Allston owes its character to the people who build, create, make and serve others in this diverse and eclectic corner of Boston.
We want to celebrate this community and share their voices. Scroll down to hear what they have to say.
Nadine Martinez (She/Her) / Visual and Performing Arts / West End House
Joon / Kimchipapi Kitchen
Greg Marquis (He/Him) / Song Writer / Musician
Wendy Schiller / Designer, Illustrator
Jeremy Harrison (Sobek) / Street Artist
Jo Ann Barbour / Executive Director, Charlesview / Community Activist
Archie Snow (They/Them) / Object Maker
Pat McGrath / Looney Tunes Records
Adam Parshall / Photographer
Emily Sawich and Justin Pomerlau / Vivant Vintage
Etta Anderson / ESOL Instructor / Chair of the Charitable Fund Committee
Anna Leslie (She/Her) / Director, Allston Brighton Health Collaborative
Joseph Charles / Owner, Rock City Pizza
Oscar Lopez (He/Him) / Legislative Aide
Andres Giraldo (He/Him) / Owner, Instructor, Salsa Y Control
Kevin Honan (He/Him) / State Representative, Allston-Brighton
Nicolasa Lopez (She/Her) / Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
Natalicia Tracy (She/Her) / Executive Director, Brazilian Worker Center
Nick Grieco (He/His) / Musician, Founder of Boston Artist Impact
Anthony D'Isadoro (He/Him) / President, Allston Civic Association
Annie Mazzola (She/Her) Community Liaison for District and City Council
Scott Matalon (He/Him) / Stingray Body Art and Metro VR Studios / President, Allston Village Main Streets
Scott Matalon (He/Him) / Stingray Body Art and Metro VR Studios / President, Allston Village Main Streets
Allston is my home, my playground, and my workspace. It is the cultural, intellectual, entrepreneurial and musical/artistic melting pot of New England; a neighborhood where one can collaborate and explore anything potentially imaginable. With a magical magnetism that attracts, nourishes and rewards creativity and dedication, Allston is reinvigorated with each new generation. I've never been anywhere else where the people care so deeply about their neighborhood. Helping preserve and protect Allston has been, and remains, one of the great joys of my life.
Annie Mazzola (She/Her) / Community Liaison for the District and City Council
My roots are in Allston. My parents were born here. It’s where I’ve worked, played, lived and loved. It is my hope for the future that my kids, and all those who desire to, can also work, play, live and love here.
Jason Desrosier (He/Him) / Manager of Community Action, Allston Brighton CDC
What I love about Allston is it’s DIY ethic. Allston has an intense vibrancy about it. You can’t help but feel it. This energy is due, in large part, to its eclectic and diverse population — artists, musicians, immigrants and punk rockers. They’re people who have invested in building the community, but who are now at risk of being pushed out. It is imperative that development discussions include and amplify these voices from the start to ensure that Allston can retain what in essence is its heard and soul — the diversity and DIY attitude.
Jill Rosati (She/Her) / Founder, Arts District Boston
Growing up, I was always singled out as the weird kid. Moving to Allston (where everyone is weird) right after high school, just immediately felt like home. To me it was the ultimate alternative, art centric, grungy, basement show paradise I'd always dreamed of being a part of. Every person you meet in Allston is friendly and welcoming. Allston is a place you can walk around a hundred times and always find something new. Every time you step into a small mom and pop shop you can't find anywhere else in the world, it feels like you've discovered a treasure. But recently, Allston has been changing. I want to help to preserve the artisanal feel that changed my life so much. I want to keep Allston weird.
Natalicia Tracy (She/Her) / Executive Director, Brazilian Worker Center
“Allston is brilliant with cultural and ethnic diversity - of sounds, food, languages, and of course, people. It’s an incredibly appealing and amazing neighborhood because so many different kinds of people feel at home here and have a sense of belonging - it’s everyone’s home! For the future, we have gentrification to worry about, bringing a high-brow view of the world that could push out so much of the wonderful variety we see on our streets, in our homes, and across local institutions and commercial life.”
Nicolasa Lopez (She/Her) / Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
“Allston is an amazing town, where diversity is the root of its vibrant and picturesque culture. It’s like a vegetable and meat pot (Sancocho), where every ingredient contributes its unique flavors without losing its individual essence. I do hope that more affordable housing gets built so that Allston can maintain its diversity and vibrancy.
Anthony D’Isadoro (He/Him) / President, Allston Civic Association
There is a pride in Allston, generated by a diverse and inclusive community that nourishes a freedom of expression tempered by a commitment to lift up all those that call Allston their home. Allston is a beacon of light for those seeking purpose and direction, for those who aspire to a better life, and for those who celebrate a life well-lived. Allston is also a state of mind and an attitude, where creativity and happiness can be pursued independent of boundaries or restrictions.
Kevin Honan (He/Him) / State Representative, Allston-Brighton
“Allston is one of the most vibrant sections of the City of Boston, offering eclectic dining, music for all and opportunities for our students, families and a creative community of artists and local bands. Growing up in Allston I had the West End House Boys and Girls Club and Ringer Park in my backyard. Much of the way I grew up here still remains: basketball games in the parks; runs along the Charles River; great bands and local venues; and more recently a diverse community coming together to help those most in need. “
Oscar Lopez (He/Him) / Legislative Aide
“Allston has always been home. It’s the people in this community who make the neighborhood special. Nowhere else to people care so deeply and work harder to leave it a better place than they found it.”
Liz Torres (She/He or They/Them) / Civic Advocate for Artist and Service/Retail Workers
“Allston was my first home away from my hometown. It welcomed me with accessible DIY spaces and venues, and amazing folks who make great food, create cultural events, and craft all the things that make Allston unique. The diversity of our neighborhood makes it so you can always find your place in it. Although home prices have made that more difficult as of late. So this is also a pivotal moment. I hope the people who live here can influence the narrative of who we wish to be in light of the growth and inevitable change that comes with it.”
Nadine Martinez (She/Her) / Sr. Director of Visual and Performing Arts / West End House
“Arts, culture and community are the heart of Allston. Investment, access and art sustainability are vital to retaining our essence and diversity.”
Anna Leslie (She/Her) / Director, Allston Brighton Health Collaborative
“Allston has a grit that you don’t find in many places in Boston anymore, but it also has an openness. There’s a reason so many people move to Allston to start a new chapter, whatever that chapter may be. there is access and opportunity and acceptance. I love my job because every day I get to work to keep that alive and make sure that we don’t close the door behind us.”
Nick Grieco (He/Him) / Musician, Founder of Boston Artist Impact
“Allston’s future lies within its diverse, creative community. We are brimming with potential to re-imagine how Boston interprets and processes growth. The rampant gentrification is a testament to how those with power see growth as a money-making opportunity. But the creative workforce desperately needs that growth to include a sustainable infrastructure for both artists and blue collar workers. If our community does not hold its ground and advocate for our needs, there will be no future for small businesses and the creative community that supports them. “
Joseph Charles / Owner, Rock City Pizza
Allston is a unique place to do business. I love the community . The neighborhood is active and people believe in supporting their local businesses. It’s a place where you can be yourself. Allston embraced me, a young Black entrepreneur, and made me feel at home.”
Andres Giraldo (He/Him) / Owner, Instructor, Salsa Y Control
“I love Allston. it is so unique and diverse. Which is what salsa dancing is all about. I love having my dance studio in the heart of Allston.”
Jo Ann Barbour / Executive Director, Charlesview / Community Activist
“What I love about Allston is its vibrancy, diversity, and commitment to equitable inclusivity.”
Joon / Owner Kimchipapi Kitchen
“Allston has become a destination for restaurants, bars and shops. I love the diversity here and the constant change. The vibrant mix of students, young professionals and immigrants makes Allston incredibly unique. I look forward to its bright future.”
Jeremy Harrison (Sobek) / Street Mural Artist
“The first time I was invited to paint in Allston was a beautiful escape for me. So many murals of all sizes and colors! After my second invite for a larger collaboration mural I knew I was slowly falling in love. The diverse community cultivates so much freedom for expression. It’s a wonderful feeling that is missed throughout other parts of the city.”
Archie Snow (They/Them) / Object Maker
“Something I love about Allston is its potential. Every day there is a new opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. As a community we can build lots of things.”
Etta Anderson / ESOL Instructor / Chair of the Charitable Fund Committee
“I like Allston’s diversity. People from all over the world enrich the neighborhood with their culture, talents and food. I hope the various non-profits continue their efforts to improve the quality of life here.”
Pat McGrath / Looney Tunes Records
“Clearly Allston is home to some of the planet’s most evolved human beings. There is a creative community here that is both vibrant and inspiring. I hope in the future that it is not diluted by gentrification and real estate development that would adversely affect the bars, restaurants, and shops that make Allston such a great place to live, work and play. And I hope that Allston will always be a welcoming community to the many immigrants who call this city home.”
Adam Parshall / Photographer
“Allston welcomed me when I wasn’t sure where my future lay. It’s the only subject I consistently want to capture on camera and on paper. I hope it can keep growing as a home for artists and creativity in the years to come.”
Emily Sawich and Justin Pomerlau / Owners / Vivant Vintage
Vivant Vintage, a gorgeous little store nestled in Allston neighborhood of Boston, is a treasure chest of a thrift shop. From the giant, bearded mural on the exterior of the store to masterfully curated clothes, magazines, and music inside, Vivant Vintage is a must visit for anyone who lives or visits Allston. (PCfA)
Wendy Schiller (She/They/He) / Designer, Illustrator
“I want to make sure Allston keeps its heart. Part of that is protecting its artists and performance spaces. Part of that is keeping the neighborhood affordable to all. I’m truly inspired every day by my neighbors. This is such a vibrant community of immigrants, artists and working people and I hope it never changes.”
Greg Marquis (He/Him) / Song Writer / Musician
“I always felt a sense of community in the music scene in Allston. It breaks my heart how many friends, neighbors, and talented artists are forced to leave this city due to an increasing cost of living and lack of affordable housing. Nobody is going to advocate more for the artists here than the artists themselves, which is why it is important now more than ever for us to leverage our talents and community bond to get involved with local civics and make our voices heard.”