In this series, we highlight some of the many artists who contribute to the deep creative culture of Concord. Across town, many organizations are dedicated to uplifting the visual arts and artists through exhibitions, educational programs, performances, and workspace.
For its 2025/26 Artist-in-Residence program, The Umbrella Arts Center expanded the cohort to include artists across all its programs, including Performing Arts and Education. In this feature, we focus on the three artists who create Ceramic and Visual Arts.
On a spring evening in early April, Concord’s creative community gathered under a starscape of giant whimsical poppies decorating the ceiling of The Umbrella Arts Center for an event that celebrated the arts and honored the acclaimed author of Wicked and a long-time Concord resident, Gregory Maguire. There was much to celebrate as Maguire is actively supporting the rollout of a film adaptation of Wicked, as well as touring for his fifth book in the Wicked series, Elphie.
In the heart of the historic Concord Center Cultural District, The Umbrella Arts Center at 40 Stow Street is a multidisciplinary, non-profit contemporary arts organization committed to nurturing and encouraging the arts. A cultural leader in MetroWest Boston, it provides broad and diverse access to a wide range of performing arts, visual arts, and arts education programs. Through these offerings, The Umbrella promotes creativity, learning, personal growth, and cultural exchange.
In the heart of the historic Concord Center Cultural District, The Umbrella Arts Center at 40 Stow Street is a multidisciplinary, non-profit contemporary arts organization committed to nurturing and encouraging the arts. A cultural leader in MetroWest Boston, it provides broad and diverse access to a wide range of performing arts, visual arts, and arts education programs. Through these offerings, The Umbrella promotes creativity, learning, personal growth, and cultural exchange.
Meet local artists Sally Lee and Zachary Mickelson. Lee works in ceramics, painting, sculpture, textiles, and more. Mickelson is a ceramic artist, teacher, and Manager of the booming new Ceramics Studio at The Umbrella Arts Center.
Housed in the historic Emerson School building in the heart of the Concord Center Cultural District, The Umbrella Community Arts Center has, for decades, been a buzzing creative hub for the town. This September, following a complete renovation and expansion of the center, The Umbrella reopens as a contemporary arts complex that expands capacity for artists, students, performers, and audiences throughout Greater Boston and the Metro West region. Highlights of the new programming include:
