“Echoes of Paper City” – 36x36 Collaborative Painting
Underpainting in Acrylic by Natasha Colón Ortiz | Oil Finalization by Lora M. Barette; WaterPower Collection
 
“Echoes of Paper City” is a collaborative celebration of Holyoke’s creative spirit, painted on a 36x36 stretched canvas. The piece features the iconic Holyoke Canal Walk on Race Street, blending past and present through layered technique and shared vision. Natasha Colón Ortiz created the acrylic underpainting, establishing the structure and energy of the scene, while Lora M. Barette refined and completed the work in oil, bringing depth, light, and texture to the final composition. Together, the artists echo the story of Holyoke—its industry, resilience, and the ever-present flow of inspiration along its canals. Part of the WaterPower Collection, this piece is currently displayed at Holyoke City Hall.