A Creative Resource in the Heart of SoHo Since 1963
For over 60 years, Canal Plastics Center has been an essential part of New York City’s creative community, serving artists, students, and professionals across varied disciplines. Founded by a visionary craftsman and carried forward by a team of dedicated owners, our family-run business remains an icon in the NYC art world, where creativity and innovation thrive.
Our Founder: Manuel
Canal Plastics Center was established in 1963 by Manuel, a war veteran whose journey into craftsmanship began while serving in the military, where he learned etching. After returning home, Manuel opened the shop to serve screen printers and etchers. By the late 1960s, Manuel saw an opportunity to support the thriving art community in SoHo and began expanding his inventory to include acrylic sheets. The vibrant, versatile material quickly became a favorite among artists, and Canal Plastics Center became a hub for creative minds seeking high-quality supplies. Manuel’s vision and dedication shaped the store into an essential resource for both the industrial and artistic communities of New York City. Manuel ran the store with passion and care until 1994, when he decided to retire. Instead of closing its doors, he passed the reins to a trusted friend, Jimmy, who ran a nearby lighting store on Canal Street.
The Torch is Passed: Jimmy and Raymond
The handoff was anything but conventional. When Manny approached Jimmy about taking over the business, Jimmy balked: “Are you crazy? I don’t know anything about plastics!” But Manny’s response was simple: “You’ll figure it out.” And so, Jimmy and his business partner Raymond stepped into the world of plastics. Late at night, as they sorted through the shop’s inventory, Jimmy famously told Raymond, “You pick up a pencil, and I’ll pick up a hammer, and we’ll build up Canal Plastics together.” What followed was a journey of learning, transformation, and growth. Over the next 30 years, Jimmy and Ray expanded the store’s inventory, transforming Canal Plastics Center into a paradise for plastic materials. Their vision brought in more colors, textures, and options than any other shop in the city, cementing the store’s reputation as an unparalleled resource for artists, designers, and architects.
Canal Plastics storefront, mid-1990's
A New Chapter: Eno Takes the Helm
In 2024, after running Canal Plastics for three decades, Jimmy and Raymond decided it was time to retire. But they wanted the store to continue its legacy and knew just the person to take it forward: Eno. Having known Eno for 15 years, they trusted his expertise, passion for art and design, and 20 years of experience in the plastics industry to carry on the Canal Plastics tradition. With Eno at the helm, the store continues to evolve, balancing its rich history with a forward-looking vision that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.
A Haven for Artists and Innovators
Canal Plastics has long been a sanctuary for creativity inspiring countless New York artists. In the 1960s and 70s, Canal Street was a haven of industrial supply stores that offered unique and offbeat materials that became treasures for painters, sculptors, and designers. Manuel, Jimmy, Raymond, and now Eno have each played a role in supporting generations of artists. As SoHo evolved over the years and its landscape changed, many of Canal Street’s iconic supply stores shuttered their doors, but Canal Plastics Center stood strong, continuing to serve as a cornerstone of the art community.
Instagram: @rondraw
Instagram: @joelholland_studio
Instagram: @gabi_lamontagne
Looking Ahead
Today, Canal Plastics Center remains a beacon for artists, architects, and makers, offering unmatched variety and expertise. From high school and college students working on their first projects to professional artists creating groundbreaking installations, we are proud to support the creative visions of our customers. With an eye on Canal Plastics Center's rich history rooted in innovation and resilience, we remain deeply committed to our mission of providing exceptional materials, inspiring creativity, and supporting the next generation of dreamers and doers. Whether you’re sketching your next big idea or bringing a masterpiece to life, Canal Plastics Center is here to help you make it happen.