Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts

CONTACT:

40 Stow Street
Concord, MA 01742
978-371-0820
emersonumbrella.org

Carrie Flood, Managing Director

DESCRIPTION:

When the Emerson school building in Concord was slated for demolition in 1979 (it was then 50 years old), a group of local artists mobilized and proposed its use as a community art center. The Town agreed and leased the building to Emerson Umbrella, which has since created a vibrant, artistic environment that houses 60 artists in private studio spaces, local nonprofit groups, and thriving educational and arts programs. Hundreds of students of all ages participate in over 50 classes—in painting, sculpture, dance, writing, etc.—as well as annual Vacation Week Art Adventures and a Summer Arts Program for kids. Emerson also runs a Musketaquid Arts and Environment Program, with public workshops and activities that blend environmental protection and creative expression. More recently, it initiated a Performing Arts Program, including a series of concerts—classical, jazz, world and folk—and films, classic and art-house, in its Umbrella Theater. All this is coordinated by less than 5 full-time staff, whose mix of skills and talents enable them to pitch in wherever help is needed. Why not pitch in with your financial support?

(2006: CULTURE: Arts: Community)