What: The Blue Umbrella is having their annual Holiday Open House where they will showcase homemade holiday items created by artists supported by the DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS). The event will also include live music, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and special shopping promotion

When: November 13, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: DHS Central Office (700 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72203) – Outside in front of the building on Main Street as well as in the lobby

More Details:
The event will showcase a variety of holiday items handmade by beneficiaries of DDS. These include rugs, magnets, artwork, wreaths, and more, which are also sold year-round in The Blue Umbrella. All proceeds go to the artists who made the items. 

Attendees can enjoy live music by Darnell Paul with Piano for Life from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present for photos from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All shoppers are eligible for door prizes, free online shipping by making a purchase at blueumbrellaar.org between November 14 and December 31, and buy one get one free ornaments (only available on 11/13).

DDS Director Jennifer Brezée will be available for interviews regarding this event on Wednesday, November 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., either in the DHS main building lobby or via Teams/Zoom. Please email Ashleigh Keyes at [email protected] to set up an interview. DDS offers high-quality services to beneficiaries in homes and communities as well as in 24-hour residential programs. 

Additional information is available by visiting the DDS page on the DHS website.