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Opalka Gallery at Russell Sage College is thrilled to announce the opening of “Plastique,” an innovative exhibition on view from March 17 through April 18, 2026. Featuring artists from Project Vortex — an international collective of artists, designers, and architects who reuse plastic pollution — and curated by founding member Aurora Robson, the exhibition challenges viewers to confront, reimagine, and reclaim their relationship with one of the most pervasive materials on Earth.
Featured artists include: Ellen Driscoll, Twyla Exner, Natalya Khorover, Niki Lederer, Steve McPherson, Anna Mein, Pamela Moulton, Portia Munson, Anne Percoco, Aurora Robson, and Tyrome Tripoli.
With less than 9% of global plastic currently being recycled, Project Vortex artists intercept debris destined for landfills, incineration, or oceanic drift — and transform it into innovative, thought-provoking works of art. Operating at the urgent intersection of art, science, and activism, the collective leverages creative stewardship and educational initiatives to reshape global perspectives on plastic waste and its devastating systemic impact.
“Plastic has saturated our planet, overwhelming us with its volume, diversity, and omnipresence. The artists featured in “Plastique” are pioneers in contemplating and transforming this resplendent refuse that is wreaking havoc, yet serves as a uniquely versatile medium for art and innovation,” writes curator Robson.
The sheer quantity of plastics and the material’s durability can be daunting. Robson asks, “Since plastics have become a permanent fixture in our environment, our bodies, the air and water, how can we address them without losing hope?” The artists of Project Vortex and this exhibition suggest that beauty, attention, care, creativity, curiosity, and innovation may offer an inviting path towards a sustainable culture and future worth exploring.
Project Vortex is an international collective of artists, designers, and architects committed to intercepting plastic pollution and transforming debris into innovative works of art — effectively sequestering material that would otherwise face landfill, incineration, or oceanic drift. Operating at the intersection of art, science, and activism, the collective leverages creative stewardship and educational initiatives to reshape global perspectives and mitigate the systemic harm of plastic waste to our ecosystems and all life forms.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
“Plastique”
Dates: March 17-April 18, 2026
Venue: Opalka Gallery, Russell Sage College, 140 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208
Curator: Aurora Robson, Founding Member, Project Vortex
Admission: Free and open to the public
Hours: The gallery is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from noon-5 p.m., Thursday noon-8 p.m., and Monday by appointment.
PROGRAMMING
Events are free and open to the public.
Stage and Stanza: Conversations with Creatives
Thursday, March 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
With guests Jacqui Anscombe-Waring and Aaron Moore, hosted by poet Carol Durant and David Baecker, director of the Russell Sage College Theatre Institute.
“Plastique” Tour and Reception
Friday, March 20, 5:30-6 p.m. curator tour and 6-7:30 p.m. reception
Take a tour of the exhibition and then mingle at a reception.
Book Talk with Judith Enck
Thursday, March 26, 7-8 p.m.
Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics and author of The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late. For more information see Opalka.sage.edu/programs-events
Kids’ Art Workshop
Saturday, March 28, 1-2:30 p.m.
Led by Russell Sage Master of Arts in Teaching Art Education students. Register for your free spot on the gallery website — class size is limited.
First Friday Music
Friday, April 3, 5-8 p.m.
Open late with music from Andrew Mollica from 6-7 p.m., co-sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund, arranged by Local 14.
An Afternoon of Jazz and Poetry
Saturday, April 11, 2-3 p.m.
April is Jazz Appreciation Month AND National Poetry Month — join Carol Durant for poetry readings interspersed with jazz from EW Duo. Music fully funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund and Local 14.
Performance
Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m.
Nathan Meltz’s The Golem Trilogy screening with live score by Adam Elabd, Steve Hammond, Nathan Meltz, and Mark Wolfe.