Blue Umbrella Holiday Open House to feature unique gifts made by artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) - The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is excited to invite the community to its annual Blue Umbrella Holiday Open House in downtown Little Rock at 700 Main St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Wednesday.

The event will showcase a variety of holiday items handmade by beneficiaries of the DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (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.

A flyer for the event is available by clicking here.

DDS Director Jennifer Brezée said shopping at The Blue Umbrella is a great way to support local artists while finding unique holiday gifts.

"The Blue Umbrella gives artists from around the state an opportunity to display their talents and earn an income," Brezée said. "This is a perfect opportunity to support artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities and also to fill out your holiday shopping lists with unique and wonderful gifts."

Attendees can enjoy live music by Darnell Paul with Piano for Life from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and The Grinch will be present for photos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All shoppers are eligible for a door prize, and online shoppers can qualify for a separate door prize by making a purchase at blueumbrellaar.org between November 13th and 17th.

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.