About Morningside Lights

about morningside Lights

Morningside Lights is an annual outdoor procession featuring lanterns built by volunteers from Columbia University and surrounding neighborhoods during a week of free public workshops. Students, families, and members of the community are all welcome to attend the workshops and procession. Each year’s theme is conceived and directed by Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles of Processional Arts Workshop.

Morningside Lights was created in 2012 by Brenna St. George Jones, Alex Kahn, Sophia Michahelles, and Melissa Smey as a way to connect Columbia’s campus and the neighborhood, to foster creativity, and to (quite literally) shine a light on Morningside Park. The first year, we hoped to attract 75 volunteers to help create and carry 25 large lanterns. We were amazed at the outpouring of community support – and delighted to welcome over 600 participants that first year.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Friends of Morningside Park, especially Brad Taylor and Aissatou Bey-Grecia, whose thoughtful partnership and support has enabled this beloved tradition to thrive for over a decade.

A co-production of Columbia University’s Arts Initiative and Miller Theatre, Morningside Lights is led by Melissa Smey, Executive Producer; Taylor Riccio, Senior Producer; Taylor Crichton, Associate Producer; and Garrett Rollins, Associate Producer.