Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
After one year, COZMOS has come down to Earth and closed at 280 E. 10th St.
The shop-gallery-performance space just west of Avenue A was the brainchild of longtime friends Anton Relin (below left) and Vlad Makarkin, who aspired to showcase the offbeat and creative East Village spirit of yore.
There were art shows, sessions on tarot for beginners, Mongolian wellness, and a musical event with improvisational dance and an oboe recital, to name just a few of the events in recent months.
"I'm not sure there's much to say about the closure," Relin told us. "Vlad and I dreamt of having COZMOS neighborhood spaces in every community. Perhaps that will happen one day. As of now, we let the lease expire."
He added: "Personally, I plan to remain in the neighborhood. There are at least a few events that I'd still like to organize, perhaps under the COZMOS name. I'll continue to engage with the community as I can. I want to express how thankful I am to the community for filling the space with life."
He named locals such as Dan and Rina Root, Edgar Oliver, Steven Hirsch, Jason Trucco, Bob Holman, Sara Galassini, and others who "filled our space with life and love."
"Contrary to what some may think, the artistic soul of the East Village is certainly still alive," Relin said. "I'm just hoping it will be healthy and happy for many years."
Makarkin echoed his business partner's sentiments.
"I 100% agree with Anton’s responses. Had we not opened COZMOS, we would've never gotten this glimpse of a very different, much more real, life," he said. "If there is anyone out there thinking about doing something like this, I can only say it was 100% worth it. I hope the COZMOS mission lives on."
Relin said he may continue to do pop-up events locally. You can keep an eye on the website or social media for updates.
Previously on EV Grieve:
5 comments:
Anton and Vlad are both very good people. Sorry to see the physical shop go but hopefully it can continue in another form. I'm happy both Rina and I got to know and work with them. The shows were fun, neighborly, and thoughtful. Thank you Jason Trucco for the introduction.
The EV hasn't been what it was in 50 years. It's something different. It's finding its way to somewhere new... another identity. It's about the future... but that takes creativity not reproduction.
It seems like no matter what the business is, be it a noodle shop, a coffee spot, or a creative place this, nothing has permanence anymore.
Sadly Manhattan isn't really affordable to anyone anymore, particularly local businesses. I could see this business thriving in a place like Beacon.
Sad to hear the news. Loved working with these guys. And they were bringing unique experiences to the hood. Of course NYC only cares about one industry...giving restaurants and coffee shops all the public space they want on the streets, sidewalks, etc. I see restaurants that have tripled their space for free. And that's why nothing else can survive. Truly sad.
@8:30pm - I really enjoyed Cozmos and what they brought to the neighborhood but I fail to see what outdoor dining has to do with their space or this discussion.
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