsored by Brooks-Green Woods Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Intimate piano performances in a relaxed art setting
Who doesn’t need to decompress and unwind after the grind? AMP’s popular Happy Hour Piano Series eases you into the weekend with live piano music and libations in Connecticut’s most unique art space.
Held the fourth Friday of the month from 5pm to 7pm, each evening features a captivating pianist performing in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, pop, classical, and more. The Happy Hour Piano Series can be a relaxed hang with friends or an intimate evening out.
Reserve your $8 tickets in advance or purchase at the door.
The cash/credit bar offers a selection of wine, craft and domestic beer, cider, and various beverages. Your tickets support AMP, a nonprofit arts organization.
Natalie Hamilton, folk & pop
Friday, March 28
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm
Natalie Hamilton is a singer/songwriter known for her four-octave, velvet voice and a style that blends jazz sophistication with folk intimacy. Critics describe her sound as evocative, powerful, and uniquely her own, comparing her voice to a young Barbra Streisand and her narrative, lyrical compositions to Joni Mitchell. “She is able to say more with humming than most singers can say with words – reminiscent of a young Barbra Streisand.” (Sandy Cooperman – The Daily Sun) Hamilton is currently performing and recording a new album for 2026 release.
About The Happy Hour Piano Series
AMP’s Happy Hour Piano Series is a standout among things to do in the Northwest Corner of CT—bringing together live music, local talent, and the largest indoor collaborative mural in the country. It’s one of the most distinctive art and music events in Connecticut.
UPCOMING…
Isabella Mendes, jazz and bossa nova
Friday, April 24
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm
Singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and educator Isabella Mendes is one of New Haven and Hartford County’s top Brazilian and Jazz entertainers in the industry and has earned an impressive list of accomplishments well beyond her years. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Isabella started to study music at age four and hasn’t stopped since. She has been studying with Grammy Winner pianist Fabio Torres and Emmy Winner vocalist Michal Towber. Isabella is also the founder and owner of IMMusic Studio, a private music school, where she teaches piano and voice. She is an advocate for women and diversity in the arts, and is leading workshops bringing diversity through music in schools and community events.