A piece featuring characters from Winnie the Pooh will be available for purchase at the event, along with other art of Shore’s.
Submitted photo
GREENFIELD – A well-known artist and designer recognized for his Santas, snowmen, angels and pop culture figurines will come to Greenfield this month.
Jim Shore is visiting Cynthia’s Hallmark from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 21, greeting fans and signing pieces.
Owner Kelley Holden couldn’t be more pleased.
“He’s world-renowned, he’s very well known and it’s just really great that he’s coming to Greenfield,” Holden said. “It’s a really great opportunity to meet a well-known artist and then get that really cool piece.”
Shore grew up in rural South Carolina, the son of artistic parents who instilled a love of Americana folk art. His grandmother was a master quilter who taught him patience and skill to create intricate designs, according to his website. In 2001, he partnered with Enseco to create the successful Heartwood Creek brand, which brought him world-wide fame.
Shore’s style combines a diverse color palette with design drawn from American and European folk art forms, including quilting, rosemaling and tole painting. Some of his successful partnerships are with Disney, Peanuts, the Grinch and Country Living.
Holden said in the last 25 years she’s owned the store, Shore has already visited twice but it’s been about a decade.
“Right now he’s been doing a lot of state fairs and he does a lot on (television shopping channel) QVC; a lot of people know him from QVC, he’s very personable,” Holden said, adding that she applied to have him visit. “I have the largest Hallmark store in the country and I have a huge Jim Shore collection – we carry everything. We have a good following so this year, he decided he’s going to go back to his favorite retailers and he picked us.”
Holden said people come from miles around to visit the Greenfield store, and Shore’s designs are very popular. Customers appreciate the variety and selection of pieces, since other gift stores may only sell his top pieces but the Greenfield store has a little bit of everything.
The event will allow people to interact with Shore and get a piece signed. They can purchase a piece the day of the event, or pre-purchase one to ensure a signature.
“Here Together, Friends Forever” is a signature piece of the event, available only that day featuring Winnie the Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore.
“He’s into lots of multiple themes and they’re just beautiful,” Holden said. “The painting on them, the details; they’re really beautiful statement pieces.”
Those who are not able to make it Oct. 21 can still purchase a piece afterward, as Shore will be signing additional items for the store. But Holden said people will enjoy his presence if they are able to make it to the event.
“He is the most wonderful person you’d ever meet,” she said.
The store is located at 1584 N. State St., Greenfield; no need to register in advance. For more, visit cynthiashallmarkstores.com or call 317-462-6749.
