Poster House x Welcome to Chinatown's Artist Alley
Nestled inside Welcome to Chinatown's Small Business Innovation Hub, the Artist Alley is more than just a gallery—it's a living testament to the rich cultural tapestry and creative resilience of Chinatown. For generations, art has served as a powerful means of storytelling, resistance, and preservation in this neighborhood.
Artist Alley builds on that legacy. Designed as a dedicated space for emerging AAPI creatives, it provides a platform to explore identity, heritage, and community through visual art. Here, young artists can connect directly with the public and one another, using their work to reflect and reimagine what Chinatown means to them.
This month, Artist Alley spotlights two standout creatives through a special partnership with Poster House: Christina Young and Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. Both were selected as Poster House Artists in Residence and bring deeply personal projects that speak to the enduring spirit of Chinatown.
Christina Young – Let’s Make Memories in Chinatown
Let’s Make Memories in Chinatown by Christina Young
Christina Young, founder of The Bao Bae, channels her Chinese American upbringing into "Let’s Make Memories in Chinatown," a joyful campaign that celebrates the stories and spaces that define the neighborhood. Christina began by surveying locals on their favorite spots to eat, shop, and hang out. From over 100 responses, she illustrated more than 35 beloved landmarks—ranging from iconic restaurants and quirky gift shops to arcades and green parks—creating a vibrant poster that feels both nostalgic and current.
Her design is rooted in memory: riding vans from Flushing to Manhattan, buying fruit from sidewalk vendors, munching on HK-style egg waffles, and celebrating Lunar New Year amid firecrackers and lion dancers. While many beloved places have closed in recent years, she highlights how the spirit of Chinatown remains strong.
Through her work, Christina invites us all to explore the neighborhood, support local businesses, and make new memories that will carry Chinatown’s story into the future.
Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya – We Are Chinatown
Also featured is Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s moving portrait series, "We Are Chinatown." Created during her civic practice residency at Poster House in collaboration with Welcome to Chinatown, Amanda's work honors the strength and transformation of the neighborhood through intimate storytelling.
We Are Chinatown by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
Her series centers four intergenerational community members: Lucy Yu of Yu & Me Books, Ken Li of KK Discount, Gary Liang of G&J Florist, and street vendor Muoi Truong. After spending time with each of them in their homes and businesses, Amanda created portraits that highlight not just their personal journeys, but also the broader challenges and triumphs shared by so many in the community.
Inspired by the symbolism of the Year of the Snake—known for renewal and cyclical transformation—"We Are Chinatown" reflects a neighborhood in motion. Through layers of imagery, sculpture, and storytelling, Amanda captures the heartbeat of a place that constantly evolves while staying rooted in collective memory.
Together, Amanda and Christina’s works form a powerful dialogue between past, present, and future. Their pieces exemplify the Artist Alley’s mission: to uplift AAPI artists and amplify the stories that make Chinatown a vital cultural landmark.
#FirstFriday Event at Poster House
Join us on May 2 for #FirstFriday at Poster House (119 W 23rd St) for a full day of workshops, performances, and special programming in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, presented in partnership with Welcome to Chinatown. Click here for full details and to RSVP!
