Events
Opening Reception + Artist Talk: “The Useful Life of Objects”
MFTA will celebrate the opening of “The Useful Life of Objects” with a free public event on Thursday, January 15, 2026 with an artist talk led by curators Kendal Henry and Sara Reisman at 6:30pm.
Fashion Show: “AIRPLANE” by Victor Pearlman
MFTA is pleased to present Victor Pearlman’s “AIRPLANE,” the first-ever fashion show from the MFTA Designer-in-Residence program.
Sketch Night
Join us on Tuesday, February 10, 2025 at the Materials for the Arts warehouse for our winter Sketch Night!
Upcycled Classroom (Spring 2026)
In this hands-on course, participants will learn a variety of new techniques in upcycled artmaking, drawing from the abundance of paper, fabric, and other donated supplies at the MFTA warehouse.
Opening Reception: Gallery Exhibition by Mary Mattingly
Join us on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:30 - 8:30pm for the solo exhibition opening of MFTA Artist-in-Residence Mary Mattingly.
Props, Puppets & Set Design (Spring 2026)
Learn to make puppets, props, miniature sets — and more — using upcycled materials. This course is designed for teachers who are interested in offering their students a deeper investigation of engineering and design through project-based learning.
Butsu Butsu / Night Chat at MFTA with Eri Shoji
Join us on Thursday, April 16, 2025, from 6:30 — 8:30pm for an exploration of gift culture practices using Teaism as a vehicle, hosted by Eri Shoji.
Sketch Night
Join us on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Materials for the Arts warehouse for our spring Sketch Night!
The Moth Community Engagement Workshop
Materials for the Arts is collaborating with The Moth for a Community Engagement Intro Workshop and StorySLAM!
The Moth StorySLAM at MFTA
Join Materials for the Arts and The Moth Community Team in Long Island City for a StorySLAM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 6:30 — 8:30pm.
MFTA Designer-in-Residence Scooter LaForge
Join us on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 6:30 - 8:30pm for a presentation of works created by MFTA Designer-in-Residence Scooter LaForge.
Summer Family Night
MFTA's fourth annual Summer Family Picnic will be Thursday, July 16, 2026! Join us for a lively evening of artmaking.