Centering the Arts: Our Brand Evolution

Dear friends,
You might have experienced “The Umbrella” as a gallery, theater, workshop, classroom, gathering spot — a place where makers, audiences, and inspiration find each other… often all in a single day.

Our organization is unique and multifaceted. As we've grown, so too has the need to capture all of that in a single brand. This year, we set out to do just that, and we're excited to introduce our new brand identity:

Welcome to Summer Camp's newest addition: the Zen Den! When Summer Camp Staff saw a need to create an inclusive and calming space for students to take a break from the excitement of camp, they transformed our Green Room into a relaxation destination. Adding on to the typical infirmary and first-aid facility, the Zen Den supports both campers' physical and mental health. Learn from Education staff about the process of creating the Zen Den and the positive impact it has already had on campers this summer!

The Intention

Sophie Legault is a 2026 graduate of Endicott College with a Bachelors of Fine Art and joins Umbrella Arts as a Marketing Intern this summer. We "took five" with Sophie to talk about the projects she's been working on this summer and what brought her to Umbrella Arts! 

Reese Stevens is a rising junior at the University of Michigan. She is a dual-degree student pursuing Theatre Management & Producing and Organizational Studies, and joins The Umbrella as a Marketing Intern this summer. We "took five" with Reese to talk about the projects she's been working on this summer and what brought her to The Umbrella! 

Yeonsoo Kim is a South Korean ceramic artist currently based in the United States. His work has received national and international recognition, including being named one of NCECA’s Emerging Artists of 2020. Most recently, he was honored with Best in Show at the 2025 Smithsonian Craft Show and was distinguished as the Featured Artist and Best in Show winner at Richmond Art and Design (2025). We "took five" with Kimto learn what Kim has to say about contemporary ceramic trends, his teaching philosophy, and the unique challenges and rewards of being a ceramic artist. 

The Umbrella is home to 50+ Studio Artists who work across many mediums and genres. We invite you to engage with and support our Umbrella Studio Artists is at our annual events:

The arts inspire creativity, strengthen communities, and help us imagine new possibilities. At Umbrella Arts, we see that impact every day—in our classrooms, studios, galleries, theaters, and gathering spaces.

Last year, our Board and staff developed and unanimously adopted a new strategic plan focused on three goals: serving our community, investing in the arts, and strengthening Umbrella Arts for the future.

After his win for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical at the June 1, 2026 Elliot Norton Awards -- Boston's highest honor for regional theater -- we asked the talented Johnny Shea to look back on not only the night of his big win, but on the production of tick, tick... BOOM! last fall at The Umbrella that made it possible.

1. How did you get started in theater? What inspired you to embrace it as a professional career?

On June 1, 2026, actor Johnny Shea reunited with his cast mates from the Stage Company's fall production of tick, tick... BOOM! to perform "Louder than Words". Johnny and many of his "TTB" team members (including costar Vanessa Calantropo, music director Jordan Oczkowski, and director-choreographer Ilyse Robbins) were also nominated for one of Boston's highest honors for regional theaters and theater-makers.