NYCxDesign Open Studio at Precious Plastic NYC
Step inside the studio of Precious Plastic NYC, where local plastic waste is transformed into creative, functional, and inspiring objects. This Open Studio Day is part of NYCxDesign, and invites visitors of all ages to explore circular design, see small-scale manufacturing in action, and learn how communities, artists, and brands turn everyday plastic into something valuable.
Working at the neighborhood and city level, Precious Plastic NYC addresses the global plastic waste problem by collecting plastic from streets, schools, local businesses, and creative collaborators. What was once trash becomes art, furniture, home decor, and more—the energy of innovation that is uniquely New York City.
During the Open Studio event, guests can tour the studio, watch machines in action, and discover the processes that transform plastic from waste into “precious plastic.” We also have hands-on workshops available for anyone inspired to create their own pieces, guided by our team of makers, educators, and designers.
Whether you’re curious about sustainable design, hands-on making, or local solutions to global challenges, this Open Studio is a space to explore, learn, and create. Bring your curiosity and see how everyday materials can become something valuable.
DATE AND TIME
1️⃣ Open Studio:
Sunday, May 17th, 2026
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Free to join and walk-ins welcome!
2️⃣ Recycled Plastic Earrings Workshop:
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
$76 per person (sign-up before 4/30 for an early-bird discount)
This workshop is guided by Rina Shin, a New York-based color and material designer. You will design custom earrings using colorful shapes crafted from recycled NYC plastics. All materials included to create a pair of earrings or ear clips.
3️⃣ Recycled Plastic Planter Workshop:
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
$76 per person (sign-up before 4/30 for an early-bird discount)
This workshop is guided by the founder, Gary Dusek. You will be creating a planter using an extrusion process, where the fun starts with color-selection and continues with shaping the material into a custom form of your choice! Please bring a metal or glass container no larger than 8” x 8” x 8”, which will be used as the base form for your planter.
These workshops are part of our Open Studio during NYCxDesign. They are open to anyone inspired to create their own pieces using recycled plastic. The tickets to these workshops help to keep the studio running. If you’d like to make a donation to support the important work being done at Precious Plastic NYC, please find us on Venmo.
Workshops are recommended for ages 14+. For younger participants, please contact us before registering.
LOCATION
Precious Plastic NYC
432 Austin Pl, Bronx, NY 10455 (Google Map)
Take subway Line 6, and exit from E 143 St-St Mary's Station
ABOUT PPNYC
Precious Plastic NYC consults, educates, develops, and implements neighborhood solutions related to the global plastic waste problem. Using small-scale, closed-loop manufacturing methodologies allows the team to address waste at the ground level, with tangible, beautiful end results. The mission is to keep neighborhoods free of plastic waste while simultaneously creating opportunities for waste reuse in the arts, design, education, and circular manufacturing. [ Website ] [ Instagram ] [ More events by PPNYC ]
ABOUT UNWRAP CMF
Rina Shin from Unwrap CMF will be leading the earring workshop. Unwrap CMF is an educational resource and workshop program that makes color, material, and finish (CMF) design accessible to students and emerging designers. Founder Rina Shin is a CMF Designer with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. In collaboration with PPNYC, Rina translates industry experience into public-facing material exploration workshops that use hands-on making to deepen awareness of sustainability and material storytelling. [ Website ] [ Instagram ]
REFUNDS / RSVP
Class size is strictly limited to ensure hands-on time with the machinery. You may cancel and receive a refund up to seven days before the class. After that, refunds are contingent on us being able to fill your seat from the waitlist. Please note that platform fees may be non-refundable.