JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Every June and all year long, we’re celebrating the people, art and stories that bring pride and joy to our community. We’re excited to share our lineup of special Pride events, an art collaboration and so much more. Here’s what’s coming up:

SHOW UP FOR PRIDE

• June 8, 18, 20: Pride Family Portraits hosted by OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center. Bring your kids, partners and chosen families for a professional photo op at the Hilldale Rainbow Wall. Proceeds benefit OutReach Madison. Learn More
• All month: Add sprinkles to any shake or frozen custard at Shake Shack for 50¢ during the month of June and support PFLAG!
• All month: Find a rainbow floral display near Bluemercury (perfect for photo ops).
• All month: Pride-related books and free bookmarks designed by artist John Guthrie in our Little Free Libraries across from Metcalfe’s and near Morgan’s Shoes.

JOHN GUTHRIE

PRIDE SCULPTURES BY JOHN GUTHRIE

We partnered with Boston-based artist John Guthrie, whose art embodies the openness and freedom of expression that we strive to bring to our spaces. In addition to the original graphic series, John released new sculptures titled Expression, Hope and Family. In 2022, we had the chance to ask John a few questions about his art, his inspiration and what Pride means to him.

Q: How has art helped you to understand and celebrate who you are?
A: I was born to be a painter. I was put on this earth to make art. Everyday I feel compelled to act on this gift. Making art doesn’t make me understand myself but rather express something that is within me.

Q: What role do you believe art plays (or should play) at a community level?
A: Art should be endemic to the communities where we live. For me, the purpose of art is to allow people, both individually and in group settings, to express emotions, commemorate history, expose injustices, overcome obstacles, and gain an understanding of the world around them.

Q: What do you hope people feel when they see your work?
A: I want people to have a sense of wonder or awe. Every viewer is unique. As an artist who makes abstract work, I realize that everyone has their own reactions to what they see. I try not to be didactic and leave an open range of possibilities.

Q: From what sources do you draw the most inspiration?
A: For the last ten years, non-Western art has been my biggest source of inspiration, including prehistoric art, all varieties and periods of Native American Art, and ancient Egyptian art, to name a few.

Q: What does Pride mean to you?
A: Pride is being my true self and expressing myself fully as an artist and a human being.