Just Making: Art, Justice, and Shalom | Mitali Perkins

In this episode, host Susan Smetzer Anderson sits down with acclaimed author Mitali Perkins to explore the intersection of art, justice, vocation, and faith. Drawing from her latest book, Just Making: A Guide for Compassionate Creatives, Mitali shares her journey as a Bengali American writer, her passion for justice, and how creatives can sustain their work in a chaotic world.

Together, they reflect on how art can be a vehicle for shalom—a vision of universal flourishing—and how artists can navigate internal doubts, external pressures, and the temptation to turn art into propaganda or kitsch. Mitali also offers practical wisdom on embracing ancient spiritual practices, finding courage to share your work, and building creative community.

🔗 Resources & Links

🌐 Learn more about Mitali Perkins and her work: mitaliperkins.com

📖 Explore the S.L. Brown Foundation and Upper House: slbf.org