Umbrellas for Peace

Photos by Melania Mahoney
As a display of public art and community unity, it was quite moving… and marching. WillMar Center for Bereaved Children’s ‘Umbrella Stroll’ was a colorful procession around the Plaza – some 350 kids and 150 adults each bearing their own hand-painted umbrella with messages of peace, love and hope. Taking part were Valley of the Moon Children’s Home, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, Hannah Boys Center, the Mentoring Alliance and Vintage House. Chicago artist Matt Lamb, who created the initial Umbrellas for Peace to help children affected by the 9/11 tragedy, was a special guest at the April 24 event.