The Shops at Farmington Valley and other properties in the WS Development Portfolio, with locations across the country, are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Boston-based artist, John Guthrie. The artful collaboration will feature new works by Mr. Guthrie in a series titled, “A Place for Pride” – and celebrates the many facets of Pride through his signature style, which he defines as “queer abstraction”.
Throughout June, Mr. Guthrie’s eye-catching, joyful pieces will pop up on-site through signage at The Shops at Farmington Valley and on The Shops Instagram account @shopfarmington. In addition, a limited-edition collection of T-shirts featuring John’s exclusive designs is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds supporting GLAAD.
“In honor of Pride, we’ve partnered with Boston-based artist John Guthrie, whose art embodies the openness and freedom of expression that we strive to bring to our spaces,” says Elizabeth Ackerman, General Manager of the Shops at Farmington Valley. “We are so excited to bring John’s beautiful work to The Shops and are honored to have his bold creations on display throughout the entire month.”
To further celebrate, The Shops will host a family-friendly celebration of Pride on June 11th from 11 AM-2 PM. The Pride Celebration and Pups and Pride Parade will feature local artists from The Canton Arts Council, kids activities and the second annual Pups and Pride Parade. The parade will march through the Farmington River Trail and conclude at the Shops, where they will be greeted by the Farmington High School marching band, who will lead them around the property. Dog mini- portraits will also be available from Patricia Galafassi.
This event is free and open to the public. For those participating in the pups & pride parade, dog registrations can be made through Eventbrite.
Proceeds from the sale of the art and a raffle will be donated to the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective. Guests will enjoy music, snacks, and drinks from American Flatbread, 110 Grill and pup treats from Woofgang Dog Bakery.
For more information about the Pride Celebration and the Pups and Pride Parade, visit the Shops at Farmington valley website here.
About The Shops at Farmington Valley:
The Shops at Farmington Valley is an open-air lifestyle shopping destination that offers an enticing selection of more than 45 specialty stores and unique eateries including: ShopRite, Kohl's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, Talbots, Old Navy, Sephora, 110 Grill, American Flatbread and Mercato opening this fall! As a committed and involved member of the local community, they support a wide range of local organizations and initiatives in order to provide not only an exceptional shopping experience, but also the opportunity to experience family fun events and entertainment throughout the year. The Shops at Farmington Valley is located on Route 44 in Canton, Connecticut just over the Avon/Simsbury line. For more information about exciting events and retailer announcements, please visit www.theshopsatfarmingtonvalley.com, sign up for weekly newsletters and follow on social media: @shopfarmington on Instagram and on Facebook.
About WS Development:
Massachusetts-based WS Development is a mixed-use developer with a singular mission: creating places people want to be. With an approach that values art, science, innovation and, above all else, people, WS strives to engage each
community it serves with best-in-class installations and activations. Established in 1990, WS is a vertically-integrated company that conceptualizes, owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties that range from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers. With over 22 million square feet of existing space and an additional nine million square feet under development, it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country. For more information, visit www.wsdevelopment.com, call 617.232.8900 or follow WS Development on LinkedIn.