Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Caroline Szozda

Dear Jeffrey Hoone,

I am writing this in support of Astria Suparak. It came to my attention earlier that Astria will be terminated as Director of the Warehouse Gallery. While I do not personally know Astria that well, I am well aware of her contributions to the Warehouse Gallery and the greater Syracuse community. Since working at Delavan Art Gallery from 2002, I have witnessed exciting changes in the community in the last several year. Astria and the Warehouse Gallery have been major contributors to those changes. Things are happening and Astria has had a big impact.

Since opening in 2006, through Astria, the Warehouse Gallery has helped become a cornerstone of the area art scene going well beyond just the visual arts. In a very short period of time, it has gained a solid following from the students, artists and the community at large. She has been able to put together exciting, interesting events and exhibitions that most people would never suspect would/could happen in Syracuse. Through her work, she has helped enrich, rejuvenate and energize the people and community around her. Unfortunately, I am not sure that the hole of loosing Astria (and the energy and momentum she has generated) will be able to be filled or recaptured. I would hate to see Syracuse lose such a dynamic and dedicated individual. Please reconsider the impact of Syracuse losing Astria.



Sincerely,

Caroline Szozda

Gallery Manager
Delavan Art Gallery
315.425.7500
cszozda@delavancenter.com
www.delavanartgallery.com

Posted by Whats this? at 8:48 PM

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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.