On display now through the weekend of 2021 Earth Day, April 24-25, The Umbrella Arts & Environment Program's annual, non-juried art exhibition this year explores the theme of "Change is in the Air".

With work by internationally exhibited artists and local schoolchildren alike, the community exhibition centers on work responding to The Umbrella's call to explore all aspects related to the element of "Air".

"Air contains two things necessary to life: carbon dioxide and oxygen. In photosynthesis, green plants take carbon-dioxide and water and use the sun’s energy to make sugar and release oxygen. In respiration, sugars and oxygen from the air turn to carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Without air, whether by drowning, respiratory failure, or persistent oppression, we cannot live. The freedom to breath unites us all, but who has that freedom? Air, by itself, is invisible, so how can artists capture its essence visually?"

This was the challenge posed to regional artists of all ages, walks and experiences levels – who responded in so many different media, styles and genres it's...well, breath-taking!

The exhibition is viewable both in-person by special advance appointment only with strict health protocols in the Main Gallery at 40 Stow Street, Concord, as well as online in both a 360 VR Enabled interactive tour format and on the ArtCld virtual gallery platform for those more comfortable visiting from afar.

Traditionally connected to the annual Musketaquid Earth Day Parade & Festival in April, this year's prolonged exhibition leads to a culminating series of small, socially distanced outdoors Earth Day workshops, performances, and Artwalk events that will kick off The Umbrella's three-week spring Artfest in Concord.

More information and gallery visit request form found at TheUmbrellaArts.org/Gallery.