Centering Asian Americans through creative arts programming on the North Shore of Massachusetts

FOUNDER

Amanda Beard Garcia (she/they) is a multiracial, second-generation Chinese American muralist and brand designer. She was born and raised in Beverly, MA and currently lives in Dracut.

Amanda has been a visiting artist and educator at Punto Urban Art Museum, RISD, Pao Arts Center, Montserrat College of Art, Endicott College, and Beverly High School. She is currently a co-facilitator for the Mural Ambassador Program at Punto Urban Art Museum/North Shore CDC, a six-week cohort that empowers residents to lead guided tours highlighting the murals and deep cultural legacy of The Point “El Punto” neighborhood in Salem, MA. Amanda is also a 2024 National Civic Impact Fellowship & Incubator fellow and grant recipient of Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI), of which Lucky Knot Arts is her brainchild.

Amanda is co-founder and principal of Likemind Design, a custom mural and design studio with a mission to elevate the brands of independently-owned businesses “just like us.” She has been a participant of many local public art initiatives and has designed custom artwork and brand identities for small businesses all over Greater Boston.

When she’s not creating, you can usually find Amanda at rock concerts, home-improving, cozy gaming, and being trailed by her pets Pica and Mei-Mei.

@amandabeardgarcia

EVENTS ASSISTANT

Katelyn Lipton (she/they) is a diasporic Korean American artist raised in the Hudson Valley now based in the Boston area. Katelyn is a printmaker, painter, sculptor, and illustrator, and her practice is inspired by the reclamation of Korean folklore and traditional craft. They have a deep appreciation for the natural world, and their background in environmental sciences, climate justice, and regenerative farming fuels their work. Community is at the heart of her artmaking, and collaborating with other Asian diaspora artists and farmers is woven into her practice.

Katelyn is currently an Events Coordinator for the Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC) and plans community events in Chinatown that create opportunities for social connection, reinforce Chinatown’s identity, and improve access to and inclusive use of open space. She is also a freelance graphic designer and illustrator and has been collaborating with farms, environmental nonprofits, and small businesses.

Beyond her art practice, Katelyn spends her time in the woods birdwatching, admiring wildflowers and mosses, gardening, and cooking.

@katelyn.leeann.art