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:
