Meet Lynn Johnson—

Artist. Organizer. Visionary. Community builder.

Lynn Johnson is the Founder and Creative Director of AmeriMasala, Erie’s premier multicultural arts movement rooted in the belief that creativity can bring people together across race, culture, gender, and class. He knows that injustice isn’t undone overnight, but he believes deeply in the power of art, music, and shared celebration to spark understanding and challenge division.

Lynn first launched AmeriMasala in 1995, later reviving it after a long hiatus with renewed purpose and urgency. The name blends “American” with “masala,” meaning a mix of spices, a reflection of his belief that our differences are not obstacles, but strengths. To Lynn, AmeriMasala is more than a festival. It’s a movement grounded in dignity, cultural exchange, and the idea that every person carries inherent value.

From giant puppets and global music to community workshops and cultural food, Lynn pours his heart into every detail, building partnerships, uplifting artists, and inviting Erie to imagine a more inclusive future. For him, this isn’t just an event. It’s a calling.