arts & environment

The Umbrella is pleased to welcome Madeline Miller as Director of The Umbrella Arts & Environment Program.

We’re really excited that installation is now underway for this fall’s Art Ramble in the Hapgood Wright Town Forest. With all the weather we’ve been experiencing, our curators discovered a huge fallen tree blocking access to the path by Fairyland Pond, but a heroic rapid response by Will Holden from Concord’s DNR saved the day!  Watch for the full exhibition to kick off next week!

This year, The Umbrella Arts & Environment is partnering with OARS to host fun outdoor activities for Riverfest 2021! Join us at The Old Manse on Sunday, June 20 at 1PM to make fish and turtles out of recycled materials. Pick up the One Revolution Art Challenge, copresented by The Umbrella and Minute Man National Historic Park, using our activity sheet to fill in an imagintive drawing of the nearby Old North Bridge.

Musketaquid Earth Day celebrations at The Umbrella will be different this year. In accordance with state guidelines, all activities will be outdoors and limited in capacity. All attendees will be required to register in advance, wear masks, socially distance, complete a health survey prior to participating, and follow recommended health and safety protocols.

Bring your notebooks, sketchbooks, and pencils, because The Umbrella Arts & Environment program is hosting two new workshops in November! These outdoor workshops will encourage students and families to explore and interact with nature in a creative way.

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. 

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.

Although The Umbrella Arts & Environment program will not be hosting our traditional Summer Solstice and Cardboard Boat Race Challenge this year, we're delighted to say that the SUASCO River Stewardship Council has devised a terrific virtual celebration and set of resuorces for self-guided river exploration. We're glad to share the information below.