By Wendy Loveland

The Umbrella Arts Center suspended public programs on March 24, following Gov. Baker's closure order in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.  While The Umbrella's 50+ studio artists were permitted to access their private studios, most artists did not come in. One would surmise that COVID-19 interrupted art as it did most other endeavors. However, it was just the opposite for artist Craig Elliott. Craig and his art thrive as the pandemic hammers away outside his studio. 

by Chandreyi Datta

While The Umbrella Studio Artists have not all been able to return to The Umbrella in person just yet, they have been keeping busy and connected online these past few months. We have been motivating and inspiring one another from afar, whether it be through sharing their work, having lunchtime Zoom calls together, or creating a collaborative Spotify playlist.

New Play Series

The Umbrella Stage Company is seeking submissions from local playwrights of new work written specifically for a digital platform. Submissions should be 30-40 minutes in length and should leverage technical opportunities unique to a virtual performance environment to create a fully realized, digital audience experience. 

Plays should feature fewer than 6 actors and may be of any genre of the playwright’s choosing. Playwrights will be asked to participate in a talk-back with audiences following each performance.

For COVID Reboot, a Short Season of Diverse, Relevant Titles

The Umbrella Stage Company has announced a revised roster of shows planned for its 2020-2021 season, while we continue to prepare for a safe return to our brand new theaters at 40 Stow Street.

With all in-person performances delayed until after the new year, the Company's shortened four-show season comprises four impactful titles.

• The Revolutionists - January 15 - 31, 2021

• War Paint - February 26 - March 21, 2021

Meet Ana. Ana is three and a half years old, lives in a small, scenic, eastern Pennsylvania town with her family. She is bright, lively and inquisitive. Her mother writes, “Ana has been really into art these days (as have I).  We have been looking for some new crafts to do.” Recently, a relative sent her an email with a link to The Umbrella’s Big-and-Little Art 2 (Free @ Home) classes by instructor, Janet Scudder.

By Josey Murray

Cooper is modest man who couldn’t imagine why volunteer coordinator, Kathy Warren, would want a profile done on him. Kathy Warren recruited Cooper over two and a half years ago when he was looking for something to get involved in after retiring. Cooper spent the last ten years of his career “overseeing the installation of fiber optic networks at air force bases,” which necessitated lots of traveling. 

By Josey Murray

Dan Kemp is a naturalist, writer, documentary filmmaker, photographer, and lifelong learner. His volunteer work at Umbrella Arts Center gives us only a glimpse into his varied talents and
passions. The Arts & Environment Program has allowed him to use his skills as a writer, explore a new interest in documentary filmmaking, and engage in an enduring interest in the natural
world.

Article by Diana Kennedy

“Follow the action” seems to be the unofficial mantra that Jordan Waterworth has adopted in his approach to filmmaking and in life. His combination of ambition and curiosity have led him to both his undergraduate studies at Suffolk University as well as his position as vital member of The Umbrella’s volunteer staff, taking on a multitude of roles in video projects in multiple platforms.

Although The Umbrella Arts & Environment program will not be hosting our traditional Summer Solstice and Cardboard Boat Race Challenge this year, we're delighted to say that the SUASCO River Stewardship Council has devised a terrific virtual celebration and set of resuorces for self-guided river exploration. We're glad to share the information below.