Community Lantern Building Workshops
September 13-19, 2025
In the week leading up to the Morningside Lights illuminated procession, we come together on the stage of Miller Theatre (116th and Broadway) to build dozens of handmade large-scale lanterns, step by step, layer by layer. Discover the steps of the process below, and sign up for a free workshop to join in collaboration.
Lantern WorkshopS Overview
Lanterns take shape in a collaborative building process from start to finish. Each lantern passes through different hands during the week, highlighting the creativity of its makers at every stage.
Work alongside Morningside Lights’ artistic directors, Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles, innovators in the world of processional art. Workshops are open to anyone, with tasks geared toward older kids (10+) and adults.
No experience is necessary - one will be provided!
Note: The timeline of daily tasks may vary as lanterns progress through each stage. Come ready for anything!
1: Assemble lantern structures from pre-cut coroplast.
2: Cover LANTERNS WITH A base layer of cheesecloth AND GLUE
3: Apply base layer of white tissue to smooth & diffuse Light
4: Create final imagery with colored tissue and papier mâché.
Add edge design and lettering.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 13: 12PM-3PM [FULL] & 3PM-6PM [FULL]
Assemble lantern structures from pre-cut coroplast.
Sunday, September 14: 12PM-3PM [FULL] & 3PM-6PM [FULL]
Cover lanterns with a base layer of cheesecloth and glue.
Monday, September 15: 2PM-5PM [FULL] & 5PM-8PM [FULL]
Apply layer of white tissue and papier mâché to smooth and diffuse light.
Tuesday, September 16: 2PM-5PM, 5PM-8PM [FULL], & 8PM-10PM [FULL]
Wednesday, September 17: 2PM-5PM & 5PM-8PM [FULL]
Thursday, September 18: 2PM-5PM, 5PM-8PM [FULL] , & 8PM-10PM [FULL]
Friday, September 19: 2PM-5PM [FULL] & 5PM-8PM [FULL]
Create images with colored tissue and papier mâché. Add edge design and lettering.