2021/2022 Annual Report: Gala

Thank you for helping to make The Umbrella’s 2022 Artrageous Gala a success!

Saturday, April 2, marked the return of the Artrageous Gala to The Umbrella Art Center for the first time since 2017. The Gala theme of HOME celebrated not only a homecoming for the organization, but also the many ways The Umbrella provides a creative home to its students, teachers, artists, performers, supporters, and community.

Gala Chair Ellen McHale and the Committee welcomed close to 250 attendees to the event that featured catering by Susan Lane Events in a festive tent, a record-breaking collection of art in the Gallery, and special presentations in Theater 144.

Emcee Billy Costa guided the audience through the evening’s program which was highlighted by the presentation of the Elizabeth Cochary Gross Stewardship of the Arts award to Kim Burns, a special interview and performance with Chuck Clough Jr. and Chris Ruediger, and insights from representatives of the Umbrella’s programs.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, artists, donors, supporters, and friends the event exceeded its fundraising goals and was a tremendous celebration of The Umbrella community.

To all those who participated, donated, and helped… Thank you! See photos from the evening here, and a special thanks to Nick Warchol for documenting the event!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Hero Sponsors
Kim and Dennis Burns | Liz and Phill Gross | Matthew and Stephanie Magee

THANK YOU TO OUR GALA COMMITTEE

CHAIR

Ellen McHale

GALA COMMITTEE

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

CHRIS RUEDIGER

The signature country sound of Concord native Chris Ruediger has scored big all the way from New England to Nashville.

Together with fellow Nashville artist Ashley Cooke, he launched “The 615 House,” Nashville’s first TikTok hype house. The project, which brings together Nashville artists and songwriters to collaborate and promote each other’s music, made huge waves in both the social media and music scenes, and now has over 750K followers.

Chris unveiled his debut EP, Kid Anymore, in the fall of 2021 filled with the relatable truth-telling for which he’s become known. Read his profile in People Magazine's Talented Emerging Artists Making Their Mark in 2022 .

CHUCK CLOUGH

Above The Basement (ATB) is a Boston-based podcast that features casual and candid discussions with local, national, and international musicians, artists, producers, and others from Boston and beyond.

Founded by Concord native Chuck Clough, ATB now has almost 200 episodes and is the recipient of the 2020 Boston Music Award for Podcast of the Year. The Podcast features conversations with the artists shaping our music community, their stories, hardships faced and overcome...and why they love what they do.

BILLY COSTA

Billy Costa is an Emmy award-winning and popular radio personality with KISS 108-FM in Boston.

He delights audiences as co-host of The Matty in the Morning Show and the KISS Top 30 Countdown, and he is the familiar and supportive host of High School Quiz Show on WGBH.

He and co-host Jenny Johnson currently star on Dining Playbook, a 30-minute show that combines two of New England's favorite pastimes: food and sports.

THE ELIZABETH COCHARY GROSS STEWARDSHIP OF THE ARTS AWARD

Each year, The Umbrella is proud to recognize a champion of the arts, someone whose leadership and advocacy has had a profound impact on our community. We are delighted to honor Concord resident and co-founder of The Concord Film Project, Kim Burns. Not only is Kim an artist herself, she is a fierce advocate for building community through the Arts. Sharing her passion for film, Kim has created opportunities for all of us to transcend the typical movie-going experience. From championing many of today’s great and impactful films, to providing professional support for viewings, to creating celebration and community around each screening, Kim, and The Concord Film Project, are a treasured partnership at The Umbrella Arts Center.

THE ARTRAGEOUS 2022 ART EXHIBITION & AUCTION

The Umbrella was thrilled to return to the Gallery with our largest art auction to date -- with many dozens of accomplished regional artists exhibiting!

Pieces were available for viewing in person at The Umbrella's Main Gallery, 10AM-9PM daily, or on The Umbrella's virtual 360 degree gallery. Auction bidding was open for weeks on our easy-to-use WeDoAuctions Art Auction site , culminating in final bidding during the April 2 Artrageous Gala.

Participating Artists