April 19, 2025 in Concord will mark the 250th anniversary of the battle at the Old North Bridge and the "shot heard round the world" on the first day of fighting in the Revolutionary War. Commemorations of the semiquincentennial abound along Battle Road and throughout the Commonwealth, from parades and balls to fireworks and historical re-enactments, and The Umbrella has been proud to work with local partners to plan a robust series of programs that reflect expanded perspectives on history through a lens of the arts.

Where We Belong Lighting Designer Ben Rush took a moment to share the behind-the-scenes magic of lighting the New England premiere – including his “magic sheet” that encapsulates the working elements of the black box theater’s lights.

Rush’s design does not simply illuminate the set designed by Baron E. Pugh; it paints and transforms its surfaces and contours with changing colors, textures, and contrast in order to support the play’s moving story. 

Kat O’Connor is a full-time artist working in watercolor, acrylic, oil, and drawing media, and a popular art instructor at The Umbrella and elsewhere. Her work has been included in numerous exhibitions nationwide, and is currently featured in a solo show, Twice the Speed of Bliss, on view in The Umbrella's Allie Kussin Gallery January 13 - March 23, 2025.

In keeping with The Umbrella's policies to follow the Concord Public Schools and Town of Concord weather related closings, delays, early releases, all CLASSES are canceled Thursday February 6. Thank you for your understanding and stay safe!

Homepage image: Snowy Night by Lonnie Harvey

Article and Photographs by Rebecca Cook  

Imagine a life where the freedom and pleasure you may have felt in art-making as a child stays with you through adulthood. A life where the act of self-expression in putting ink or paint to paper is as familiar as tying your shoes.

The Umbrella Arts Center is pleased to share a round-up of visual and performing arts events, educational programs, and more coming up this 2024/25 season! For more information, see the event links below.

• Jan 29: Summer Camp Registration Opens

• Feb 7: Sheryl Crow feat. Salt Lick Sessions

• Feb 8: Free Family Day

In recognition of Thanksgiving and National Native American Heritage Day, The Umbrella Arts Center offices will be closed starting at 1PM on Wednesday, Nov.  27 and reopen on Monday, Dec. 2.

No classes will be held on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. The building and galleries will be closed Thursday and Friday.

We look forward to welcoming you back next week. Meanwhile, we hope you and your loved ones enjoy relaxing, rejuvenating and safe holidays!

Image: Painting from The Ambiguities series by Thorpe Feidt, on view through Dec. 16, 2025

Following opening weekend, we sat down with Alex Boyle, Liliane Klein and Katie Pickett, three of the cast members of the musical Now. Here. This., running through November 17, 2024 in The Umbrella's Black Box Theater. 

Your character names are your own. What's it feel like playing yourselves and not yourselves?