While usually known for its annual swap with bread, Matza – the flat, unleavened bread of Passover, is inspiring downtown artists. The Matzo Files, an artist-run project on the Lower East Side, features “flat” files and thin boxes full of various types of art by over 200 New York artists. Originally located in the Streit's Matzo Factory, it allows a large number of artists to showcase their work at one time, as opposed to conventional galleries which hold only a few artists at a time. Gothamist checked out the Matzo Files gallery and was impressed by the wide range of art -- silkscreen prints, cartoons, photography -- you could just pick from a drawer and study (for some crazy reason, they trust the public).

On May 25th @ 6pm The Matzo Files presents their first annual benefit which will include a silent auction, Judeo Latino cuisine, and $5 factory sealed “mystery” Streit's Matzo boxes, some containing matzo and some containing art. Tickets $15 in adv/$20 at door. To reserve tickets, contact benefit@matzofiles.org

The exhibit is open in April Thursdays & Fridays: 3-6pm; Saturdays & Sundays: 2-6pm @ PS 122, 150 First Ave. & 9th Street, before returning in May to the Streit's Factory, 107 Suffolk Street, #402.