Building Buzz in the Basement

The Amp is a cultural linchpin to Dover’s arts scene. By Dave Chmiel Kaylee Gernant looked into the crowd, took a deep breath, and shared the enormity of a special moment.

“When I started thinking about this project, I said, ‘Is there something else I should be doing that can make a bigger impact?” But the new director of ceramics for The Amp, the arts studio, classroom, and performance space built into the basement of the Richards Building, had a moment of clarity.

“The more I thought about it, I realized that we need to prioritize the relaxing and beautiful things in our world,” she said. “I am grateful to focus on artistic pursuits.”

Gernant was speaking to those attending the first of three Amp early-opening events, all meant to give artists a place to show their works and welcome the community to a space that will offer a variety of imaginative outlets for them to create or witness art.

Walter F. Rodriguez, executive director of The Amp, echoes Gernant’s thoughts.

“The Amp is the anti-AI,” he says. “Be human; make stuff. Creativity is at the center of our humanity; it’s our shared experience.”

The Amp links people of all backgrounds with professional artists and creators. It offers programs, resources, support, and classes to enrich cultural and communal life and to create opportunities for all types of artists—young and old, new and experienced. 

Shawn Dilzer is one of those artists. An electrician by training, he shocked his co-workers in the Richards Building by hanging some of his work in the gallery. “I’ve been drawing and painting since I was four years old. I built a career as an electrician, but I am happy to have a place to show and sell my work. I wake up at night with visions and have to turn them into art,” says the Budd Lake resident.

Vyrin White just finished at County College of Morris and will continue as an art student at William Paterson University. They were thrilled to share their art at The Amp.

“This work of a spider web on a mirror is one of my favorites,” White says. “I love things that are creepy. This gallery gives me that chance to show my work. Otherwise, it would just be on a shelf in my room.”

Hundreds of art lovers have attended the shows at The Amp. More arts programming is in store, including an arts day camp this summer for students ages eight to 12. Whether you are a maker, a wannabe, or want to attend performances, find out more at theamparts.com. 

“We want The Amp to be a place where community members from all walks of life can come to create art, experience art, and connect with one another,” says Rodriguez.