The Arkansas Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Blue Umbrella retail store is celebrating its fourth anniversary on Friday, February 10 with a “Reach 4 The Stars” birthday party event. The store is located inside the lobby of the DHS central office building at 700 Main Street in downtown Little Rock.
The Blue Umbrella is a unique gift shop that embraces inclusion for all. Items sold in the store are handmade by individuals across Arkansas with developmental and intellectual disabilities. All proceeds from the sale of The Blue Umbrella products go back to the artists.
“For the past four years, the Blue Umbrella has given an incredible group of artists the opportunity to display their talents and earn an income in a unique and meaningful way,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. “I’m so proud of our Blue Umbrella team within our Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for building such a welcoming and inclusive community where these artists get to showcase their abilities.”
Blue Umbrella’s inventory includes custom-made rugs, magnets, jewelry, birdhouses, wreaths, paintings and sculptures, candles, soaps, greeting cards, and more. You can also shop at The Blue Umbrella online anytime by visiting blueumbrellaar.org.
The birthday celebration on Friday will be from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Blue Umbrella store, with an Artist Meet and Greet outside the store. Six Blue Umbrella artists will be on site to chat with customers and share the stories behind their creations. There will also be birthday cake to celebrate this milestone.
Additional information about the birthday celebration is on the event Facebook page here.
