About Us

We are a new intimate art gallery, with big vision! 
Nestled in Lakefield, ON, right off the Otonabee River (part of the Trent-Severn Waterway), in the Kawartha Lakes Region, Ecco is situated right in the heart of downtown, at 46 Queen Street!

Lakefield is a sweet cottage country town, where most everyone you meet offers a kind gesture or a joyful exchange in passing. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Lakefield is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From its picturesque lakes and rivers to its lush forests and scenic trails, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this charming town.

Lakefield was founded in 1820 by Thomas A. Stewart, a Scottish immigrant who established a sawmill on the Otonabee River. The community was officially incorporated as a village in 1876 and became a town in 1968. Today, Lakefield is a thriving community with a rich history and a strong commitment to preserving its natural beauty.

We respectfully acknowledge that ECCO Art Gallery Studios is on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg and offers our gratitude to the First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations.

Pina Romano - Owner, Founder, Manager

ECCO Art Gallery Studios was founded by Pina Romano, who holds a great passion for art and a vision to create a space that celebrates local talent. ECCO is a new, intimate art gallery that aims to showcase the beauty and power of art. 
"The birth of ECCO signifies the culmination of a long and inspiring journey. As a lover of art, I have always been captivated by the ability of artists to convey their emotions and perspectives through various mediums. Over the years, my fascination grew into a deep appreciation for the transformative power of art and its ability to connect people from different walks of life.
It is this belief in the unifying nature of art that led me to establish ECCO. I wanted to create a space that not only provides a platform for local artists to come together and collectively showcase their unique talent but also as a bridge between artists and art enthusiasts. ECCO is more than just a gallery; it is also a studio where creativity can thrive, a place for good conversations to be had, and the opportunity for collaboration and learning about different arts is available.
In addition to the local artists' contributions, I am thrilled to share a selection of my own artwork. These pieces reflect my personal journey as an artist, exploring various mediums, experimenting with different styles, depicting emotional scenes of nature, and pushing the boundaries of my own creativity. It is an honour to showcase my work alongside the talented artists who are inspiring and dedicated in their own artistic journeys.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, collector, or simply someone looking for inspiration, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

Thank you for visiting ECCO, and we look forward to welcoming you to our exhibitions."
Sincerely,
Pina Romano

Founder, Owner
ECCO Art Gallery Studios

View Romano's Work

Jody Ridpath - Management Team and Curator

Jody Ridpath, B.A., PgDip Arts Management
Management Team Member | Curator

Jody Ridpath is a member of the management team at ECCO Art Gallery Studios in Lakefield, Ontario, where she plays a key role in the gallery’s day-to-day operations, exhibitions, artist relations, marketing, and community engagement.

With deep roots in the Lakefield community and a lifelong passion for the arts, Jody brings a thoughtful blend of local connection, professional experience, and arts management training to her work at ECCO. She completed a curating course through Sotheby’s Institute of Art in 2024 and earned her Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Management from Queen’s University in 2025.

At ECCO, Jody supports the planning, installation, and promotion of exhibitions, works closely with artists and patrons, manages gallery communications and social media, assists with sales and gallery operations, and helps coordinate workshops, receptions, and community-focused programming. Her work reflects ECCO’s commitment to supporting local artists and creating an inviting, accessible space where art and community meet.

In addition to her work at ECCO, Jody has served on the Board of Directors at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, contributing to fundraising, development, and arts advocacy initiatives. With a background in sales, marketing, curation, and arts promotion, Jody is dedicated to helping strengthen ECCO’s presence as a vibrant cultural destination in Lakefield and the Kawarthas.