Austinist: Rhizome Collective Forced to Close; Non-profits Displaced

Marsha Riti

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:44:23 -0600

Hey, I just read this article and I feel very strongly that the Rhizome Collective is a greatly needed institution for Austin Texas. Their efforts in sustainability are really admirable and something that every person should try to emulate. Especially when our environment is in the kind of peril it is currently in. However, as a former employee of Armadillo Clay I can tell you that the Gallery is a very new addition to the store. Armadillo Clay is (primarily) a manufacturer and distributor of clay and seller of products for creating ceramics. They have been in their location for over 25 years. They are the only small business in the Austin area doing this and they manufacture clay for all of the local schools and independent crafts people. Just go to any ceramicist here in Austin and ask them where they get their clay from and I guarantee they will say Armadillo Clay. So you see by painting Armadillo Clay as a gentrification of the East side you are completely losing sight that they are a small business with over 25 years in their space and manufacturing clay for the local schools and artists. That gallery is there to showcase the local artists that support Armadillo Clay.

ColonelSeitan

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:29:37 -0600

What a sad time for Austin to lose such an incredible place...It figures that they would cite the grey water filtration system. What a harmful thing to do...making your grey water clean enough to water your garden with...the blaspheme! /sarcasm I'm crossing my fingers that somehow Rhizome can make it through this, I just think it's ridiculous...

ColonelSeitan

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:29:02 -0600