September 2021 Newsletter

Artisan Spotlight: Cynthia Williams

Visitors to the Blue Umbrella gift shop have likely seen the work of Cynthia Williams, who makes creative and colorful greeting cards signed "Lil Dorothy" in memory of her mother.

What they may not know is that Cynthia is nonverbal and uses an iPad to communicate. But this does not hamper her independence. Cynthia loves to shop and eat out, and she says she's learned she can "do whatever I want to do and not hold back."

Upcoming Events

Gifts made by artisans from the Blue Umbrella will be available at a pair of exciting events scheduled for next month:

10th Annual Main Street Food Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 2nd
What: The Blue Umbrella will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and more than 60 food trucks will be on hand in the blocks outside the store from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

DDS Fall Food & Craft Fair
When: Friday, Oct. 8th outside the store
What: There will be food trucks and booths with client arts and crafts. All five Human Development Centers and many private providers will offer their art for sale.

The Main Street Food Truck Festival is one of two upcoming events where Blue Umbrella gifts will be available for purchase.

What's new at the Blue Umbrella?

Sunflower wreath from Arkadelphia Human Development Center (AHDC)

Left: Rake wreath, fall candles, candle melts, sugar scrubs and "Home Sweet Home" door hanger from AHDC, and rug from Booneville Human Development Center. Right: "Home Sweet Home" garden flag from wholesale company Everyday Flag by Carson and wreath from AHDC.

www.blueumbrellaar.org

Arkansas Department of Human Services
700 S. Main St.
Little Rock, AR 72201