WHAT'S HAPPENING
New & Noteworthy
CTLE Professional Development Workshop for New Teachers
Come get creative and earn CTLE credits on Wednesday, November 30 (4-6pm). Learn a variety of ways that re-used free materials can be added into your curriculum...
Election Day Workshop for Teachers
Come get creative and earn CTLE credits this Election Day at MFTA. Learn a variety of ways that re-used free materials can be added into your curriculum...
The Sustainable Art Show
Join us for a celebration of 10 years of our Artist-in-Residence program, which continues to inspire the public to envision how sustainably reclaimed materials can be transformed into works of art.
CBS Profiles MFTA’s Work with Schools
Learn more about MFTA and our work supporting schools across the five boroughs...
“Gateways to Galleries”
Visit the MFTA Gallery to view artwork by people in custody of the NYC Department of Correction. "Gateways to Galleries will be on view through March 18.
Spring Course Registration is Open!
Registration is now open for MFTA's P-Credit / CTLE courses for teachers.
Opening Event: “Everything and Nothing at All” by Barak Chamo
Join us on Thursday, January 20 at Chashama’s gallery at Union Square for the exhibition opening of “Everything and Nothing at All” by MFTA Artist-in-Residence Barak Chamo.
“Co-creating The People’s Bus”
MFTA Gallery's latest exhibition “Co-creating The People's Bus" showcases Yazmany Arboleda's work with the NYC Civic Engagement Commission.
Giving Tuesday
Donate to MFTA on #GivingTuesday and support MFTA’s Education Center and public programming.
Masked Marvelous Virtual Gala
Join us for MFTA's annual celebration and fundraiser, Masked Marvelous!
Junk Kouture Workshop: Live – with Materials for the Arts
As part of Climate Week NYC, Junk Kouture takes over Materials for the Arts for a celebration of creativity, fashion and sustainability.
Elisa Insua
Explore MFTA Artist-in-Residence Elisa Insua's solo exhibition, "The Path of Least Resistance," at MFTA Gallery.
Musical Instrument Making with Louie Miranda
Learn to make musical instruments with materials around your home with musician and MFTA Teaching Artist Louie Miranda.
Summer Course Registration is Open!
Register for MFTA's Summer 2021 Professional Development Courses for Educators! P-Credit / +30 / A+ / CTLE offered with additional ASPDP Registration.
Artist Talk with Remy Jungerman
Join us this Thursday for a conversation with Remy Jungerman, a contemporary Surinamese-Dutch artist based in Amsterdam and New York.
MFTA Earth Month 2021 Classes
Join MFTA for creative reuse art class this Earth Month. Teachers, you can earn CTLE hours!
Earth Day 2021 Virtual Festival
Join MFTA on Monday, April 19 for a special virtual video game-style Earth Day event!
Creative Reuse Screen Printing
Join us live online on Thursday, April 15 at 7pm for a creative reuse screen print demonstration and conversation with Lucky Fish print shop owner Jann Cheifitz.
We’re Hiring
Friends of Materials for the Arts is seeking a Development Manager to work directly with the Executive Director, senior staff, and board members to lead fundraising initiatives.
Creating Space: An Artist Talk with Konstance Patton
Join us on Thursday, March 18 for a live online conversation with NYC-based artist Konstance Patton, who creates artwork in boarded up SoHo storefronts.
Fashion & Sustainability
Join MFTA and BK Style Foundation on Wednesday, February 24 at 7pm for a live online sustainable fashion show and workshop.
“Archetypes: A Visual Soundtrack” by Dario Mohr
Join us on Thursday, January 21 at 7pm for the virtual opening of the solo exhibition by MFTA's Fall 2020 Artist-in-Residence, Dario Mohr...
Spring 2021 Course Registration is Open!
Register for MFTA's Spring 2021 Professional Development Courses for Educators! P-Credit/+30/A+/CTLE offered with additional ASPDP Registration. First course begins in February!
Planet Classroom
Creative reuse is a powerful tool that uplifts and empowers communities through art. We're proud to share our work with the global education network, Planet Classroom.
Support – End of Year Giving
Carlos Rodriguez-Perez shares how MFTA has supported Kings County Hospital during COVID-19.
Creative Reuse Holiday Crafts
Join us on Thursday, December 17 to make creative reuse gifts and ornaments using items from around your home.
#GivingTuesday
We chose to meet the uncertainty of the world, head-on, with a spirit of innovation. Here is a look at our impact this year so far...
MFTA Threads
Show your MFTA pride with a selection of MFTA shirts, polos, jackets, hoodies, hats, caps, and leggings.
Creative Climate Awards
Join us in celebrating the 2020 Creative Climate Awards. On Friday, December 4, we are hosting a talk with MFTA artists about the impact of creative reuse.
Announcing Planet Classroom
Materials for the Arts is proud to be a part of Planet Classroom, an educational network featuring over 20 global organizations.
Mapping, Observing & Communicating
Join us for a conversation with artist John Landewe, who pushes the boundaries of conceptual art with his time-lapse videos, where he captures his intentional dance-like body motions created through his walks...
Art, Activism & Teaching Through COVID-19
With the COVID-19 outbreak, educators have needed to focus on creating accessible and engaging lessons for students learning remotely. We spoke with Ava Cotlowitz, Art Teacher at PS 32 to discuss the work she has done with her students...
Support – A Year Without Masked Marvelous
Despite all the uncertainty in the world, we are committed to our mission to support our arts organizations to get back on their feet in a post-COVID-19 world
Upcycled Mask Making
Join us online on Thursday, October 15, for an evening of mask making, while you explore using items from around your own home.
Show Us Your Mask
Help us to acknowledge “A Year without Masked Marvelous” by sending us a photo of your best mask.
Share Your Work With Us
Send us pictures of your innovative work and programming, as a response to these difficult times. Materials for the Arts is proud to share your ingenuity.
A Year Without Masked Marvelous
Now, more than ever we need you, our partners, and supporters in our mission, to help us spread the importance of creative reuse.
SVA’s Art & Activism Event
Join us on Friday, September 25 at 12pm for SVA's Art & Activism event, which is dedicated to exploring the relationship between environmental and social injustices and how our talents and voices can organize to nourish conscious communities.
Virtual Gallery
Take a 3D virtual tour of the our latest exhibition, "Phase 2: See something, Say something" by Tijay Mohammed.
Guided Exhibition Tour
Join us on Thursday, September 26 at 7pm for the virtual opening of the exhibition "Phase 2: See something, Say something" by MFTA Artist-in-Residence Tijay Mohammed.
Fall 2020 Course Registration is Open!
Register for MFTA's Fall 2020 Professional Development Courses for Educators! P-Credit/+30/A+/CTLE offered with additional ASPDP Registration. Courses begin September 26!
Reused Shop Rags
Join us on Thursday, August 20 for a live conversation about art and reuse with Brooklyn-based artist Jason Rohlf and MFTA Education Director John Cloud Kaiser.
Race, Art & Identity
As we reflect on race and systemic issues, join us online for a live conversation with NYC artist Shaun Leonardo.
Artist Talk with Tijay Mohammed
Join us on Thursday for a talk with MFTA Artist-in-Residence, Tijay Mohammed.
MFTA 3D Virtual Tour
You can enjoy a self-guided 3D virtual tour of Materials for the Arts including our warehouse, gallery, artist studio, and classrooms.
Keep The Rhythm
Join us on June 13 to celebrate Black Music Month at Weeksville Heritage Center.
Artists and Arts Organizations Help With Masks and Mourning Room at Hospital
During the Covid-19 outbreak, Materials for the Arts has supported NYC Health + Hospitals with donations.
14 Ways to Give Back in NYC, Based on What You’re Into
Materials for the Arts was included in a list of organizations you can support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Summer Course Registration is Open!
Register for MFTA's Summer 2020 Professional Development Courses for Educators! P-Credit/+30/A+/CTLE offered with additional ASPDP Registration.
Virtual Talk
Join us on Thursday, May 21 for a conversation with artist and sculptor, Lars Fisk and architect and designer of the September 11 Memorial, Michael Arad.
#GivingTuesdayNow
As we meet the needs of our community head on, we hope that you will support our work.
NYC Climate Hero
On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, MFTA Executive Director Harriet Taub was named a NYC Climate Hero.
Support for Healthcare Workers
MFTA was proud to support NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan create a 24-Hour Respite Center for its health care workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Survey
Help us understand the impact of COVID-19 on you and your organization with this survey released in partnership with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and Americans for the Arts. Complete this survey by Friday, May 8.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources for Nonprofits
During these unprecedented times, be sure that you and your organization have the necessary funding and guiding resources.
From Waste to Opportunity, Thanks to Creative Reuse Centers
Is it just waste, or could it be art? This German article takes a look at the impact of creative reuse centers.
Virtual Gallery Opening
Join us during Earth Month for the virtual opening of "Contemporary Reuse 2020."
MFTA’s Online Education Center
Visit our new online education page filled with resources for projects and lesson plans across the curriculum.
“Contemporary Reuse 2020”
Experience a guided tour of the MFTA Gallery's latest exhibition, "Contemporary Reuse 2020."
Tour the MFTA Warehouse
Take a special guided tour of MFTA and learn about our warehouse, classrooms, gallery, and Artist-in-Residence studio.
MFTA COVID-19 Update
Shopping and all other public events at MFTA have been cancelled until further notice.
JetBlue Valentine’s Day Raffle
Warm up your winter with some travel. Enter to win a pair of round-trip JetBlue plane tickets! All proceeds support Friends of Materials for the Arts' education and public programming.
“Bygone Buttons Fill a Hole for New York Arts Groups” – WSJ
"When Millicent Safro was shutting down her Upper East Side shop Tender Buttons last summer, she did so thinking she might find a new location for the half-century-old sewing-supply emporium..."
Explore Whitney Oldenburg’s Exhibition: “Loose Ends” on view in the MFTA Gallery
"Loose Ends" includes the largest sculpture to ever be on view in the MFTA Gallery. Oldenburg's work will be on view at MFTA until March 6, 2020.
Spring 2020 Courses for Educators (P-Credit /+30 / CTLE)
Register for MFTA's Spring 2020 Professional Development Courses for Educators! P-Credit/ +30/ CTLE Credits offered with additional ASPDP registration. Now Open!
Gallery Exhibition Opening: “Loose Ends” by Whitney Oldenburg
Join us for the exhibition opening of "Loose Ends" by MFTA’s Fall 2019 Artist-in-Residence, Whitney Oldenburg, and a live violin performance by Laura Ortman.
This #GivingTuesday Support Creative Reuse
Join us in continuing to enhance the mission of Materials for the Arts. Your contribution will go directly towards strengthening our many educational programs...
Big Savings for Teachers at Queens Warehouse – NBC New York
Check out our featured story with NBC New York about teachers shopping at MFTA.
Dance Performance and Artmaking
Explore the connection between performance and design with Valerie Green/Dance Entropy on Thursday, November 21...
Notice – MFTA Closing Dates – October 2019
Please be aware that MFTA will be closed for a few dates in October to train staff on our new website and database...
Chancellor’s Conference Day: Creative Reuse Workshop (CTLE)
Election Day/Chancellor's Conference Day for Staff Development. Learn to create percussion instruments using found objects from our warehouse. Immerse yourself in global rhythms while learning how to integrate them into your classroom curriculum...
Masked Marvelous – Let’s Party!
Join us on Thursday, October 24, 2019 for Materials for the Arts’ annual cocktail party.Enjoy local cuisine, signature cocktails, mask-making, music, dancing, entertainment...
Gallery Exhibit Opening & Artmaking
On Thursday, September 19, 6-9pm, we invite guests to tour our newest gallery exhibition and create reuse art. Enjoy live music by Mister Cam-Run at the opening event...
MFTA’s Back to School Kickoff
We're celebrating STEAM for our fifth annual Back to School Kickoff from August 27 until the end of September. Start the school year with creative reuse, sustainable shopping, and free classroom materials...
Fall 2019 Courses for Educators (P-Credit /+30 / CTLE)
Register for MFTA's Fall 2019 Professional Development Courses for Educators! P-Credit/ +30/ CTLE Credits offered with additional ASPDP registration. Now Open!
Artist Talk: Roberto Visani and Michael Kelly Williams
Join us on Thursday, August 15 for a conversation with our current and former Artists-in-Residence, Roberto Visani and Michael Kelly Williams. The two will discuss their art, personal stories, creative reuse, racial identity, and politics...
MFTA Gallery – The Artists of MFTA
MFTA's latest exhibition, The Artists of Materials for the Arts, is a collection of works created by MFTA staff and Teaching Artists. On view at the MFTA Gallery until Friday, September, 6...
CreateNYC Action Plan
MFTA was proud to host the launch of the CreateNYC Action Plan, NYC's first-ever comprehensive cultural plan.
Gallery Exhibit Opening: “The Artists of Materials for the Arts”
Join us to celebrate the opening of our newest gallery exhibit on Thursday, July 18 from 6-9pm. "The Artists of Materials for the Arts" features artwork created by MFTA staff and teaching artists...
Make Percussion Instruments
Learn unique ways to create percussion instruments and build them yourself with reusable materials...
New Member Orientation: November 2019
The Welcome Orientation on Monday, November 4, from 2:00pm – 3:00pm at Materials for the Arts is for newly accepted organizations and new staff members of already registered recipients only...
Summer Registration is Open!
Register for MFTA's Summer 2019 Professional Development Courses for Educators! P-Credit/+30/CTLE offered with additional ASPDP Registration.
Stonewall 50: Fashion & Activism (P-Credit/CTLE)
Presented by Materials for the Arts + New-York Historical Society. This two-day, one p-credit course dives into the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, and explores fashion, personal presentation, and modes of expression and LGBTQ+ activism from the mid-20th century through today.
Create Wood Assemblage Sculptures
Learn how reusable and distressed wood can be transformed into beautiful sculptures with artist Yasmin Gur...
Registration Open – Chancellor’s Conference Day Workshop
Chancellor’s Conference Day – Professional Development Creative Reuse Workshop for Educators is open for Registration! This hands-on studio class introduces arts integration and multi-modal instruction to classroom teachers...
Welcome to Earth Month
Come to the exciting events in the warehouse and at our partner organizations around NYC and learn how you can contribute to a healthier planet through Creative REuse.
Gallery Opening and Art Making
Join us this Earth Month for the gallery opening of Contemporary Reuse, a yearly exhibition which brings together artists who celebrate reusable materials. Tour the gallery and create straw sculptures at this festive event.
Windchime Exhibition and Auction
Composer and instrument-builder extraordinaire Skip LaPlante will perform his massive wind-chime composition created from “stuff nobody else wanted.”
Artexpo New York 2019
Materials for the Arts is proud to be a Community Partner of Artexpo. Enjoy a free 4-day Trade Pass (April 4-7)...
New Member Orientation: April 2019
The Welcome Orientation on Monday, April 1st, from 2:00 – 3:00pm at Materials for the Arts is for newly accepted organizations and new staff members of already registered recipients only...
Make Aquaponics Sculptures
Join us on Thursday, March 21 to learn how to grow plants in unique places, and build aquaponics systems with reusable materials...
Creative Reuse for Teachers (NYCATA/UFT Workshop)
Director of Education, JOHN CLOUD-KAISER, presents a "Creative Reuse for Teachers" workshop for teachers on Friday, March 22, 4:30 - 6:30PM at UFT in Manhattan. This is a creative...
MFTA Benefit Concert
Join us at for an evening of musical performances from Bad Hombres and many more at Berlin Under A. Proceeds from this benefit will support MFTA’s programming and community outreach initiatives...
Artist Talk at MFTA: Dionis Ortiz and Kleaver Cruz
Celebrate Black Future(s) Month at MFTA as writer Kleaver Cruz joins current MFTA Artist-in-Residence Dionis Ortiz in a dynamic conversation...
Professional Development – Paper Pulp to Fiction
Enhance your lesson plans with MFTA's Paper to Pulp Fiction P-Credit Course. Explore paper making projects across school subjects including math, science, social studies and literacy. Course begins in February.
Professional Development – STE(A)M P-Credit
Teachers, register for MFTA's STE(A)M and Paper P-Credit course to learn hands-on projects for your lesson plans.
Creative REuse Through Dance
Join us on Thursday, January 17 from 6:30-8:30pm for an evening of movement-based storytelling with artists Ambika Raina and Katrina Reid.
40 for 40 Challenge
Celebrate MFTA's 40th Anniversary by entering the $40 for 40 Challenge! Help us raise $10,000 by years' end and the Liman Foundation will match the donations!
Happiness in Rainbow Donations
Life in the MFTA Warehouse is pretty colorful...especially when incredible donations like this stash of fabric, compliments of Pantone, walk in on a cloudy day!
MFTA Gallery Opening Reception
Meet Materials for the Arts' fall 2018 Artist-in-Residence, Dionis Ortiz and experience his Creative REuse-inspired work during the MFTA Gallery Opening 12/14
