City Council Member Robert Jackson, foreground, participates in the "Umbrella/Sombrilla" celebration, held in Inwood last Sunday. The Dyckman Street festival involved neighborhood residents simultaneously waving and twirling dozens of umbrellas to symbolize the birth of the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, an umbrella organization (see?) founded to promote uptown art and artists. Umbrella/Sombrilla kicks off the 5th Annual Uptown Arts Stroll, a three-week series featuring a sidewalk art fair and other outdoor exhibitions. Sunday’s events culminated in a block party, with kids and their families taking over the streets.

Photo: Mike Fitelson