Genspace Biomaterials Studio Open House

The Biomaterials Studio at Genspace opens its doors every month for a hands-on exploration of bio-based materials in a community setting. Each month, we feature a unique activity that invites you to discover and work with innovative biomaterials. Whether you’re a scientist, artist, designer, or just curious, there’s a place for you at the Open Studio. This month's activity: Paper Making!

The Biomaterials Studio is a community driven biomaterial research group at Genspace. The focus of the group is to explore, create, and innovate the intersection between materials, biology, and design. The goal is to be an inclusive makerspace for biological materials, whether discovering new materials in the lab or testing materials published by other groups in new ways.

Participants will learn how to create gift tags and handmade holiday cards using living materials and natural dyes, showcasing the potential of organic resources in creative practices. This workshop is designed to introduce the public to the exciting possibilities of working with living organisms as both the raw material for paper and the source of vibrant colorants.

Guided by bioartists and materials researchers, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with different textures and colors, transforming natural elements into handmade paper crafts. This workshop invites you to reimagine traditional papermaking through an ecological lens, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. Some supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own materials (ie. leaves, recycled paper, mushrooms, etc).

We strongly encourage you to contribute a $10 donation if possible through https://genspace.networkforgood.com/ in order to move towards our goal of a 3d bioprinter ($150 away from our goal!) .

COVID-19 Safety Notice:

If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have tested positive in the past 7 days, please do not attend and cancel your RSVP as soon as possible.

Meet the Co-Leads

Amy Chien is a NYC based architectural designer and materials researcher in pursuit of integrating her spirituality into her creative practice centered on planetary health. She is a recent M. Arch graduate from Pratt Institute where she first fell in love with biobased materials. She has worked on built projects ranging from contemporary residential and hospitality projects to facade restoration. She is currently a project lead for the Genspace Biomaterials Studio, where she hosts materials workshops for K-16 students and guides curious people of all ages and disciplines into the field of biodesign and bioart.

Instagram: @amy_art_architecture

Brian Houstle is a licensed Architect and builder exploring alternative construction materials with fungi. He has designed residential and commercial projects in Washington DC and the San Francisco Bay Area. After attaining his license in architecture, Brian sought hands-on experience and entered construction as an electrician focused on decarbonizing and electrifying homes in the Bay Area. Now in NYC, he is the Biomaterials Studio project co-lead at Genspace where he also develops mycelium structural composites focused on finding alternatives to concrete, steel, and wood construction.

Instagram: @bahoustle

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Genspace, 132 32nd Street, Brooklyn, United States