3th Annual Amplify The Arts Festival

What's in store for you

local Art, food vendors, music and more !

2024 featured artists

Linda Vauters Mickens

Linda Mickens, a self-taught sculptor and collage artist, channels the spirit of activism and ?personal expression through her transformative use of recycled materials. Her journey from a ?30-year career as a NICU nurse to a full-time artist speaks to her enduring commitment to ?community and social justice. Linda's work has resonated deeply in local exhibitions such as ?"Made Visible Freedom Dreams" at Creative Arts Workshop, "Seven Lenses" at Southern ?Connecticut State University, and "Truth in Three Colors" at the Ely Center of Contemporary Art.

Linda's art is also part of the Permanent Collection of The River Road African-American Museum. ?Recently, she had the honor of exhibiting alongside George Clinton on Martha's Vineyard and ?has been involved in the Bitsie Clark Project Second Line, further amplifying her impact. Her ?latest collection, "God Bless Their Soles - Angels Are Everywhere," is a profound reminder of the ?unseen angels who walk among us, hidden in plain sight.

Shaunda Holloway (Sekai)

Shaunda Holloway is a multimedia artist/curator and writer born in New Haven, CT. Her ?writing has been published in ESSENCE magazine, CT Post, Inner City, Stand Our Ground ?Poems for Trayvon Martin and Marissa Alexander, and other publications. Holloway is a 2020 ?New Haven Arts Award recipient. Her paintings and prints have been exhibited throughout the ?East Coast, including New Delhi, India.

Edward Jefferson

Edward was born in Chicago and relocated to Stamford, Connecticut, with his family when he was ?young. In 1983, Edward returned to Chicago and attended Chicago Vocational School, majoring in ?Commercial Art. He was trained in etching, airbrushing, linoleum block printing, and sculpture. ?Edward settled in Hamden, accompanied by his “Windy City” sweetheart. Edward has exhibited ?throughout the country, including at the Essence Festival and Yale African American Cultural. House 40-Year celebration.

His work has invoked forms of beauty, musical blend, storytelling, and movement throughout his ?career. Edward received the State of CT Commission for the Arts and Cultural Development. Grant ?for four years for writing children’s books. Edward has aggressively tailored his craft with his ?recent collections, “The Silent Grace Collection,” “The Time Remembered Woodworking ?Collection,” “Future Belongs to our Children Collection,” “Infusion of the Soul Collection,” his ?new “By Land Then By Sea Collection,” and “The Intimate Tiny Canvas Collection.” These more ?recent collections have a remarkably exciting and dynamic style that combines the breadth and ?diversity of passage with a simple dedication to people and movement.

Jasmine nikole

Jasmine’s art conveys powerful narratives of hope, encouraging self-reflection and ?healing. in a society that often overlooks the individual, she creates art that allows ?viewers to feel seen in their struggles, joys, sorrows and accomplishments.
Most importantly, her work illuminates the strength that resides within each person, ?providing solace and inspiration.
“I painted my own path - a fusion of engineering’s precision and art’s boundless ?expression. Through my art, I invite you to discover your story, finding solace in s?hared s?truggles and strength in the brushstrokes of resilience.

Date: October 12 - 13, 2024

Time:

Saturday: 1:00pm to 7:00pm

Sunday: 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Location:

The Eli Whitney Barn - 940 Whitney Ave Hamden, CT 06517

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