Welcome to the New Neighborhood: How Some Artists are Surviving Through COVID
How does one live to thrive through the times of a pandemic? What do we put our energy towards? What do I dress up for and where am I going? These are questions that everyone is asking right now. The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought countless changes to every aspect of life for the time being.
Artists throughout every medium and font are asking and answering these questions on a daily basis. COVID-19 has brought many projects, events, and performances to a standstill. Numerous small and local restaurants and businesses are closing. With concerts, Broadway shows, and large scale events nowhere to be found, what remains of the once thriving communities of creatives and entrepreneurs? Instead of the glitz and glamour of nameworthy productions and venues, we venture into local art communities and makeshift art shows.
If you’ve never heard of the artist, Mark West, I would not be surprised. The local NYC artist (who is also a NYU alumni) has had quite a productive year. Despite the effects of the COVID pandemic, Mark has been fortunate to hold solo art shows and recently opened his new creative home - the Mark West Center for the Arts, or “House of Mark West.” Mark has established his creative home to be a celebratory space for black, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized peoples and artists. As one of the few black and queer owned art centers in NYC, the center regularly hosts art shows, open-mic sessions, community meetings, and events to keep the spirit of inclusivity alive.
Mark West Center for the Arts - East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
COVID-19 has played a key role in lockdown measures and the closures of numerous businesses, but has not stopped others from opening. In June, Laams NYC opened its doors to the city. Located in the Lower East Side, Laams NYC is a vintage and archival fashion destination for hypebeasts and vintage fans alike. The showroom is run from a tight-knit group of friends and business partners who have much experience buying and selling the most rare and exclusive items from high fashion brands. Everyone at Laams uses their talents and energies to merge fashion, photography, and creative endeavors into an immersive, thriving storefront. Laams has some of the rarest archival collections and drops from the most renowned of brands to the most discreet ones. The team at Laams has expertly curated every article of clothing, artwork, and miscellaneous products to be truly one of kind; these are goods that you cannot find anywhere else. To add to the unique shopping experience, Laams is also dedicated to stocking local, independent designer’s collections. Within the three floor shop, a juice shop operates on the second floor, and an open workspace for fashion designers is one the third floor. Laams also periodically hosts art exhibits and events to bring together like-minded creatives. Laams NYC has much to offer the fashion and creative communities, and has thrived even in the time of COVID.
Lamms NYC - Lower East Side, Manhattan
Along with cultural spaces being impacted, restaurants and small businesses have been severely affected by COVID-19. While the pandemic has forced numerous eateries to close their doors, one new venture was determined to start operations. Bel-Fries, an artisanal french fry shop with historic origins, opened in June. Also located in the Lower East Side, Bel-Fries offers a traditional take on the ubiquitous side order with many varieties of flavor. Owner, Stephan Lemangnen set up the business in a COVID-compliant format, with a walk-up storefront. Customers simply walk up to order outside, and can either order to takeout, or eat at one of the slots on the outdoor table. There is no physical seating to maximize the small space, which additionally acts to discourage loitering and large gatherings. Aside from regular french - or should I say - beligian fries, customers can taste an assortment of speciality flavors, such as Double Truffle and Queso and Bacon. All ingredients, toppings, and sauces are farm-fresh and carefully picked to give the best tasting fries imaginable. Sure, you can crave the greasy and overly-salty french fries from McDonald’s or Shake Shake. But with Bel-fires you can taste the difference in quality...and you won’t be disappointed!
Bel-Fries - Lower East Side, Manhattan
The past year has been a new normal for everyone. Many aspects of life are noticeably different, and it will certainly be quite a while before we can return to our pre-COVID lives. Despite the presence of COVID-19, people are still creating, building, and surviving. Soon enough, we will begin to recover the lost parts of society and form new communities and businesses; it’s all in due time.
