Street Art Cities

When Betsy Casañas first learned about Holyoke Community College (HCC), her curiosity was piqued not just by the institution itself, but by the diverse and vibrant audience it served. Delving into the demographics, she was struck by the significant presence of the Latinx community, particularly the Puerto Rican population. This revelation ignited a spark to celebrate their rich culture and stories.

The concept that emerged from this exploration took form as a mural depicting a bomba classroom—a captivating scene capturing a group preparing for a bomba performance. This genre of artistry and rhythm carries a profound significance within the Puerto Rican heritage, serving as a vessel for history, identity, and unity. By bringing this classroom to life on the canvas of Holyoke Community College, Casañas aimed to not only pay homage to the cultural roots of the audience, but also to create a visual narrative that resonates deeply with their experiences.