In this August 2014 photo provided by Judy Griesedieck, artist Ellen Griesedieck works on a portion of a giant mural in her studio in Sharon, Conn. Ellen Griesedieck and the 15-year American Mural Project received approval of a 1 million matching grant from the Connecticut State Bond Commission that allows them to finally seek bids to renovate two old mill buildings in Winsted to contain a visitors' center, artist workshop space and a gallery to display a 120-foot-long, five-story-high and 10-foot-deep mural that honors American workers. It is expected to be the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world. (Judy Griesedieck via AP)
In this August 2014 photo provided by Judy Griesedieck, artist Ellen Griesedieck works on a portion of a giant mural in her studio in Sharon, Conn. Ellen Griesedieck and the 15-year American Mural Project received approval of a 1 million matching grant from the Connecticut State Bond Commission that allows them to finally seek bids to renovate two old mill buildings in Winsted to contain a visitors' center, artist workshop space and a gallery to display a 120-foot-long, five-story-high and 10-foot-deep mural that honors American workers. It is expected to be the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world. (Judy Griesedieck via AP) Credit: Judy Griesedieck

A Connecticut artist’s dream to honor American workers with a 5-stories-high mural that ties in contributions from thousands of children across the country is moving closer to reality.

Ellen Griesedieck and her American Mural Project were awarded a $1 million matching state grant to help transform two old mill buildings in Winsted, one of Connecticut’s first mill towns, into a visitors center and gallery space to house a 3-D mural 120-feet-long and 10-feet-wide. Bids are due in August and construction could take about a year.

Once completed, it’s expected to be the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world.

“It’s not some mural on a wall. This is going to be a national monument,” said Griesedieck, imagining how the project will also include artist workshop space, gardens, an amphitheater, and educational programs.