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.