"The North End" by Vincent Ballentine, 2023

Vincent Ballentine is a multi-disciplined visual artist who has worked across the US and internationally and has been commissioned to create work for the NCAA, MTV, BET, and festivals such as Wall Therapy, O-positive, and Meeting of Styles in Germany. In 2020 he represented the US State Department in Ethiopia as an ambassador for hip hop. He also earned an Emmy for his performance in MLB Network’s “Fall Colors,” where a time-lapse recording of himself painting creates the backdrop for post animations.

This mural celebrates the North End neighborhood and the life of Miguel Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez lived a few blocks from here for most of his life. He was a performer, singer, and ambassador of traditional Puerto Rican music with his group, Asi Canta La Montaña, both in Puerto Rico and in the United States. Mr. Gonzalez was named "Pico de Oro" by Don Luis Miranda (the original Pico de Oro) and Luis Morales Ramos, who gave him such a nickname after seeing him in a troubadour competition. Mr. Gonzalez was awarded the key to the City of Cidra, Puerto Rico and the key to the City of Springfield and was Grand Marshall of Springfield’s Puerto Rican Day Parade. He is fondly remembered and sorely missed by many people in this neighborhood and beyond.

IG: @vballentine99

This mural is located at 2645 Main St.