Thursday, September 20, 2007

Allyson Mitchell

Hello,

I am writing this letter in support of Astria Suparak, Director of the
Warehouse Gallery at Syracuse University. I was surprised to learn that Astria is losing her job. I have worked with Astria as an artist. She curated my work into the exhibition Faux Naturel, which exhibited at the Warehouse Gallery and then later the Foreman Art Gallery in Quebec. In all of my experiences with Astria she has conducted herself professionally. Astria is an experienced and talented young curator who brings a significant contribution to the city of Syracuse and to Syracuse University. The attendance at openings, invited guest artist lectures and the reviews of the exhibitions that Astria has curated indicate that her programming has the support of people on campus as well as national and international arts communities.

Sincerely,


Allyson Mitchell

Toronto
ON

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BACKGROUND

Syracuse has lost one its greatest assets. Astria Suparak, Inaugural Director of The Warehouse Gallery of Syracuse University, was removed from her position as of Sept. 30th, 2007, despite widespread support from community members, students, faculty, and the international art community. This decision was made unilaterally by Jeffrey Hoone, Executive Director of the Coalition of Museum and Art Centers (CMAC).

At the time of Suparak's dismissal, Hoone also canceled her forthcoming exhibitions, including "Keep It Slick: Infiltrating Capitalism with The Yes Men," due to open in November 2007.