NEW YORK– There are many staples that make New York City such an iconic place.

The Empire State Building, the traditional yellow taxis, and the subway that helps millions of people get around the five boroughs. All these symbols combined come together to represent what many consider to be the greatest city in the world.

One of those icons serves as inspiration for a local creator. For the past 20 years, Thomas McKean has been specializing in making art entirely out of MetroCards.

Now his art, or at least his medium, has an expiration date. PIX11 News photojournalist Darren McQuade has his story from the East Village.