Take 5 with the 2025 Winter Market Committee

The Winter Market at the Umbrella celebrates its 20th anniversary this year! What started as a vital reinvigoration of Umbrella Studio Artists’ holiday sales in 2005 has blossomed into a beloved community tradition that features dozens of participating artists, guest artisans, and ceramicists offering their creations for sale just in time for holiday giving.

The 2025 Winter Market committee members (Anne Denna, Lonnie Harvey, Deb Richardson, and Barbara Willis), some of whom have been involved for over a decade, are passionate about creating "a distinctive art and artisan-focused holiday shopping experience" where guests can discover quality, handmade gifts while connecting directly with artists.

Winter Market offers something special for everyone, and these committee members have some insider tips to help you get the most of your visit to this festive event! Winter Market is free and open to the public December 5 - 7 (Friday 12 - 5 PM | Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM | Sunday 11 AM - 4 PM). Learn more at TheUmbrellaArts.org/wm

This is the 20th year of the Winter Market! What is its history?

DEB: Winter Market began in 2005 as a response to the stagnancy of past holiday sales. Margaret Savage met with Barbara, Deb and Max and proposed inviting outside artisans to add more luster to the market selections.

BARBARA: Margaret and her daughters, Gina and Madeleine, started visiting local craft fairs and collecting names of artists we might consider inviting, Max and Deb added more, and I brought names from a couple of stores in which I worked. In 2005, our first year, we had 11 guest artists show their work with us, the second year there were 14. As we became more confident and knowledgeable we invited more artisans from the area. This year there will be 27 joining the 32 participating resident artists at the Umbrella, along with the ceramics sale.  

Why did you join the planning committee?

LONNIE: I joined the committee over 10 years ago when the other members needed a break. The first year was difficult, only me and Lois Andersen at the helm, and it was so much work!  It was definitely not my favorite year, but it has improved immensely and gotten much easier and more organized over the years, especially with [Visual Arts Manager] Julia [Martorell] here.

ANNE: I sat in on a Winter Market committee meeting at the invitation of a committee member. I was impressed with the artists’ years-long commitment to creating such a distinctive art and artisan-focused holiday shopping experience.

DEB: Because it was a fun outreach to our community and beyond, encouraging a broader audience to come see and purchase my work and that of so many other makers.

BARBARA: I have seen guests come into the Umbrella and be amazed and impressed at the transformation of the building that has occurred over the past seven years. They are impressed, as well, with the work of resident artists and our guest artists. Many say, “I have never been here before but I plan to come back,” or “There is so much here to offer.”

What do you hope guests learn, discover, and/or experience at Winter Market?

DEB: I hope the guests, both young and old, gain a broader perspective and appreciation for the arts and artisans in their community. The market offerings are multi-faceted and of a variety of prices. The guests can also learn more about what the Umbrella offers as a whole: artist studio, arts education, gallery exhibitions and talks, arts education and theatre.

ANNE: I hope our guests leave with a recognition that Winter Market provides a great opportunity to purchase quality holiday gifts for all ages and budgets while supporting artists. Guest experience at Winter Market is enriched by conversations with the artists about their work and creative processes. Perhaps we will inspire them in their own art-making or art appreciation.

What are some of your favorite Winter Market memories? 

BARBARA: When children enter my studio, I ask if they would like to see how a loom works. Usually they say “yes” or nod their heads. So I sit down at my loom and start weaving. Their reactions are lovely to see, watching attentively, some almost mesmerized. Hopefully there is a future weaver in the group.

LONNIE: One of my favorite Winter Market memories was decorating the hallway with Max Payne in the old West Wing.  We made it into a supercool ‘Winter Wonderland’ in order to get guests to go back into that area of the building. It was a fun way to turn our old hallways into a festive experience.

ANNE: By far, my favorite Winter Market experience was selling five paintings in one day to one person! So validating.

DEB: Winter Market 2020.The public came bursting in, masks and all, to see our market offerings and to engage in a happy atmosphere, grasping for holiday cheer and conversation after so many months of Covid-caution.

What is your best “insider tip” about how visitors can get the most out of their trip to our Winter Market?

DEB: Visitors should carefully read their maps that include the locations of all artists and the type of work they are selling. They can then choose where to visit in an educated fashion while admiring the first-floor Gallery show, second-floor Off the Wall exhibition, and the art on the third floor hallway walls as they wander the festive building.

ANNE: My advice for the best visitor experience is to come with a list of people on your gift list and begin on the 3rd floor. Take a break after the 2nd floor at the cafe and then continue to the remaining guest artists in the classrooms.

LONNIE: This will be my final Winter Market before I say goodbye to the Umbrella community. I’m hoping that guests will visit me and other artists throughout the entire building. Although there’s a lot to see, try to take breaks and not miss anyone!