AMENIA — Amenia firefighters responded to a brush fire at 5319 Route 44 in downtown Amenia Monday at 2:34 p.m.
Trucks from the fire department and a full fire crew responded to the blaze with state troopers and rangers.
Amenia fire chief Chris Howard told the News the fire was caused by improper burning.
“There was a burn barrel, someone put a bunch of cardboard in it,” Howard said.
The fire burned an acre and a half of brush in the woods behind the Horton House Scone company.
The fire was contained and firefighters were dousing hot spots by 3:30 p.m.
Amenia fire chief Chris Howard said the fire at 5319 Route 44 was caused by “improper burning.” Dutchess County is part of a regional burn ban that includes much of Southeast New York and New York City.Photo by Nathan Miller
New York Governor Kathy Hochul instituted a regional burn ban across much of the Hudson Valley — including all of Dutchess county — that is in effect until March 16.
While the burn ban is in effect burning brush and uncontained campfires are prohibited.
The annual statewide burn ban will begin March 16 and continue until May 14.
“We had such a fun party for her,” said AMP founder and artistic director Ellen Griesedieck. “I am excited for what is next for Amy and grateful for every moment she has invested in her work at AMP.”
Wynn, who previously led the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, said her decision to step down came after careful reflection.
“It’s time for me to shift into the next phase of my career, which will call upon my 40-plus years of nonprofit experience to do project work,” she said. “I’ve absolutely loved my time at AMP.”
Visitors to the American Mural Project.Sky Johnson
Under Wynn’s leadership, AMP expanded education programs, deepened community partnerships and oversaw key milestones in the creation of its monumental centerpiece — a three-dimensional mural stretching 120 feet long and five stories high — celebrating American ingenuity, industry and collaboration.
“Through all these years, Amy has worked with tireless enthusiasm for AMP, running day-to-day operations and guiding the overall direction of our mission,” Griesedieck said.
During Wynn’s tenure, AMP evolved from a concept into a dynamic cultural campus. She helped professionalize its structure, solidify its funding base and develop programs that drew visitors from across the state and beyond.
“The work she has accomplished, the hours of overtime she has logged, the mountains we have climbed together since that moment are many and miraculous,” Griesedieck said.
AMP also weathered challenging times, including the pandemic, which forced arts organizations to rethink audience engagement. Wynn guided the team during that uncertain period with a steady hand.
To ensure a smooth transition, AMP has brought on Renee Chatelain of RMCreative Solutions, LLC, an experienced consultant, attorney and arts administrator who previously worked with AMP on its capital expansion planning.
Chatelain will serve as interim executive director while a national search is conducted for AMP’s next leader.
“A longtime friend, Renee comes to us with a depth of knowledge on executive transition,” said Griesedieck. “As an attorney, a leader of several arts organizations and a classically trained dancer, she is particularly well-suited for this interim role.”
Though stepping down, Wynn said she will continue her work in the nonprofit field in a more flexible, project-based capacity.
“I’ll be seeking consulting projects with other nonprofits, assisting with grant work and strategic planning,” she said. “What I enjoy most is leading a collaborative effort and finding solutions to challenging problems.”
Sky Johnson
Even as AMP bids farewell to Wynn, its focus remains on the future. The next phase of development will focus on converting a second mill building into expanded programming and community space.
“The next step has got to happen,” Griesedieck said. “It’s absolutely what the Northwest Corner needs — a place for the community to congregate.”
The proposed expansion would create flexible areas for performances, workshops and public events, further establishing AMP as a cornerstone of the regional arts scene.
With community support and grants, AMP hopes to carry forward Wynn’s momentum into a new era.
“She is not leaving,” Griesedieck said. “Amy will always be here for us.”
Founded in 2001, the American Mural Project was conceived as a tribute to the American worker — a celebration of skill, creativity and perseverance. The mural, the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, was created with contributions from thousands of children, artists, teachers, tradespeople and volunteers nationwide.
Today, AMP offers tours, workshops, lectures and performances, all rooted in its mission: to inspire, invite collaboration and reveal the contributions people of all ages can make to American culture.
As Wynn turns the page, her legacy — from her calm, strategic leadership to the collaborative spirit she fostered — remains woven into the fabric of AMP’s story.
