Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Kate Clark

I am writing this letter on behalf of the 40 Below Public Arts Task Force (PATF) and our efforts to engage and retain creative people in Syracuse through the arts. Astria Suparak has played a key leadership role on the PATF, a role that greatly contributed to enhancing the credibility and visibility of the Warehouse Gallery in the local community. She has led two Totem Selection Committee Panels, consulted the PATF and City on the placement of the David Hayes sculptures, involved the Warehouse Gallery in the Urban Video public art project, and participated in numerous evening Lipe Art Park and Syracuse Public Art Trail meetings. Astria has offered her much appreciated advice to the PATF Chairs and is very professional. Her invaluable insight as the Warehouse Gallery Director will be greatly missed by all of us on the PATF.



Kate Clark

Chair, 40 Below Public Arts Task Force

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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.