Cyborg Human: Fashion, Microplastics & Health
2:00 PM- 3:00 PM
Cyborg Human: Fashion, Microplastics & Health. An Interactive Art, Film Teaser + Science Workshop with Clementina “Sustainable Latina”
Clothing is one of the most intimate materials we live with — yet many modern textiles shed microscopic plastic fibers that enter our air, water, and bodies. As synthetic fabrics break down, they release microplastics that are increasingly linked to environmental pollution and emerging concerns about human health.
In this 1-hour interactive workshop, multidisciplinary artist and sustainability advocate Clementina “Sustainable Latina” brings together art, science, and storytelling to explore the hidden relationship between textiles, microplastics, and our evolving human ecosystem.
Participants will view a teaser from Clementina’s upcoming short film "Cyborg Human", which explores the idea that modern humans are becoming part biological, part synthetic as plastic particles accumulate in our environment and bodies. Select costume and design elements from the film will also be displayed, demonstrating how fashion can visualize complex climate and health narratives.
Attendees will engage in hands-on discovery through a microscope station where they can observe microplastic fibers magnified from common textiles, revealing the invisible materials embedded in everyday clothing.
The workshop also includes a creative activation where participants experiment with art-making using bioplastics—exploring alternative materials that challenge petroleum-based fashion systems.
This session invites students, artists, and climate advocates to consider how creativity, research, and storytelling can help translate complex environmental issues into powerful cultural conversations.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of textile pollution, new ways to think about material innovation, and an invitation to imagine a future where fashion, science, and art collaborate to protect both planetary and human health.
Workshop includes:
Screening teaser from Cyborg Human*
* Microplastics microscope viewing station
* Display of film costume/design pieces
* Bioplastic art-making activation
* Discussion on textiles and human health
* Q&A with the artist
By merging scientific insight with artistic expression, this workshop demonstrates how art and storytelling can make invisible environmental threats visible—and inspire climate action through creativity.
👋 Join Our Full Day of Events!
The CA Center for Climate Change Education is hosting Climate Arts Fest on West LA College's campus!
Welcome to the 4th Annual Climate Palooza and the very first Climate Arts Fest! This half-day immersive experience transforms the West LA Community College campus into a vibrant ecosystem of creativity dedicated to climate action and community care.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and engage with over 30 local organizations. We invite residents, students, and artists of all backgrounds to join us in celebrating our planet and designing a greener, more equitable future.
From art, crafts, film, music, XR, sustainable fashion, repair & mending, games, to seed and soil workshops, get ready to be amazed!
Spaces for our incredible hands-on workshops and immersive experiences are limited. Please register in advance to secure your spot!
• 🎵 Welcome to the Soundscape! with Brian Young of Nature Nexus Institute
• 🪡 Mending As Resistance: Stitching Climate Justice with Clementina Martinez-Masarweh of DNA Sustainable Threads
• ⛰️ Native Storytelling with Alan Salazar, a traditional storyteller, native educator, and a tribal elder in both the Fernandiño Tataviam and Ventureño Chumash tribes
• 🎨 Indigenous Pigments with Mona Lewis of Sunsprite Handwork
• 🎞️ Breath Work (a dirty air opera) screening with director Nina Sarnelle of Metabolic Studio and produced in collaboration with Long Beach Forward
• 📽️ Beyond the 2D Frame: Climate Storytelling in XR with Paris McCoy of TEC Leimert
• 🧘🏽♀️Embodied Nature: Movement and Mindfulness with Samantha Redondo
• 🌱BioREMEDIES: Saving the Planet Safely with Taylor Harrison, aka Plant Plug
• 🤖Cyborg Human: Fashion, Microplastics & Health with Clementina Martinez-Masarweh
• 🔥 The Many Uses of Biochar! with Lamar Glover of BioCharge @ CSUDH
• 🍩 Regenerating the LA Economy and Ecology with Indy Singh of California Doughnut Economics Coalition
• 🌍 Nature, Art & Habitat: What Do They Mean to Us? with Ilaria Mazzoleni of IM Studio Milano/Los Angeles and NAHr
• 🏗️ Architecture Workshop: Spatial Knowledge of Nature & The Universe with Marcela Oliva of LATTC Architecture and Environmental Design
•🛠️ Westside Repair Cafe: Bring your items to be repaired at the Festival! We fix small appliances, electronics, & clothing
and many more!
Date: Saturday, April 18th
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: 9000 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230
Public Transportation & carpooling is highly encouraged.
WLAC Public Transportation Guide
Accessibility & Logistics:
Free and open to the public.
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
All ages are welcome; no prior climate expertise is required.
Photography and videography will be captured during the event. By attending, you consent to have your likeness recorded.
Event hosts -
The California Center for Climate Change Education (CCCCE), based at West Los Angeles College, is a Los Angeles Community College District initiative preparing students for green jobs. It provides education, training, and paid internships, focusing on climate equity and supporting statewide clean energy initiatives.
Climate Designers is a global design community hub for creative professionals from all industries, committed to supporting designers to be climate leaders everywhere they work. Climate Designers empowers designers to learn, connect, and act on climate solutions to actively co-create a just and regenerative world. The LA Chapter is co-led by creative director & facilitator Rachel Cellinese and multimedia artist & filmmaker Margaret To. Learn more about our Climate Designers LA Chapter here: https://linktr.ee/climatedesignersla
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By registering for this event, or any other event organized by California Center for Climate Change Education, Climate Designers LA, LA Climate Week, or by attending, you acknowledge that you are aware of and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any public outdoor activity. You accept, and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and Event Hosts from, and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.
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