Two Holyoke artists, Natasha Colón Ortiz and Lora McNeece Barrett, have created a new exhibition titled 'Waterpower' at City Hall, featuring paintings inspired by the city's historic three-level canal system. The show, which includes original works by both artists, will open with a reception on May 1, 2025. Colón Ortiz and Barrett, who once shared a teacher-student relationship, now collaborate as colleagues after being recommended by residents in response to Mayor Joshua A. Garcia's call for ideas to revitalize the mayor's office space.
This exhibition matters because it highlights how Holyoke's canal system—a century-old industrial infrastructure—continues to inspire contemporary art and community engagement. The partnership between the two artists also reflects a broader city strategy focused on renewable energy and economic development, as evidenced by Mayor Garcia being named Mayor of the Year by the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition. By showcasing local talent in a government building, the exhibition strengthens the connection between Holyoke's industrial heritage, its arts community, and its vision for a clean-energy future.