Here's more about the departure from an Instagram post yesterday:
We are saddened to announce the closing of Printed Matter/St Marks... The last day the storefront will be open to the public is October 13, 2024. The bookstore came into existence in 2018 as the result of a rare and wonderful collaboration with the Swiss Institute, and we thank them for their incredible hospitality and partnership that made the storefront possible.The St Mark's space has been a remarkable site for experimentation, maintaining a specialty focus on the East Village neighborhood and its history as a home for avant-garde art and countercultural publications, offering a selection of independently published books by artists, zines, prints, and historical material. The location oversaw a full calendar of programs, window installations and workshops, including four editions of the East Village Zine Fair, a joyous and wildly successful outdoor zine fair organized in collaboration with 8-Ball Community.We are grateful to the many Printed Matter staff members who have contributed so much energy and talent to all that the space undertook! Stay tuned for future announcements, events, and special sales taking place at Printed Matter/St Marks in the weeks ahead.
We always hate to hear about a bookstore closing, especially one hosting a favorite event — the annual zine fairs on St. Mark's Place. They will be missed!
Sad news! I hope this means they can find another place in the area, perhaps larger. I also hope the current space can continue to function as a book store of some kind. I thought the Swiss Institute/Printed Matter combo was perfect.
ReplyDeleteI remember when Printed Matter was in Chelsea (years ago.) I hope this good bye is temporary and Printed Matter will open in a new storefront. Books are art.
ReplyDeletePrinted Matter never left Chelsea. Their main store is at 11ave/ 26 St.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was just there last week (in Cheslea) and the store was as expansive and as well stocked as ever, including an exhibit space in the rear portion with just about an amazing 'zine section and lots and lots of stuff going on. I suggest a visit. Having an east side pop-up was awesome, but they are as strong and viable as ever. Check 'em out. Also, lovely literary ladies were so sweet when I asked about a ton of questions.
ReplyDeleteBummer. Not surprised though since the city only cares about the restaurant industry. Gone are our sidewalks, sanity, and now retail. If you serve food, you get to triple your space! If you're a bookstore...bye! What a sad city this has become.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting if they were to partner with MORUS on Avenue C!
ReplyDeleteNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
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