Saturday, September 22, 2007

Martha Williams

I just had the chance to read the paper this morning, and I had not been aware of the controversy surrounding this firing, but knowing Jeff as I have for almost 25 years, what I do know for sure is that content of any show, would never be a reason that Jeff would use to fire anyone. Jeff is the original envelope pusher himself, and has been a supporter of gargantuan proportions for artists with a wide span of messages to deliver. I also know how Jeff has personally struggled with any firings he has had to do in the past. He has never taken any firing lightly. So if Jeff says that there are reasons behind this firing, that the public cannot be aware of at this time, I trust Jeff's word.

Interestingly, one blogger suggested that the next person may be a male, I guess suggesting that the firing was gender based discrimination. Again, knowing Jeff and his regard for the "person", NOT the gender, race or religion is one of Jeff's impeccable qualities. Jeff has always had the incredible ability to look past the robe to the heart and voice of that person.

So before anyone steps up to crucify, let them first realize that they understand that there is always "the rest of the story", and the popular opinion may not always be right.

Sincerely,

Martha Williams

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

HOW MANY PEOPLE HAS JEFF FIRED???

Jeremy Bailey said...

Martha,

respectfully, Astria is probably the most sainted person I have ever worked with. I've never worked with Jeff, and I don't care what type of person he is. If he was a fair person he would at least let us know what his plans were and would avoid lying and spinning to the media. A man makes a bed, he better be prepared to lie in it.

Anonymous said...

Jeff Hoone definitely fired Gary Hesse, who was his Associate Director at Light Work for about 10 years.



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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.