Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Final date set for Clayworks Pottery on 9th Street

Last month, Helaine Sorgen announced that she was closing Clayworks Pottery after 44 years at 332 E. Ninth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

"My building has been bought by a predatory landlord who will not renew my lease," she said at the time. "It's been over a two-year fight, and the time has come to close up shop." (You can read her closing letter here.)

At the time, she was unsure of her closing date — some time around Sept. 15.

Sorgen provided an update on Facebook this past weekend:

"I am sad to report that my court ordered last day at Clayworks will be September 30th. However, the exorbitant amount of money judgment levied against me doesn't quite make up for the extra week. Still, it gives me the opportunity to see many of you again and share memories and say goodbye. I look forward to seeing you all before Clayworks closes forever."

Jeremiah Moss interview Sorgen for a post that you can find here.

Storefront photo from 2009 via Facebook

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

From the "predatory" landlord's website:

"Raphael Toledano believes in the current strength and potential of the East Village. From the vibrant community to destination restaurants, exciting nightlife, rich artist-filled history, and beautiful public parks to relax in, the East Village is one of the city’s most attractive locations because of its diverse offerings."

I don't know but that sounds pretty good to me, and to you too if you're honest.

Gojira said...

So what are you saying, Rafi - er, I mean, Anon. 8:24, that somehow the swill you quote is reality? Yeah, that quote DOES sound "pretty good" - in fact, it sounds a lot like what the EV used to be before all you - er, I mean, the - predatory knob developers swooped in, started buying it up en masse, then tearing it all down or evicting it in an attempt to attract the moneyed class, who would rather buy music or art than make it, whose curiosity about the neighborhood and the world extends no farther than the screen on their phone or their party deck, who dilute what little remains of the community's vibrancy - because somehow, I don't consider wolf packs of Millennials clogging up the sidewalks as they go on the prowl for their next watering hole, or sending their incomprehensible "woos" into the night like some kind of white trash mating cry, vibrant - predatory knob developers who dilute the "strength and potential of the East Village" with every old building they demolish, every shiny steel erection they hastily throw up instead, filled with the exact same middle-of-the-road "luxury amenities," every chain store they bring in that drives out someone like Ms. Sorgen, who contributed to that "rich artist-filled history" you - er, I mean, Mr. Toledano - referenced in that horseshit hyperbole found on your - er, I mean, his - website. In the immortal words of old ginzo New York - geddoudaheah. You're so phony you make a $3 bill look like legal tender.

Giovanni said...

LOL! White Trash Mating Cry™ © ® Gojira 2017. All Rights Reserved.

Anonymous said...

"white trash mating cry" - PERFECT!

Anonymous said...

So sad. Every time I've shopped at Clayworks, I've felt its fragility. Now the day I've feared has come. THE EVISCERATION OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SUCKS.

Cosmo said...

White Trash Mating Cry would be a great band name.

Anonymous said...

You mean 8:24 AM isn't snark. I find that hard to believe. We're being trolled people.

Anonymous said...

@5:19pm: Of course it's snark and we're being trolled, probably by Rafi who has nothing else useful to do.

Anonymous said...

There is no way that first post is from anyone but Rafy, the quote marks around "predatory" is a dead giveaway, along with that final sentence that wants us to believe that the crap he's quoted as saying is his reality and we're supposed to honor him for it. Nope, not happening.

RobynO said...

This is a terrible loss to New York. We've lost so many wonderful unique and only New York stores. Big and little box stores replacing stores that reflect individuality, quality, and talent. How dull New York streets have become. The predatory landlords are aided and abetted by our elected officials. They need to be replaced rather than New York's artisans.
I wish you well and don't forget to let us know your next location.