Healthy Materials Lab presents Regeneration of Flax: Linseed, Linen, Shive, & Oil at the Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries on 5th Avenue in NYC. 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. Through the diversity of innovative designs, historic and current, our goal is to reconnect designers with the lifecycle of their materials. 

Flax has been used for centuries for ropemaking, as a food source, and for textiles. It is a bio-based replacement for petrochemical-based products. The entire flax plant (Linum Usitatissimum) can be utilized, leading to zero-waste, healthier materials for textiles, finishes, paints, insulation and flooring. Through showcasing photography, material samples, written text, diagrams, and artwork, the exhibit will display the flax plant through its life cycle, in various applications, and ultimately its compostability. 

Exhibitors include: DumoLab Research at the University of Pennsylvania, Michelle Wilson, Danielle Burke, Cassie Quinn & More!

Currently, fiber flax is primarily grown in Western Europe. Our exhibition will bring discourse to revitalization efforts of flax for linen textile production in North America. Additionally, the exhibition will highlight and display the use of linseed oil and shive byproducts for the built environment. 

In response to the current climate crisis, our exhibition and related public programming will contribute to the crucial discussion concerning carbon sequestration, regional economies, and the ongoing shift towards healthier, bio-based materials. 

We invite all to attend and register for an expert panel discussion October 7 at 5pm, the Night at the Gallery reception October 15 at 5pm, and invite The New School community to apply for the spinning workshop on October 30 at 3pm.