29-04-2025
Northampton unveils mural made by community at City Hall
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Northampton unveiled a new mural Monday morning, showing its appreciation for the city.
The painting was made in large part through public participation. This mural has been a long process, but now the community can see their handiwork in City Hall.
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The 14 by four-foot mural depicts Jenny Lind and the city's famous moniker, 'Paradise City'. The actual painting took place over three days in October at the Paradise City Arts Festival. New Hampshire artist and designer of the mural, Rick Freed, told 22News about the inspiration to involve the community.
'The idea was to have anybody participate and have it look whole when it was done,' Freed said. 'My job at the end, I call it the invisible glove, because if they painted a part and they did it crooked, I wouldn't straighten it but I clarify the paint and the edges.'
Even 22News's very own photojournalist, Kekoa Krautkramer, and reporter Nicole Buddie painted pieces of the mural. The installation is also meant to showcase the upcoming Paradise City Arts Festival, which will take place Memorial Day weekend.
The festival will host 200 artists and activities at the Three Counties Fairgrounds in Northampton.
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