In the lead up to this year’s World Voices Festival, PEN is teaming up with Processional Arts Workshop (PAW) for a series of drop-in workshops to create giant puppets and other visual elements for mobile performances along NYC’s High Line. Workshop volunteers will help artists Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles translate the sensual anatomy of bindings, folios, paper, and print into bibliomorphic puppets and performing objects for the April 30 sunset Parade of Illuminations that will officially open the Festival. Evenings, May 3-5, roving performances of Ex Libris will inhabit The High Line, leaving behind PEN-authored texts in the hands of a few lucky passers-by.

Puppet-building workshops are free and open to the public and will take place April 21 to May 2 at the Westbeth Center for the Arts (55 Bethune St). No experience is necessary and kids 10 and up are welcome if accompanied by an adult. PAW will introduce participants to techniques in large-scale puppetry, illuminated structures, paper-casting, low-tech printmaking, and “altered books” – ultimately offering the opportunity to bring their creations to life on the Highline. To learn more, sign up for the workshops, or volunteer to perform, visit www.superiorconcept.org/PEN or contact PAW at 845-758-9976.

Workshops
Saturday, April 21: Noon–6 p.m.
Sunday, April 22: Noon–6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 25: 2–8 p.m.
Thursday, April 26: 2–8 p.m.
Friday, April 27: 2–8 p.m.
Saturday, April 28: Noon–6 p.m.
Sunday, April 29: Noon–6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 1: 2–8 p.m.
Wednesday, May 2: 2–8 p.m.

Parade of Illuminations: Opening procession for the PEN World Voices Festival
Monday, April 30: 7:30 pm
The High Line, West 14th Street Entrance, NYC