Downtown association looking for ideas for umbrella holders

Esther Short — Vancouver’s Downtown Association is planning to bring some yellow umbrellas to downtown starting in late October, and the association is asking local artists to pitch concepts for user-friendly umbrella stands. The association will choose 10, and the artists who have their designs selected will earn a $125 stipend. The association is looking for holders large enough to accommodate 10 umbrellas, made from mostly recycled materials and have weighted, sturdy bottoms and drainage, and incorporate the association’s logo. Submissions are due by July 31, and full details for the project can be found at www.vdausa.org/call-for-artists. “VDA is all about making our downtown friendly and welcoming,” Linda Reid, association promotions committee chairwoman, said in a news release from the organization. “Happy yellow umbrellas will be a quirky new addition to our city center.”