In early June, the One Art Community Center in West Philadelphia pulsed with rhythm, color, and joy as local artist and community organizer Alina Amador hosted her most recent community arts festival: Mercury Rising. The event transformed the lush, mural-lined grounds of the Black-owned, family-run nonprofit into a vibrant celebration of creativity, healing, and togetherness.
Live music echoed across the garden. Children painted and made beaded bracelets in the grass. Artists sold handmade goods, while breakdancers spun across the stage. Free workshops, massages, and food stations dotted the space alongside tables offering vital community resources. It wasn’t just a festival, it was an art oasis, a living expression of what it looks like when a city comes together to uplift each other through creativity and shared purpose.
At the heart of it all was Alina Amador, who stood on stage and declared her mission clearly: “I want to be inspired and inspire others.” That single line resonated deeply—and is the core reason I felt compelled to share her story.
From Costa Rica to community oOrganizer
Born in Costa Rica in 1996, Alina moved with her family to Tallahassee, Florida at the age of five. Surrounded by art from an early age—her mother an artist, her uncle a creative director—Alina’s creativity was nurtured instead of stifled. “Instead of turning on the TV, my mom would give me art supplies,” she recalled. “It was always a part of who I was.”
Her first experiences showcasing art were grassroots—literally. At 18, she laid out a blanket in Tallahassee’s Railroad Square Art District to display her work. Though she was kicked out for not having a permit, her boldness led to a pivotal moment: she met an artist who offered her a space to showcase her work, jumpstarting her public art journey.
From there, she grew into a vital force in Tallahassee’s art scene. She hosted her first solo show at a DIY space called The Plant, where community access to art, free food, and shared resources were central. Alina eventually became the assistant manager, helping oversee events and scheduling and making the space a hub for artists and neighbors alike.
But like many artists with bigger dreams, she felt the urge to grow beyond her hometown. “I felt like a flower in a small pot,” she said. That’s when she made her way to Philadelphia.
Planting roots in Philly
Since moving to the city in early 2024, Alina has wasted no time building community. Her first art event here in February filled up with vendors and artists in just three days. That momentum continued with her March event, Divine Feminine, and now with Mercury Rising in June.
What sets Alina apart isn’t just her organizing ability—it’s her intentionality. She creates spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and healing. Her events aren’t transactional; they’re transformational. Artists consistently express how they feel seen, supported, and spiritually energized by participating.
“People tell me they can feel my purpose,” Alina shared. “That I have good intentions. And I do.
I just want to give good energy to the world.”
Her philosophy is rooted in mutual inspiration. “So many people are afraid of being copied,” she said, “but that’s what inspiration is. I want other artists to see me creating space and feel empowered to create space too.”
What’s next?
Alina is already planning more. A female-only arts event is in the works for late summer, and a Latinx/Hispanic artist showcase is coming this fall. As always, she’s open to connecting with new artists—those interested can reach out to her via Instagram at @3tsitra.
With every gathering she curates, Alina Amador is doing more than organizing events—she’s creating an ecosystem of hope, healing, and shared creativity. Philadelphia is lucky to have her, and the future she’s building is one we should all want to be part of.