Page 22 - 2024 Cortland Travel Guide

ARTS & CULTURE
The prodigal humorist returns

Cortland native Paul Kozlowski has returned from his travels wait and Peter Hannan (creator of the Nickelodeon series
as the prodigal humorist and created the Ake Gallery, one of CatDog). Paul’s original artwork, displayed in collections
Central New York’s premiere art venues. Since 2022, local tal- owned by Sarah Silverman, Robin Williams, Bill Maher and
ent has filled the gallery’s stage and walls with native Central at The Cartoon Network, has found a new home in the Ake
New York creatives like comedian and actor Bobcat Goldth- Gallery in the historic Crescent Commons.

We sat down with one of Cortland County’s most
infamous charters for a quirky Q&A.
A
I started performing standup comedy right out of high school. Later,
in New York City, I started to put together shows in these fantastic
obscure little theaters. Most of these venues never put much thought
into making their own spaces creative. For years I wanted to build
my own funhouse/Batcave that was as wild as the performances
that were showcased. I finally got my chance in Los Angeles. I never
thought I could pull the same thing off in Cortland, but to my
surprise, the community support has been amazing.

Q
The 2023 Duck and Red Octopus Short
Funny Stop-Action and Animated Film
Festival, by all accounts, was a smashing
success. Is there a repeat on the horizon?
QUESTION A
It’s so great to have you back in, Paul! You’re a real gem in Cortland’s Unbelievably, yes. I can’t believe we pulled it off. Everybody involved
crown. What took you to L.A., and what brought you back to your is looking forward to next year.
hometown?
ANSWER Q
Speaking of future endeavors, what project are you currently working
I was writing for The Chris Rock Show in NYC and got a job in LA
on that you’re most excited about?
as the sidekick for Fox Sports Ultimate Fan League. I know as much
about sports as I do about art. I opened an art gallery and perfor- A
mance venue in LA for 14 years, then my parent’s health started to I’m continuing to fill the gallery up with fun stuff for people to buy.
fall, plus I had a pack of stray dogs, so I figured I’d spend some time During COVID I started doing a kid’s show on YouTube starring
back in Cortland. Larry Woodchuckski in Larry’s Wild Life. I’m going to kick that back
into gear. It should be a lot easier shooting in a heated studio and not
Q in the woods wearing a woodchuck costume during hunting season.
The fine art scene can sometimes be viewed as aloof or pretentious. We’re also continuing to put on some amazing live shows.
Yet, your work is the exact opposite of that. Its cheeky humor and
sarcasm make it universally approachable. What inspires your sub- Q
ject matter and use of such eclectic mediums? We’ve all heard the expression starving artist. While I recognize it
A isn’t about actual hunger, readers want to know, what is the best
place in Cortland County for a hungry artist to eat?
I just try to make stuff that I would hang up on my own walls.
A
Q It IS about actual hunger! I am a foodie, and I miss eating food that
The Ake Gallery serves as so much more than walls doesn’t have cheese on it, but that is a small price to pay to be back in
for showcasing art. You host open mic nights, music, CNY. I love the beet salad at The Community, the riggies at the Green
stand-up acts, old movie screenings and even a film Arch and hanging out at The Hollywood watching all the movie stars
festival. Was that always your vision for the space? eat pizza.
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