Umbrella Gallery - The Truth

This past Wednesday Was the closing night for the Umbrella Gallery here in FItchburg MA. I have posted alot about Umbrella, but i dont think i ever went into depth on what it entailed.

The Umbrella Gallery opened its doors a few months back, holding a spot in the back of Design at 639 (a furniture refurbishing shop) on main street in fitchburg. There goal was to have an open art space. non judged art work hung the walls, if you made music, you could set up a show here any night of the week. You where always welcomed back no mater how many people came to see you. If you had an idea, umbrella would make it possible for you to do it. you wanted to learn how to play an instrument they had it for you to learn. Ryan Scott and Brigitte Ferrante where the two main owners of the gallery And they made you feel right at home when you went in, no matter who you where.

Over the short time Umbrella was open it Quickly became a staple within weeks for the Central MA music scene. with there "we wont deny anyone" aspect on everything. Go there one day and it would be a full on Acoustic show, another night, all about Harsh Noise, come back and the place will be shoulder to shoulder packed for a hardcore show. But what really made umbrella stand out was the People who where always here, and the attitude that filled the gallery. When you walked in for an event, you knew that it was a complete drug and alcohol free place, even though some losers did like to brake that from time to time. and there was always the golden umbrella rule of "treat others how you want to be treated" but with there own twist. you came in. acted up and started a mess, Ryan and Brigitte would have you leave. but they asked you nicely. if you didnt then other people would make you leave. Even groups of kids who would show No respect for other places. would show respect in the gallery, which i believe is from the built of atmosphere of the Gallery. But, over time things did get out of hand and leading to a kid being put through a window. the gallery was forced to close.

THE THINGS YOU DIDNT KNOW.

Since the start of the Gallery, They had an ongoing support from the small but growing art community. But where constantly bullied around by some of the City of Fitchburg's council members. who dont believe in a art community. and want nothing on main street that dosnt have to do with what they want. which is nothing. hence why fitchburg has been in such turmoil for such a long time. With the bullying from some of the city officials (who i believe should be tied to a post and beat with a bully rag) The umbrella gallery was forced to shut down some of there main events. Such as FLASH, a 16+ dance party that was held on wednesday nights, which created an outlet for kids who didnt have anything else to do. ..again pointing out how amazing Umbrella was for keeping kids in a positive area. Also from shutting down events, The Gallery was forced to no longer charge for Shows. (average show was 3-5$) which was used only for bill payment. for electric, and rent. Never actually breaking a profit since the start. (Go City of Fitchburg council members for fucking that up)
From there Umbrella did donation shows with no suggested donation. some nights there was nothing. but other nights was a good turn out.

Over all of the turmoil, from city council bullying, and the quick fights that broke out, the umbrella gallery was a home for everyone. and its really all thanks to Ryan and Brigitte, and members of Most of the bands that played the gallery.

Umbrella will be opening up in a new location soon. and will be staying open as long as they have support.


-Kris

Free Idea clothing Release date set!

NOVEMBER 1ST! Free Idea will be releasing 2 tees and a long sleeve.
BLACK FRIDAY (day after thanksgiving) Free Idea will be releasing the Windbreaker and Another Tee

December holiday season TBA

The New releases will hit carried shops within 7 days of release date.
the new shop list includes the Following Cities

BOSTON
NEW YORK CITY
OAKLAND
MIAMI
TORONTO (CAN.)
YOKOHAMA (JP)
MANCHESTER (UK)
PARIS (FR)

Little words of inspiration.

I am in the middle of booking a whole bunch of Lectures at different school in different parts of Massachusetts. Going over the Free Idea story, Some personal stories, and how its never good to compete with people because they can be a good help to you doing good. If you have a school that you would like me to speak at. Shoot me a email at Freeideaclothing@hotmail.com

Also. See that little banner that says "STREET COLLECTIVE" right up there ^^^^^
If you are wondering what that is, That is a big project underway A web magazine, and a Retail shop being built by Myself and Katie Stocking (Bandit Clothing/ Free Idea intern)

We will be opening the doors to the FIRST Street Collective shop very shortly in our hometown it Fitchburg, MA. please take note to where it says FIRST. remember that NYC blog post about a month or so back?

Dear Fitchburg Massachusetts

Im looking for something a little bit more permanent, ..see you soon. ::add in wink face::

THANK GOD ITS 40

So Free Idea sponsored Hip Hop Artist, 40 $TACKS put out yet another crazy track, yet again proving he has some very amazing flow. He even threw a show out to Me and Free Idea in this track 4 THE KILL. <--click that to listen