Despite a rainy day on June 7, 2025, the first-ever Holyoke Paper Festival was a major success, welcoming nearly 300 attendees to De La Luz Soundstage for a day celebrating creativity, paper arts, and Holyoke’s legacy as the Paper City.

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Visitors explored a national exhibition featuring paper artists from across the country while also participating in workshops, demonstrations, and artist talks throughout the day. The festival brought together artists, makers, families, and curious newcomers for a hands-on celebration of paper in all its forms — from fine art and sculpture to printmaking and craft.

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The event was made possible through the support of the Paperboard Packaging Council, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Holyoke Tourism Advisory Council / Explore Holyoke.

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Special recognition goes to Rachel Ruching for leading the organization and implementation of the festival, and to Blythe Bullock for helping install the exhibition alongside a dedicated team of volunteers who helped make the day possible.

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Even with the weather working against us, the enthusiasm from artists and attendees proved that the Holyoke Paper Festival has the potential to become an exciting annual tradition and an important part of Holyoke’s growing cultural calendar.