Sam Potrykus

Director of Brain Arts Org

Sam P is from Braintree and has been living in Jamaica Plain for over 12 years.He founded Brain Arts Org in 2013 after starting it's first project, Boston Compass Newspaper, in 2010. He is passionate about creating and sharing platforms that uplift marginalized artists which for Sam began with DIY/punk culture in 2004 and has evolved into arts equity and advocacy in the past decade. In addition to playing bass for local rapper Red Shaydez and the 2020 Boston Music Awards R&B Vocalist Of The Year, Miranda Rae, he is also the singer and songwriter for his own band Ten Gallon Hat.

Amyas McKnight

Director of Operations

Amyas McKnight is Director Of Facilities at Dorchester Art Project and Founder of What's Happening Boston. Through various jobs McKNight discovered his strengths and passion for grassroots organizing while simentabusoely beginning a career in the entertainment industry. In 2020 these callings merged when he started volunteering for Brain Arts Org and quickly proved a valuable asset to a hyper-local, mission-driven organization. As a lifelong Dorchester resident McKnight is passionate about realizing creative potential and bringing money and power back to his community. He manages all the facilities at Dorchester Art Project including the theater and performance space, gallery and exhibition space as well as the store and rental hall.

Emma Leavitt

Communications Manager

Emma started as a volunteer with Brain Arts Organization in 2014 and is now super proud to be one of the Directors! She runs the Communications department and the DAP store and manages public art projects. She loves painting walls, getting paint on herself, getting artists paid, and advocating for creative workers worldwide. You can see her art at www.soleiarts.com

Isis Glover

DAP Store Manager

Heyy I’m Isis! I live in Dorchester and I’m passionate about making Acting for Television and Film more accessible to my community! I work at BAO because they share my passion in wanting to give back to the community and actively work to provide a platform for all kinds of artists and mediums. In my free time, I enjoy learning new things like playing instruments and writing stories. I’ve been on staff at BAO since October and it’s the most fun, creative place to work. I first learned of BAO attending shows in the venue, tapped in as an artist, became a volunteer, and most recently I work in the new Dorchester Art Project store which has been an amazing experience seeing local artists get paid.

Marc Drinkwater

Accountant

Marc is a Federally licensed tax accountant. Born in Boston, raised in NH, currently in Haverhill, Marc has over 15 years' experience working with individuals, businesses, estates, trusts and non-profits. He is a musician who organizes experimental music performances in and around Boston since 2012. He believes free artistic expression is a path to self-knowledge and a way to grow empathy for others.

Kevin Dacey

BCN Editor-in-Chief

Kevin grew up on the North Shore of MA. After studying music performance, he became a teaching artist instructing music/percussion classes and lessons. During his studies, he was also developing his love for independent journalism and community arts by attending, performing and organizing underground music shows. Kevin joined the BCN team in 2018 and became E-I-C in 2019. Alongside his two career paths, he creates experimental electronic music, collects physical music media/instruments/local art/zines, gardens and hangs with his cat. He knows BCN will forever be important in a city where emerging and underground art regularly goes unnoticed.

Anny Thach

DAP Sales Associate

Anny Thach is a powerhouse of ideas, a visual artist, and a poet. The Dorchester native and resident graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a BA in Political Science and Asian Studies. Anny is passionate about finding space for intersectionality whether it is for identity or disciplines (visual art, literature, physical structures).

Nancia

DAP Sales Associate

Nancia is a contributor to the DAP and BCN team. She is one of Boston's favorite R&B artists releasing the best and popular music in town. She recently performed for First Night Boston which was aired on NECN which was broadcasted in all six New England states. She sang the National Anthem for the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Paw Sox Rhode Island, and various local sporting events. As a 3x Boston Music Awards nominee she continues to use music to empower women and community.

Nick Green

Grants Manager

Nick has been with Brain Arts since September 2017, beginning as a volunteer grant writer. Now pursuing his MPP, Nick hopes to use policy to enrich Boston’s arts ecosystem, primarily for working artists of color and experimental arts communities. Having played guitar since the age of 9, Nick also enjoys writing and playing music, and diving deep into guitar-based musical sub-genres.

Tahisha Charles

BCN Production Manager

My name is Tahisha and I live on the Southshore! I just bought my first house back in March and it has been challenging, but rewarding. I'm very passionate about hip-hop and R&B music. Especially songs that tell a story. If I can feel the pain, then you're worth writing about, which is why I created my website miixtapechiick.com. I wanted to amplify those stories, while still covering mainstream artists. I've been with Brain Arts since April, originally starting as a contributor for Underground Flex. In November, I became the Compass Production Manager. It's so amazing to be apart of a team that loves music, arts and culture like I do. I always tell my mother that I wish this was a full-time job.

Volunteers!!

BAO Superheroes

And of course shout out to our incredible VOLUNTEERS who have made BAO what it is today. There are hundreds of people who have lent their energy and passion to this organization in the past several years and we are forever grateful to them!