by Jenn Houle

“We must look a long time before we can see.” - Thoreau

In honor of Henry David Thoreau’s 200th birthday this exhibit encourages a slowing of the viewer’s experience of the natural world. What can we learn from looking and how long does it take us to see? As a species we can now exist without stepping foot in the woods. But what happens when we do?

ritten by The Umbrella's 2017-2018 Artist-in-Residence, Meghan Murray

If you peek into my studio, you may notice something odd. Whatever painting is in-progress most likely features a couple people (or aliens??) with cool green skin.

The Umbrella invites community members to the opening reception of BIG Art: Metal in Motion on June 1 from 6-8pm at 40 Stow Street in Concord, MA. BIG Art: Metal in Motion features work from local sculptors Gillian Christy, Michio Ihara, and Murray Dewart. Each of these artists work large scale with metal but despite the rigid medium their pieces are full of movement. Ihara’s kinetic sculptures spin in the wind, while the sweeping arcs of Christy and Dewart’s work move the eye throughout their pieces and The Umbrella’s lawn. Work is on view through September 2017.

One of the most influential contemporary artists of our time, William Quigley, is auctioning work at The Umbrella in Concord through May 25, with a percentage of the proceeds going to benefit The Umbrella. The auction includes original new and rare works, as well as 15 limited edition prints of Lin-Manuel Miranda as HAMILTON available for purchase. 

The Umbrella’s Winter Market is an annual three-day juried show and sale of work in Concord, MA.  This sale has been in existence for nearly three decades and has a dedicated following. 

This year, Winter Market will take place on Friday, December 1 from 1-6 pm, Saturday, December 2 from 10am-5pm, and Sunday, December 3 from 1-5 pm.  In addition to the juried vendors and resident artists, The Umbrella will be filled with food and music.

written by Meghan Murray, 2016-2017 Artist-in-Residence

Written by Dan Kemp

Geraldine (Geri) Barney connects worlds. On Earth Day, April 22, the singer-songwriter will take part in the River Ceremony near the Old North Bridge, walk in the Musketaquid Earth Day parade and perform at the Arts and Environment Festival at The Umbrella.

Geri is a Navajo woman from Tohatchi, New Mexico, who has lived in Boston for the past twenty years, and whose songs express the difficulties and satisfactions of bridging two cultures.

Written by Dan Kemp

Wherever there is some light, a white wall, and a blank surface, you’ll find artists eager to get to work. The Umbrella is no exception. With fifty-five artists working year round in their studios, the building is always brimming with creativity.  

As a portrait artist, one of the great joys of my work is being able to celebrate people and their stories. My current work explores the intimacy of relationships, personal narratives, and how we take care of each other.

If you have a special relationship in your life, I invite you to participate in this unique series of portraits. Perhaps you have a close sibling, a parent, a spouse, or a group of friends who you would like to celebrate. I want to hear your stories.