LOWELL — High above the intersection of School and Broadway streets, international artist Felipe Ortiz swayed across 3,000 square feet of wall space as he painted a mural on the Kathryn P. Stoklosa Middle School in Lowell’s Acre neighborhood. “When I’m up there, it’s almost as if I’m dancing with the wall,” said Ortiz as the sunset cast a warm glow on the mural during one of his last days of the project.
“I sway with the wind and I stretch myself a little here and a little there to push myself a little further than I could reach on my own.” Over the course of 19 days in June, Project LEARN’s ArtUp Lowell program invited Ortiz to don the massive building with his signature style — bright bursts of color, bumbling bees, hummingbirds and purple wildflowers. This newest piece by Ortiz, who is originally from Medellín, Colombia, adds a fresh layer of beauty and cultural representation to the area.
“The energy I experienced during the installation was uplifting,” said Ortiz.” The community in Lowell was incredibly supportive. “From the daily commuters to curious neighbors, many seemed to enjoy it and the comments and responses were gratifying.
” Following the success of his September 2023 collaborative piece with fellow artist and longtime pal Adam O’Day, “The Bee,” on UMass Lowell’s University Crossing, Ortiz was excited to return to Lowell for his second ArtUp Lowell installation, “Splash Pollinators 2.” Launched by Project LEARN in 20.