CONCORD, MA – Sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library, the 28th annual Concord Festival of Authors (CFA) goes LIVE online to celebrate the written and spoken word with a global audience. CFA events will take place via Zoom from October 16 to October 31, 2020 after months of collaborative planning with organizations in and beyond Concord. Event information and registration links can be found at www.concordfestivalofauthors.org.

Author, Musician, Teacher, and Umbrella Board Member 

By Chandreyi Datta

On Saturday, August 15, several Concord families gathered in shifts at The Umbrella Arts Center to paint scenes of “favorite Concord COVID-19 activities or destinations”. Maintaining social distancing, family groups worked with the guidance of local artists from Village Art Room and The Umbrella.

Passed by Congress in 2010, House Resolution 275 designates the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week.

By Aimee Khan

Imagine a far-off beautiful place only spoken about in stories from early childhood onward, somewhere your grandparents once called their home, a place they left behind. The concept of home is difficult to define, but we all know it as something that should be good. Lois Andersen heard stories about family she hadn’t met, their personalities, reputations, and what they were known for. Her father’s struggling family of 7 children on a farm halfway across the world had immigrated for a better life, leaving that home, never to return.

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.