An interactive gallery exhibit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the global multicultural children’s publisher, Barefoot Books, with related free, family friendly activities and a live theatrical production of The Boy Who Grew Flowers!
Step Into the Barefoot Books Story with 30 Artists from Around the World!
September 9-25, 2022
The Umbrella Arts Center is thrilled to partner with Concord-based Barefoot Books as the award-winning, global multicultural children's publisher celebrates its 30th anniversary year!
On view over two floors of The Umbrella Art Gallery, Barefoot Books: 30 Years, 30 Artists is a free family-friendly, interactive art exhibition showcasing 30 artists from around the world and a three-dimensional timeline of Barefoot’s history. Limited edition prints of this brilliant artwork will be available for sale, with proceeds benefiting The Umbrella, but no purchase is necessary and the exhibition is free and open to the public.
An enriching series of related events include free family art activities, a storywalk, author talks, and three live stage performances of Barefoot's award-winning story, The Boy Who Grew Flowers, a heartwarming story about empathy and kindness by Manhattan-based dance and theater company, The Treehouse Shakers. Performances are September 22-24 in The Umbrella Main Stage Theater 144. Single tickets and special school group tickets are on sale now, with proceeds going to support the nonprofit Umbrella Arts Center.
For complete updates about the exhibition, all related programs, and Barefoot Books, visit BarefootBooks.com/30
Exhibition and Community Engagement Activities are FREE and open to the public.
Performances of The Boy Who Grew Flowers are ticketed here.
Additional time info:
Numerous free family friendly enrichment and engagement events surround this free celebratory exhibition and the ticketed benefit performances of The Boy Who Grew Flowers, including:
Saturday, September 10th, 10:00-11:30 am
The Boy Who Grew Flowers Craft Session
Explore the art exhibition, enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt and make a whimsical flower headpiece inspired by the bestselling book. Free! Drop-in.
Saturday, September 17th, 3:00-4:00 pm
A Conversation with best-selling author of Wicked, Gregory Maguire and Barefoot Books CEO and Co-founder, Nancy Traversy and The Boy Who Grew Flowers craft session
A family-friendly discussion about children’s publishing and the Barefoot Books journey. Free!
Saturday, September 24th, 10:00-11:30am
Storytelling Performance with Xanthe Gresham Knight and The Boy Who Grew Flowers Craft Session
Attend a storytime with acclaimed writer and storyteller Xanthe Gresham Knight. Free!
2022/09/09 - 2022/09/25
The Umbrella Arts Center
40 Stow Street, Concord, MA 01742
Free parking is usually readily available in municipal parking lots adjacent to building and directly across Stow Street (not normally shown on Google maps), as well as on most surrounding streets. See a map of ADA parking and entrances around The Umbrella here.
The Umbrella is in Concord Center, easily accessible from the Walden exit of Route 2. The Umbrella is also 2 block walk (about 0.4 mi., 7 minutes) from the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Concord Station stop at 90 Thoreau Street.