Learn the stories behind the flax plant and mycelium, and how these materials can provide the new ingredients to replace fossil fuel based materials. Join us at the exhibition Regeneration of Flax and subsequent public programming on biobased materials.  

Flax, translated in latin, means “most useful”.  Long flax fibers can be spun into fiber (referred to as linen) and woven for textiles, bedding and towels. Woven linen is often used as base cloth for embroidery or printing. Flax tow, the short fibers, can also be spun into fiber or used as paper, insulation and upholstery fill. Flaxseed can be pressed into an oil for wood finishes. The flax oil, linseed, also acts as a base for oil paints and linoleum flooring. Flaxseed contains healthy omega-3s when consumed as a food.  Flax is very useful in a variety of applications.

Flax’s stories are intertwined with human history. From hardwood furniture finished with linseed oil to lightweight linen garment, flax-based materials are an integral part  of our daily lives. Discover more stories about the flax plant and its material potential at our upcoming events this Fall! 

Fungi is used for food and medicine, to absorb toxic materials, and grown for dyes and fabrics. The kingdom fungi can also be harnessed to mold bricks and grown to insulate healthier, climate positive buildings.

This Fall, growers, manufacturers, designers, architects and innovators, at the forefront of mycelium’s use in material design and architecture, will join Healthy Materials Lab and the Architectural League of NY for an expert panel on the opportunities of using mycelium in the built environment.

>> REGENERATION OF FLAX: EXHIBITION opens on Monday September 30th until Tuesday November 12th, 12:00-6:00 pm: The exhibition will display the breadth of applications of products from the flax plant and encourage increased regional development of flax fiber in North America. Additionally, the exhibition will highlight and display the use of linseed oil and shive byproducts for the built environment. Through the diversity of innovative designs, historic and current, our goal is to reconnect designers with the lifecycle of their materials. At the Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries, 66 5th Avenue, NY.  

>> REGENERATION OF FLAX: EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION on Monday October 7th, 5:00-8:00pm: A panel of experts will take a deep dive into the lifecycle and material potential of processing flax for fiber, oil and building materials. At the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Auditorium, room N101, 66 5th Avenue, NY.  

>> FLAX SPINNING WORKSHOP on Wednesday, October 30th, 3:00-5:30 pm: Join expert Andrea Myklebust to learn the craft of spinning flax fiber into linen yarn. Working with hand spindles and distaves, participants will be introduced to the foundational concepts of spinning: the control of loose fiber through drafting, and the addition of twist to create a structurally-sound yarn. Limited Registration for students of Parsons. Application is required. At the Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries, 66 5th Avenue, NY.  

>> FIELD TO FORM: MYCELIUM on Wednesday, November 20th, time TBA: is an in-person event that explores the potential of mycelium to shape the future of healthy materials. Mycelium is the network of fungal threads that can be harnessed to do everything from cleaning up toxic waste sites to constructing housing to forming patterns on textiles. Hosted in collaboration with the Architectural League of NY. Registration link coming soon. 

We hope you will join us!