Podcast with Sophia Michahelles: Utilizing Art to Unify Communities Behind the Fight for Justice

Engulfed in a sea of cerulean silks representative of the Harlem River, I watch excited children run circles through the crowded streets, carrying vibrant fish puppets crafted from paper and cloth. Above this scene towers the refugee puppet of Little Amal, a nationally recognized symbol of compassion and equal rights for all, especially immigrants and communities of color. One organizer of this event, where Little Amal leads South Bronx residents towards the waterfront that they desire access to, is the Processional Arts nonprofit. This organization, which was formed to “preserve, promote, and develop public processions and pageant puppetry as a distinct and vital artform”, essentially uses visual and performance arts as a method of promoting community revitalization, celebrating cultural traditions, and making positive statements of change. Sophia Michahelles, one of two chief artists and puppeteers of the Processional Arts Workshop, has diverse experiences in the art world as a visual artist, performer, and clothing designer. As she played an integral role in the success of the South Bronx’s Little Amal Arts Festival, she offers insight into how the arts can help give underrepresented community members a voice.

As the festival and parade come to an end, the Little Amal puppet greets community members at the waterfront of the Harlem River. Taken by me in September 2022