Caline Mouawad Represents Artist Sara Ouhaddou in Public Art Project Honoring New York’s Little Syria

May 2026— Chaffetz Lindsey celebrates French-Moroccan artist Sara Ouhaddou in connection with her new permanent public artwork “Al Qalam:  Poets in the Park.”  Partner Caline Mouawad has steadfastly provided Sara pro bono representation since 2017, when Sara was selected for this project through an international competition.

Sponsored by the Washington Street Historical Society, the vibrant art installation was recently inaugurated to commemorate the historic “Little Syria” neighborhood—once home to New York’s first Arabic-speaking immigrant community from Lebanon and Syria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Located in the Financial District, the work celebrates the literary contributions of early Arab-American poets and writers, featuring Sara’s abstract calligraphy based on Arabic script and traditional Middle Eastern architectural forms.

For almost a decade, Caline’s role extended well beyond traditional legal counsel. She served as a trusted advisor throughout the project’s development, helping Sara navigate complex legal and administrative processes while ensuring that her artistic vision and voice remained central at every stage. As a native French speaker, Caline was able to work closely with Sara in her preferred language as the project evolved.

According to Sara, “Caline’s support throughout this journey has been invaluable. Her legal expertise was indispensable, and I truly do not think I could have made it through this process without her. Her generosity, guidance, and unwavering human support have been a true compass for me over the past decade.”

Caline also valued the experience. “Sara is an incredible artist, and it has been a privilege to accompany her on this project for nearly a decade. Her artwork soulfully captures the universal themes of identity, community, diaspora, and heritage. As a Lebanese immigrant to the United States myself, I feel a deep personal connection to her work and to the history it honors,” said Caline.

The installation’s unveiling coincided with both National Arab American Heritage Month and National Poetry Month, underscoring the project’s celebration of language, history, and community. The monument brings renewed visibility to a largely forgotten chapter of New York’s past while offering a powerful reflection on the enduring contributions of Arab Americans.

You can learn much more about this special project here.