West Hartford Shopping Destination Opens 'Winter Workshop'

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Ground zero for holiday creativity just might be located in one of West Hartford's more popular shopping districts.

Blue Back Square Tuesday announced its newest holiday pop-up experience called “Winter Workshop.”

This is a creative community space that will feature holiday-theme events, DIY classes, kids activities, art displays and more.

This new pop up activation launches as a collaboration between Charter Realty, Image Marketing, and RiseUP for Arts.

In addition to Winter Workshop’s schedule of events, RiseUP for Arts will also utilize the space to launch their “Holiday Exchange” program.

This provides an opportunity for local small businesses to gather, market to the public and occupy a prominent retail space during the busy holiday shopping season.

Located in the former West Elm space on Memorial Boulevard in Blue Back Square, Winter Workshop will be festively decorated for the holiday season.

"The innovative pop up experience will provide guests a wonderful opportunity to mingle, enjoy themed events, shop for handmade gifts, and meet local artists in a creative environment," reads and announcement by Blue Back Square.

"This initiative is just one of Charter Realty and Development’s many new holiday investments aimed at bringing holiday cheer to the local community, which also includes impressive new light displays throughout Blue Back Square’s outdoor common area spaces."

A full Winter Workshop events calendar can be found at www.bluebacksquare.com and will feature holiday-theme classes like wreath-making, ceramic tree painting, ornament making, tablescape decorating and more.

Classes will be offered for a wide range of ages and abilities, encouraging all from the community to come out and enjoy the beautiful space.

“Bringing art to the public has always been a major focus of our redevelopment plans for Blue Back Square, and this latest initiative with RiseUP for Arts is the perfect opportunity to do so throughout the entire winter season. We love seeing families of all ages attend our free summer events in the Square, and are confident that having an indoor space to bring everyone together during the holidays will resonate with the local West Hartford community,” said Paul Brandes, principal of Charter Realty and Development, the owner of Blue Back Square.

“Blue Back Square has been a great partner in supporting the arts in the community. We are excited to have another opportunity to work with their team to bring some holiday cheer to the Square. This is also a paid opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents,” said Matt Conway, executive director of RiseUP for Arts.

For more information on Winter Workshop events, click on this link.