Shops At Farmington Valley Will Celebrate Pride With Art, Parade

CANTON, CT — To celebrate Pride Month, the Shops at Farmington Valley will hold a parade and display pieces from a New England artist's series titled "A Place for Pride."

The collection, created by Boston-based artist John Guthrie, celebrates Pride and was created in his signature style, which he defines as "queer abstraction," officials said in a news release.

Pieces from the series, which officials described as "eye-catching" and "joyful," will pop up on signs at the shopping center and on the plaza's Instagram account @shopfarmington throughout June.

And T-shirts featuring Guthrie's designs will be available for purchase, with 100 percent of their proceeds supporting the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (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," Elizabeth Ackerman, general manager of the Shops at Farmington Valley, said in a statement. "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."

Additionally, the Shops will hold the "Pride Celebration and Pups and Pride Parade" from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 11. Officials described the event as family-friendly and said it will feature artists from The Canton Arts Council, kids activities and the 2nd Annual Pups and Pride Parade.

The parade will march through the Farmington River Trail and end at the Shops, where it will be greeted by the Farmington High School marching band, which will lead it around the property.

The event is free and open to the public, and 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. Snacks and drinks from American Flatbread and 110 Grill will be available, as will pup treats from Woofgang Dog Bakery.