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Paulette Richards
Teaching Artist
Paulette Richards is the owner of Ayamedia, a creative enterprise focused on puppetry and storytelling. She is based in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area and has a rich background in both academia and the arts.
Background and Education
Paulette is a recovering academic who was a Fulbright Scholar in Senegal during 2013-2014. Her passion for puppetry emerged during this time, leading her to pursue a self-directed education in the field through volunteer work at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. She later co-curated a significant exhibit on African American puppetry, which helped establish her reputation as a puppetry scholar. This work culminated in her book titled Object Performance in the Black Atlantic: The United States published by Routledge.14
Professional Experience
At Ayamedia, Paulette serves as a teaching artist, conducting workshops and educational programs that utilize puppetry as a medium for storytelling and community engagement. She has taught at various institutions, including the Friends School of Atlanta and the Dekalb County Public Library.14 Her mission centers on healing through storytelling, particularly focusing on African American experiences.1
Community Engagement
Beyond her work at Ayamedia, Paulette is involved in community initiatives aimed at promoting social justice and environmental awareness. She has been recognized for her advocacy against climate gentrification and has founded programs that educate young people about climate change impacts.2
Paulette Richards continues to be an influential figure in both the arts and community activism, using her platform to foster dialogue and creativity. For more details about her work, you can visit her LinkedIn profile or her website.13
