Re-Shade Redlands: Turning Umbrella Alley Into Art and Opportunity
One hundred local children will give Redlands’ retired Umbrella Alley umbrellas a second life, creating a community art installation while supporting opportunities for young artists and entrepreneurs.
On Sunday, November 8, 2026, children ages 8–14 will gather at Cyclery USA for Re-Shade Redlands. Their decorated umbrellas will become a community art installation inside the shop, on display through November 2027 for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Organized by the Redlands Visitor Center, the project connects creative reuse with community pride. It also supports Redlands Art to Market, a teen entrepreneurship program that helps local high school students turn their artwork into practical business experience.
Giving Umbrella Alley a Second Life
The colorful umbrellas from Redlands’ Umbrella Alley will become the canvas for 100 original works of art. Children will decorate repurposed umbrellas with designs inspired by the places, people, and experiences that make Redlands special.
“We are giving the retired umbrellas from Redlands Umbrella Alley a second life. Children will transform these previously used materials into a new public art installation—keeping materials in use longer, reducing waste, and demonstrating how creativity and sustainability can work hand in hand,” says Deborah O’Hara, Board President of the Redlands Visitor Center.
The finished installation will remain at Cyclery USA for a year, giving participants the chance to see their work become part of a shared community space.
How Young Artists Can Participate
Re-Shade Redlands takes place Sunday, November 8, from noon–2 p.m. at Cyclery USA’s new location, 21 W. Stuart Avenue in Redlands. Judging begins at 1 p.m.
The contest is open to 100 local children ages 8–14. Artists can choose from three categories: All About Redlands, Bicycles, and Where I Like to Play in Redlands. First- and second-place prizes are planned for each category.
The $20 participation fee includes a repurposed umbrella and an official Re-Shade Redlands T-shirt. Scholarships are available; families can request one when picking up their umbrella and entry form.
Umbrellas and entry forms will be available October 1–30 at the Redlands Visitor Center, 14 N. 5th Street in Downtown Redlands. Check the Visitor Center’s current Google hours before visiting, and follow the entry form’s decorating instructions so artwork can safely hang upside down in the installation.
Helping Every Child Take Part
Residents and businesses can sponsor a child for $40. Each sponsorship helps provide a repurposed umbrella, an event T-shirt, art supplies, and the opportunity to take part in the community installation.
Scholarships help make the experience accessible to children whose families need assistance with the participation cost.
Supporting the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Proceeds from Re-Shade Redlands support the Redlands Visitor Center’s Redlands Art to Market Teen Entrepreneurship Showcase.
Through the program, Redlands high school students will create original Redlands-themed artwork and sell it at the Visitor Center, keeping 100% of their sales. Local business mentors will help students develop a marketing and business plan.
The two initiatives offer opportunities at different stages of a young person’s life. Younger children explore art and creative reuse while contributing to a public installation. High school students gain experience presenting their work, reaching customers and learning how a creative idea can become a product.
Community Support Makes It Possible
We’re very proud of the local organizations, businesses, and individual scholarship sponsors making Re-Shade Redlands possible. Event underwriters include the Redlands Optimists, David Maupin CFP®, the Rochford Foundation and Emerson Fine Jewelry. The Redlands Optimists are also helping install the umbrellas.
Local business owners can support Redlands Art to Market by becoming mentors and sharing their experience with participating teens.
Be Part of Re-Shade Redlands
Enter a young artist, sponsor a child, or volunteer as a business mentor. You can also visit the finished installation at Cyclery USA and enjoy the work created by Redlands’ young artists.
- Event details and how to enter
- Sponsor a child for $40
- Become a business mentor: email hello@RedlandsVisitorCenter.com
Related Articles
Redlands Octoberfest. A Redlands’ Event Not-to-Miss
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Redlands with German food, cold beer, live music, and family fun — all without making a long drive this fall.
Redlands Visitor Center & Chamber: Different Roles, Shared Community Impact
The Redlands Visitor Center and the Chamber of Commerce serve different purposes, with the Chamber focused on supporting businesses and the Visitor Center dedicated to enhancing the visitor and local experience. The RVC offers personalized guidance, family-friendly amenities, local products, and community events that drive tourism and economic engagement. With over 41,000 interactions in 2024 alone, the RVC stands out as a welcoming hub that showcases the best of Redlands.