Materials for the Arts

Materials for the Arts Materials for the Arts

MFTA, a program of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, collects surplus materials and redistributes them to its members: nonprofits with arts programming, public schools, social service groups, and city agencies.

08/31/2026

Experience MFTA Designer-in-Residence Scooter LaForge’s (scooterlaforge) solo exhibition “Lucky Finds: Second Chances” in the MFTA Gallery!

In his exhibition at the MFTA Gallery, LaForge utilized his signature brightly colored painting style that incorporates pop culture imagery, illustrations, and found objects to create stunning artworks. By exploring and juxtaposing the different reused materials available in the MFTA warehouse, LaForge incorporates the many imbued meanings found in everything from children’s book illustrations, to comic books, to plastic jack o’ lanterns, to old couches, to leather jackets, and much more.

Though RSVPs for LaForge’s closing reception are now full, you can still enjoy the last few weeks of this MFTA Gallery exhibition, which remains on view through September 17, 2026.

Thank you to everyone who attended our fourth annual Summer Family Night! Every Summer, MFTA opens its warehouse doors t...
08/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our fourth annual Summer Family Night!

Every Summer, MFTA opens its warehouse doors to families across the five boroughs for child-centered programming featuring art-making activities, music playing, and a breezy backdrop for family photos that make a splash.

Though Summer Family Night happens once a year, it’s a part of MFTA’s Third Thursday programming where we bring you monthly arts-focused events FREE of charge.

Visit materialsforthearts.org to check out our upcoming programming!

Check out these warehouse gems! ✨Bountiful instruments, Deadpool fan art, Southwest leather, nostalgic shoe charms, and ...
08/25/2026

Check out these warehouse gems! ✨

Bountiful instruments, Deadpool fan art, Southwest leather, nostalgic shoe charms, and more! All of these items are available to MFTA members — FREE of charge. You read that right! At Materials for the Arts, we open our doors every Tuesday and Thursday to roughly 5,000 member organizations so that they can access our 35,000-square-foot warehouse of goodies without spending a dime. It doesn’t get better than that!

If you’re not a member and are curious about eligibility requirements, visit nyc.gov/mfta. 🛒

❗️Please note: the shoppers in displayed in these photos are not up for grabs. 😋

Join us on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6:30 – 8:30pm for a T-shirt silkscreen workshop and closing event for “Lucky...
08/20/2026

Join us on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6:30 – 8:30pm for a T-shirt silkscreen workshop and closing event for “Lucky Finds: Second Chances,” an exhibition of works by MFTA Designer-in-Residence Scooter LaForge.

In his exhibition at the MFTA Gallery, “Lucky Finds: Second Chances,” LaForge uses his signature brightly colored painting style, incorporating pop culture imagery, illustrations, and found objects to create stunning artworks. By exploring and juxtaposing the different reused materials available in the MFTA warehouse, LaForge incorporates the many imbued meanings found in everything from children’s book illustrations to comic books, to plastic jack o’ lanterns, to old couches, to leather jackets, and much more.

Enjoy the last weeks of this MFTA Gallery exhibition, which remains on view through September 17, 2026.

Thursday, September 3 | 6:30 – 8:30pm
33-00 Northern Blvd, 3rd fl.
Long Island City, NY 11101

👉RSVP at the link in bio!

Any equestrians in the house? 😛 Check out this new donation we’ve got in the warehouse! Smells kinda funky, which could ...
08/10/2026

Any equestrians in the house? 😛 Check out this new donation we’ve got in the warehouse! Smells kinda funky, which could mean nothing... 👁️

Check out this donation and many more at the MFTA warehouse by booking your next shopping appointment at nyc.gov/mfta. 🛒

Thank you to everyone who attended our reception for MFTA Designer-in-Residence Scooter LaForge’s “Lucky Finds: Second C...
08/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our reception for MFTA Designer-in-Residence Scooter LaForge’s “Lucky Finds: Second Chances”!

A true downtown artist, LaForge’s cartoonish creations have a genuine NYC feel with playful interpretations of beloved characters like Bambi and Popeye; his vintage caricatures’ urban twist has multigenerational appeal. Through MFTA’s unique Designer-in-Residence program, LaForge transformed finds from MFTA’s 35,000-square-foot warehouse—a Candyland of inspiration and vintage ephemera, from Mickey Mouse plushies to ‘50s-era suitcases and Barbie dolls—into this new body of work.

“Lucky Finds: Second Chances” is on view at Materials for the Arts Gallery through September 17, 2026, welcoming visitors Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm, excluding federal holidays. Admission to this exhibition is free and open to the public.

Step into the rich tradition of quilt making!Co-taught by Joy Suarez and our former Designer-in-Residence Daveed Baptist...
07/28/2026

Step into the rich tradition of quilt making!

Co-taught by Joy Suarez and our former Designer-in-Residence Daveed Baptiste (daveedbaptiste), this MFTA’s summer studio class takes a deep dive into the historical progression and cultural significance of padded fabric throughout the ages.

Participants will be introduced to the origins of quilting and methods utilized in fabric layering, from ancient practices in diverse cultures to contemporary innovations using technology. Through the evolution of piecing together textiles participants will experience firsthand how to quilt a series of square pieces for a personal narrative, using upcycled and non-traditional fabrics from the MFTA warehouse.

✳️Please note: This class is open to artists, creatives, educators, and all who are interested. NYC Public Schools teachers can earn CTLE credits for this course (45 CTLE hours) but cannot earn credits toward their ASPDP Salary Differential. This is *not* a P-credit course.

MFTA’s Quilt Making course takes place from August 10 - 15.

👉Learn more and register:
https://www.materialsforthearts.org/event/quilt-making-summer-2026/

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33-00 Northern Boulevard
New York, NY
11101

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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