Ellen’s Work Blog
September 2024
When I was growing up in St Louis, and I knew the back-to-school moment was pending, I started thinking of all the ways I could extend the summer. I didn’t even hate school. I just loved summer: my chance to dream about possibilities and do all sorts of cool things.
Some might say I am a mature adult and good to go on my own, but I still need lots of inventive, exciting projects scheduled for September to ease the tension. And AMP has a full calendar this year.
I am working hard with our carpenters, Justin and Steve, to install the overhead art pieces in the Ramp Gallery. Going up on ladders, we are challenged to lift and install each 9–12 foot section without losing half of it because they are delicate, three-dimensional resin pieces. Fortunately, these two incredible craftsmen have installed other challenging sections with me. They accept these seemingly impossible tasks without losing patience. Although the three of us are challenged, it is exciting to think about people walking through the gallery, taking it all in.
On the education front, this month I start work with program director Michelle Begley and eight schools in Connecticut on the Regeneration Project. We look forward to our first full project meeting with our participating schools and our advisor, Annie Perkins, from the Mansfield School. I am most excited about seeing all the students come together for the first time to create their three-dimensional Regeneration artwork for the Ramp Gallery. This piece will reflect their environmental concerns and their solutions to climate change. This is going to be big—even for AMP!
And another fun event is happening at AMP this month: News anchor and friend Sarah Cody will give a travel talk with a photography slideshow and sign her new book Around Every Corner in Connecticut on Sunday, September 22. You can purchase a copy of the book at the event. Although we all know AMP is the coolest place to visit in Connecticut, there are so many hidden gems in this state, and it is fun to learn from Sarah about her favorites.
Can’t wait!
