More than Meets the Eye

On September 22, 2023, Little Amal, the twelve-foot-tall puppet of a ten-year-old Syrian refugee stopped in Cincinnati on her journey across the United States at the invitation of Summermusik. She was greeted by more than 3,500 Greater Cincinnatians and 135 performers who helped lead her across the Roebling suspension bridge into the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. To commemorate Little Amal’s visit, a pair of artists created mobile murals, depicting the immigrant and refugee experience based on their impressions of Amal’s visit as well as stories told by local immigrants and refugees.

Her journey also sparked a local storygathering project that highlights stories of peace, hope, and resilience shared by dozens of immigrants and refugees who now call Greater Cincinnati home. Led by the nonprofit A Picture’s Worth and a host of community partners, the FotoFocus Featured Project “More than Meets the Eye,” installed across the Purple People Bridge, provides a powerful coda to this evening’s celebrations.

This program seeks to continue Little Amal’s impact in Greater Cincinnati by combining music, art, and storytelling into a one-hour program. Throughout this hour, you will hear from the artists that created the murals, listen to a story from a local refugee, learn more about the history of immigration in Greater Cincinnati, and enjoy a performance by a string quartet.

6pm: Event Begins: Food provided by Bridges Nepali Cuisine; Community organization exhibition
6:30pm: Program begins
7:30pm: Program ends
7:35pm: Walk across the Purple People Bridge to view the Photographic Narratives exhibition led by Tangled Roots

Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Cincinnati: A City of Immigrants

This event is free to attend, but registration is requested. Tickets will not be issued.
Suggested donation to support the artists: $20