Article by Diana Kennedy

Along the recently opened 2C section of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Concord, one can enjoy views of the charming downtown area, sunflowers, and cornfields. Now, a public art exhibit sponsored by The Umbrella Arts Center titled “Go Out Doors” further enhances the already beautiful pathway, encouraging people to walk, bike, or run the 2.5 mile stretch of public land and interact with the art. 

Dance Lessons Continue

By Wendy Loveland

Julia Deter teaches tap and musical theater dance classes at The Umbrella to students who’ve been with her for years. This familiarity hit a hiccup when COVID-19 arrived. Suddenly, the classes stopped, and started again, this time online via Zoom.

Dance, transposed to Zoom, brought with it some challenges. Most concerned sensory input, and aspects of studio space that both instructors and students take for granted. Others concerned the technology.

Town Tourism, Local Artists Team Up to Beautify Outdoor Dining Areas

On Saturday, August 15, several Concord families gathered at The Umbrella Arts Center to decorate table covers that will be displayed on picnic tables around town. Painting in shifts over 3 hours, and maintaining social distancing, family groups worked with the guidance of local artists from Village Art Room and The Umbrella.

The Town of Concord Tourism and Visitor Services, The Umbrella Arts & Environment program and Village Art Room invite families to decorate table covers for picnic tables made available by local organizations and businesses around town. The theme is “What is your favorite Concord COVID-19 activity or destination?” Have you been exercising, biking, boating, or taking more walks? Visiting more parks? Playing more games? Being more creative or learning something new at home? A single image or a series of related images that tell a story are acceptable.

By Margie Weeks

A Multigenerational Exhibition for All of Us as We #StayHome #StaySafe #StayCreative

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.