Meet the artists currently working with Umbra.
Founding Member - He/Him
Josh Kelly
I’m the originator of Umbra Arts and currently the Director of Operations for the Umbra Building. In 2016, I left the corporate world behind and made the move to Minneapolis in search of community, creativity, and a place to truly call home. Since then, I’ve found my passion in woodworking, specializing in whimsical, hand-crafted pieces that invite a bit of magic into everyday life.
While woodworking is my main focus, I love experimenting with a wide variety of artistic mediums. For me, art is all about play, exploration, and growth—whether it’s in the woodshop or dabbling in something new. Every piece I create is a reflection of the joy I find in the process of making.
At the heart of everything I do is a deep connection to people and the community that surrounds me. Umbra Arts is more than just a collective—it's a home for creatives, dreamers, and makers like me.
Founding Member - He/Him
Mike Welton
Mike Welton moved to Minneapolis for a design job but quickly became immersed in the local LGBTQ+ and publishing communities. He transformed a local LGBTQ+ newspaper into a magazine format, which is still in print today under a new name. In 1997, Mike shifted his focus to oil painting full-time.
His early works, inspired by his love for inner-city life, quickly gained national attention and collectors. Mike recently received a Minnesota Artist Initiative Grant, through which he painted vintage signage from across the state, documenting their cultural significance. His portraits of beloved Twin Cities landmarks have sold thousands in print form. Mike thrives on the creative energy of over 300 fellow artists in the Northrup King Building, where he works today.
Founding Member - He/Him
Henry Sabia-Tanis
Henry Sabia-Tanis is a founding member of Umbra Arts and an upcycle artist with a passion for breathing new life into discarded materials. His art focuses on transforming everyday objects—cans, bottles, hubcaps, and more—into stunning, illuminated sculptures and one-of-a-kind lamps.
Each piece Henry creates is a blend of functionality and artistry, turning trash into treasures that light up spaces in unexpected ways. His work invites people to see beauty in the overlooked and reminds us all of the power of creativity and sustainability.