The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Spring Hill Arts Festival returns to Washington
Celebration of arts, music set for June 16-19 at vineyard
WASHINGTON — Spring Hill Arts Gathering, also known as SHAG, has announced its lineup for the festival, set for June 16-19, as well as a new website.
The celebration of art, music, and community will be held at Spring Hill Vineyards, 292 Bee Brook Road, New Preston.
This second-annual incarnation shares the same spirit of nature, creativity, and collaboration while reducing ticket prices to $25, and children 12 and under are free to attend, to support greater accessibility to as wide an audience as possible,” organizers said in a statement. Tickets are available at www. springhillartsgathering .com, with weekend passes available for $65.
“The most important thing for us at SHAG is bringing people together. Our family has had its home in Washington for almost 30 years, and more than anything, we want everyone to feel welcome,” said Stephanie Ingrassia, who founded Spring Hill Vineyards with her husband, Tim Ingrassia, in 2006, and SHAG in 2021.
She said SHAG's facility is like none other, including a site-specific stone amphitheater built into a hill, a historic grain silo re-imagined by artist Randy Polumbo as a psychedelic immersion, and a soaring modern barn made completely of reclaimed wood and additional fixtures crafted by Polumbo. The Ingrassias' expanding permanent art collection complements the experience, including sculptures by Nicole Eisenman and activations by Lauren Booth.
“SHAG thrives on collaborations,” said Dana Gluck, Director of the Festival. “We are re-partnering with Pride in the Hills, the Art For Justice Fund, and ASAP! because they do meaningful work in communities that we wish to welcome, learn from, and provide a platform for.” She continued, “The Ingrassias and I are excited about our new partnership with the Native Arts Collective and curator Dave Kimelberg of K Art (a gallery based in Buffalo), indigenous-led organizations who are creating an art exhibition by indigenous artists at SHAG.”
SHAG will once again be sponsored this year by Zachys Fine Wine and Spirits, who are curating a destination-based beverage program exclusively for SHAG featuring rare Italian libations, according to Gluck.
For the June 16 opening night celebration, Zachys will present powerhouse female winemakers Alessia Antinori of Marchesi Antinori, and Elisabetta Geppetti of Fattoria Le Pupille, who will engage guests and pour throughout the evening. Star chef Norberto “Negro” Piattoni and his beloved pop-up The Modestos will return to SHAG as chef-inresidence, June 17-19.
“The vineyard feels best when it's filled with people,” said Tim Ingrassia. “Our message to the community is ‘please come, everyone is invited.'”
Festival schedule, check website for timing:
June 16, Opening Night: Italian wines by Zachys Fine Wine and Spirits, wine program with Alessia Antinori of Marchesi Antinori and Elisabetta Geppetti of Fattoria Le Pupille, with a non-seated Mediterranean feast. Danny Jonokuchi & The Revisionists will be accompanied by live Swing dancers. SHAG will premiere its 2022 art exhibition, a partnership with Native Arts Collective. Proceeds benefit SHAG.
June 17: Grateful Shred, Abraham Alexander, Raye Zaragoza, Nat Myers. ASAP! presents its Celebration of Young Writers program as well as the annual presentation of the Frank McCourt Prize. Native Arts Collective presents an artist talk about the on-site exhibition, Indigenova.
June 18: SHAG Pride Party presented with Pride in the Hills, directed by Chris Herrmann, co-founder. Ticket proceeds will be donated back to PITH. Deborah Cox, Betty Who, Shequida Hall, DJ Doctor
Sunday, June 19: Cautious Clay, Lido Pimienta, BJ The Chicago Kid, Nat Myers, Art For Justice Fund presents Performing Statistics, in a program centered around youth justice and ending youth incarceration.
Learn more at www. springhillartsgathering.com , Instagram, @springhillartsgathering or email shag@springhillarts gathering.com