Stephen Vitiello

September 26, 2007

To whom it may concern: it's come to my attention through numerous
channels that Astria Suparak is being laid off from her position as
gallery director. I've known Astria through professional channels
for close to 15 years. I was incredibly happy to hear that she was
serving the university through this important position. Astria has
been a unique and important curator as long as I've known her. Her
exhibitions are exciting, challenging and well researched. I
absolutely believe she is someone who is very conscious of the
cutting edge of contemporary art but also the right person to make
this work accessible and comprehensive. While I'm not aware of the
politics that have gone on behind the scene I can only say that her
being "let go" is disappointment to the entire field and it must be
a blow to your local community in Syracuse. As an artist included in
the Networked Nature exhibition I was treated professionally and
with care. If there is any reference I can offer or additional
letter of support, please let me know.

Sincerely,


Stephen Vitiello,
Media Artist
Assistant Professor of Kinetic Imaging at Virginia Commonwealth University
Archivist, The Kitchen, NYC