Join the Fun at The Amp

May 9 Open House activities include a hands-on community mural, art gallery displays, music, food, and more.

Looking for a fun way to enjoy a spring Saturday afternoon? Join the creative crowd from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at The Amp, the Richards Building’s thriving arts and entertainment space. 

Amp Executive Director Walter F. Rodriguez says event-goers can expect to take part in creating a mural, enjoy some music, see a gallery of work by students from the MCOHA classes held at The Amp, and enjoy light refreshments from Sabor Latino. 

Read the full release from Morris Arts:

Open House at The Amp, Dover’s New Creative Hub

Dover, NJ – The public is invited to an open house on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from

3:00-6:00 P.M. at The Amp, a new multidisciplinary arts hub located on 10 N. Warren

Street in Dover. The 11,000-square-foot facility features a black box performance area,

gallery space, classrooms, art studios, and a ceramics center equipped with two

electric kilns. During the open house, community members of all ages are invited to

explore The Amp and enjoy live music, art activities, and tasty bites from local eateries.

Mariachi Dover will be performing, and artist Diego Rivas will be doing live art

throughout the afternoon. Fine Artist Caitlin Lodato will guide attendees in creating a

mosaic, which will be displayed at The Amp. She will be leading activities for children as

well. Light appetizers and desserts from Dover’s own Sabor Latino and Heaven will be

available, along with a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Admission to the open house

is free, and all are welcome.

Creative Placemaking at The Amp

The Amp, built and managed by West Morris Capital, is home to a coordinated creative

placemaking initiative that brings high-quality arts events and programs to Dover.

Supporting this work is a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development

Authority (NJEDA), part of its A.R.T. Phase II grant program. The NJEDA has invested

$15 million in 39 organizations across the state that are revitalizing downtowns and

increasing community access to the arts.

The $500,000 grant supports arts classes, performances, and events, facilitated by The

Amp, Morris Arts, Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, and IDEA Cultural.

Since February, these community partners have brought programs to The Amp, including musical performances by Chambacú Latin Fusion, multi-media art classes for

high schoolers, and an open mic night. More arts programming is in store, including an

arts day camp this summer for students ages eight to twelve.

“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,” said Walter F.

Rodriguez, Executive Director of The Amp. “This open house is a great opportunity for

the community to experience what we have to offer,” he continued.

NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority serves as the state’s principal

agency for driving economic growth, supporting business development, and investing in

community-strengthening initiatives, including arts revitalization. Through the A.R.T.

program, the NJEDA funds projects that enhance public spaces, enrich community well-

being, and boost local economies.

The Amp

The Amp exists to link people of all backgrounds, including those historically

underserved, with professional artists and creators. We offer programs, resources,

support, and classes to enrich local cultural and communal life and to create

opportunities for all types of artists, young and old. The Amp stands as a place where

creativity & community amplify one another and where connection with inspiring art is a

shared experience, not a privilege.

Morris Arts

Founded in 1973, Morris Arts has been building community through the arts for over 50

years. As the designated arts council for Morris County, Morris Arts works to provide

meaningful artistic experiences for all county residents regardless of age, means, or

background. The nonprofit facilitates high-quality arts education programs for students,

community arts events, and arts in health programs that improve participants’ well-

being. Additionally, Morris Arts advocates for the arts and regrants state funds to local

arts organizations, expanding access to arts experiences throughout Morris County.

Morris County Office of Hispanic Affairs (MCOHA)

Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs improves the lives of Latino and low-

income residents by providing direct social services, education and client advocacy. Our

bilingual staff serves adults, children and seniors through programs to support family

stability and empower community members. We are excited to share our eclectic menu

of art classes with the wider community. Through our work, we strive to inspire hope

and community integration. In 2026, MCOHA is celebrating its 50th year.

IDEA Cultural

IDEA Cultural’s mission is to nurture artistic growth, embrace diversity, and create an

inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to participate. Through carefully

curated events, training opportunities, and community collaborations, they ensure that

the arts remain accessible and inspiring for all. They celebrate and uplift the values of

our community through dynamic exhibitions, engaging events, and meaningful

educational programs.