D. Wilson

Did anyone really think Chancellor Cantor would stop at HillTV?

Warehouse Gallery Director, Astria Suparak, is on the chopping block for COME ON: Desire Under The Female Gaze, an art exhibition that explores "the dimensions of [female] desire".

According to the Warehouse Gallery press release, COME ON reveals what is not represented in popular culture and provides a counterbalance to the ubiquitous imagery of sexualized female bodies created for mainstream heterosexual male sensibilities.

A favorable review by Post Standard's art critic, Katherine Rushworth, describes the show as "not for the sexually repressed." Rushworth writes, "if you can get past the ubiquitous presence of the male sexual organ you might just be coaxed into thinking about gay sex, intimacy, morality and the fleeting nature of romance."

Chancellor Nancy Cantor and Jeff Hoone, Executive Director, Museum & Arts Centers, when confronted with ubiquitous imagery created for female sensibilites, had only one thought: CANCEL!

Hoone, presumably with Cantor's blessing, had already asserted his big ubiquitous authority over Suparak, forcing her to remove the word "feminist" from the title of Come On.

Remove the word "feminist"?

Apparently the word feminist is far too offensive for the sensibilities of Hoone and Chancellor Cantor (and also perhaps Rush Limbaugh?)

Unfortunately for Suparak (and for all of us) Hoone and Chancellor Nancy Cantor are so uncomfortable with a feminist come on that they have completely canceled Suparak's next show, The Yes Men , and fired Astria Suparak to boot!

Fired for personnel reasons? Or censored for personal reasons? Shame on these bullies.

The future of Astria Suparak at the Warehouse Gallery remains uncertain. The University, the Warehouse Gallery and the city of Syracuse, all stand to lose if Suparak is forced to leave.

-- D. Wilson

Olivia Robinson

Dear Jeff,

I heard the unfortunate news of the dismissal of Warehouse Director Astria Suparak and the cancelation of the exhibition "Keeping It Slick: Infiltrating Capitalism with The Yes Men." I write this letter in support of Astria Suparak in her position as Director of the Warehouse Gallery.

I am a new faculty at Syracuse University. When I began looking at university positions, the Syracuse University position stood out for a number of reasons. One was that Astria Suparak was employed as a curator in the Syracuse area. Her reputation preceded her. Knowing that she would bring high quality, cutting edge artwork to central New York, aided in my feeling that this was an artistic community I wanted to join.

I have also been impressed with the variety of artists Astria has brought to the exhibitions. I teach in the Fiber/Material Studies program within the Department of Art and seek opportunities for my students to explore the overlaps between what they are doing and other disciplines. With each of her programs Astria has incorporated artists from different disciplines: electronic art, fiber art, video, photography, bio art, to name a few. By showing all of these kinds of artwork side by side, the exhibitions stress an interdisciplinary approach to thinking about art -- which I believe is extremely important for the growth of students and for breaking down barriers between and stereotypes about artistic disciplines. Astria is also the first and only curator at SU who has contacted me in regards to the educational potential of exhibitions curated at SU. She is pioneering connections within our community.

In addition, the exhibits bring current topics that are relevant and challenging into a space allowing for discussion, reflection and inspiration. As an instructor, I was looking forward to the exhibition of the Yes Men. Their work reveals the potency of art to affect change in the world. I had intended to use the exhibition as first-hand experience for Fiber students of artists who use intelligence, perseverance and a variety of media (costume, performance, electronic media, sculpture) to affect change in ways they are passionate about.

In closing, I view Astria Suparak is an asset to the artistic community of central New York and believe it will be a detriment to the community if she leaves.

Sincerely,

Olivia Robinson
Assistant Professor
Fiber/Material Studies
Department of Art
School of Art and Design
Syracuse University

Jesse Stiles

I am writing to express my concern about recent developments at the
Warehouse Gallery, a Syracuse University affiliated public art gallery.
In the past few weeks it was announced that the Warehouse Gallery would
be canceling the upcoming retrospective of the renowned artist/social
activist group The Yes Men and dismissing the Warehouse Gallery's
Director Astria Suparak.

Astria is an acclaimed, visionary curator who has put together extremely
impressive shows at the Warehouse Gallery. I have followed her
curatorial career for years and have been continuously impressed with
her insightful work, professionalism, and her ability to curate
cutting-edge artists from the top of their fields.

When my partner was recently offered a position as Assistant Professor
in the Art Department at Syracuse University, Astria's presence at the
Warehouse Gallery was one of the deciding factors that made us choose
Syracuse over other areas where we had received job offers. I am a
professional artist and musician and felt that by moving my studio to the
Syracuse area, I would be joining a cutting edge, progressive, and
forward-thinking art community as exemplified by Astria and the excellent
shows she has put together at the Warehouse Gallery.

The near-simultaneous dismissal of Ms. Suparak and cancellation of the
Yes Men retrospective sends a dark message to the art community in
Central New York. The message is that young, innovative, progressive
artists are not welcome at the Warehouse Gallery, at Syracuse
University, or in the Syracuse arts community as represented by the
Coalition of Museums and Art Centers at Syracuse University. I find
this message disturbing in the extreme.

Sincerely,
Jesse Stiles

Jan Pottie

September 17, 2007


Dear Chancellor,

I am writing as a concerned citizen of Syracuse regarding the dismissal of Astria Suparak as Director of the Warehouse Gallery.

The CMAC executive seems very out of touch. Unfortunately it appears that the executive has also distanced the Office of the Chancellor from the artistic community, both at the University and in the broader community, keeping you out of touch and poorly informed.

Astria Suparak has built tremendous support in the University community. She has done this not only with exciting innovative programming but also by reaching out to faculty from many disciplines, convincing them that the Warehouse Gallery is an important extension of the classroom.

Astria has also reached out to me, a member of the general audience for the Warehouse Gallery exhibitions. I live in Syracuse and actively participate in the cultural life of the city. I have been following the Warehouse fiasco through discussions with a many people in the community.

I believe that you, Chancellor Cantor, convinced us that Syracuse is a good city, a city worthy of hope and investment. So I am bewildered by the decision to fire Astria Suparak because this young woman has picked up the gauntlet you threw down.

Astria Suparak is a valuable and tireless advocate for the city of Syracuse, attending countless meetings,sitting on many 'downtown' committees, adding her energy and committment to the goals that you, Chancellor Cantor, initiated.

Suparak shares your vision of urban renewal through the arts. She also epitomizes the young creative class that so many cities are anxious to attract (Astria also works and lives in downtown Syracuse).

How did the CMAC executive convince the Chancellor's office that this dynamic young Asian American woman should be fired? And fired in the middle of an exhibition season that several faculty had built into curricula and also supported financially.

Perhaps your office was unaware of the strong links forged by the Warehouse Gallery to both the University and to the city under the leadership of this energetic young woman.

The decision to fire Astria Suparak was both ill-founded and poorly timed and should be reconsidered. I sincerely hope that you will find a way to reverse this decision and to reinstate Astria Suparak as Director of the Warehouse Gallery.

Respectfully,

Jan Pottie
Concerned Citizen
Syracuse

Kendra Gaeta

Dear Mr. Hoone,

I am writing to express my support for Director of the Warehouse Gallery, Astria Suparak.

Astria is a curator whose work is followed, noticed and considered important, fresh and smart. I’d known of her work as a programmer years before we met in person, and as part of my own research as a programmer, she was one of the contemporaries whose work I looked toward, not just to stay current, but for new ways of looking at things I had seen before. Astria’s ability for presentation and fresh context make not just the works themselves accessible, but bigger thoughts and concepts as well.

The ability to assemble and present difficult and challenging work is a skill that I hope Warehouse Gallery will not overlook in Astria. Since so much of what we get from the art we see is what we make of it, progressive and visionary curators and gallery spaces is necessary.

I will continue to follow Astria’s work wherever she ends up; she is a professional whose work will continue to be of importance. It would seem a tragedy to the local community and to the esteem of your organization to lose her.

Sincerely,
Kendra Gaeta
Lime Projects

Stephanie Koenig

To whom it may concern,

I am writing in support of Astria Suparak. The recent
decision to cancel the Yes Men exhibition and the possibility of the removal of Astria alarms me. The work she has done here has been invaluable to me as
a graduate student. Her work has been pivotal in my understanding of the place of feminist discourse in the contemporary art world. By extension, this has helped me to understand my own place in the art world.


I do not presume to understand why exactly this decision was made, but I can tell you how it will be perceived. Syracuse will have the reputation of a place of intolerance. We are already a city that does not have much culture. There isn’t much here to draw anyone to visit, or to stay once a degree is earned.

I say this bluntly because apparently this isn’t evident. That someone as valuable as Astria would be dispensed with shows how little this is understood. Other repercussions seem obvious, what message does this send to the person to fill her position? What does this say to students, faculty and the community at large? It implies that this community cannot handle difference.

In addition to these concerns, Astria is on my thesis committee. I have been looking forward to working with her. Without her input, I will miss out on an irreplaceable perspective.

I ask that these decisions be reconsidered, for the community and for the university.


Sincerely,
Stephanie Koenig

Graduate Student
Sculpture, Studio Arts, VPA
Syracuse University

Carolyn Tennant

Mr. Jeffrey Hoone
Executive Director
CMAC


September 17, 2007
Dear Mr. Hoone,

My name is Carolyn Tennant, and I am the Media Arts Director at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center in Buffalo, NY. I write to you today with great concern regarding both the recent decision to terminate Astria Suparak as Director of The Warehouse gallery, but also the cancellation of the upcoming Yes Men exhibition at The Warehouse Gallery.

I have known of Astria Suparak's curatorial practice for quite some time, but have had the privilege to know her personally and professionally since 2002. Astria's dedication to her work as a programmer and to the work which she represents has been a great inspiration for myself and countless others. So when I learned that she had taken the position as Director at The Warehouse Gallery, I was ecstatic. Not only was I excited for myself and for Hallwalls as potential collaborators, I was thrilled because her energizing presence would be invaluable to the Upstate contemporary arts scene. Although I did not do so then, it appears that maybe I should have made it quite clear that I applaud the foresight of those responsible for bringing Astria to Syracuse. She is someone who has an amazing track record of international work and who is connected to many exciting and significant contemporary artists, and this hiring has proved a savvy move indeed. In addition to her vital work with the University faculty, staff and students, The Warehouse Gallery has garnered international acclaim and its programs have gone on to tour outside of Syracuse. What an impressive first year!

Many individuals like myself, as well as organizations such as Hallwalls, recognize that Astria's presence in Syracuse is absolutely indispensable, which makes it very difficult to process how someone with such assets can be dismissed so suddenly and without warrant. I am distressed for the students, the faculty, the community at large—for those who have already been moved by her work at The Warehouse Gallery and will miss her participation in the community, as well as for those who would have been inspired to create art and motivated to invest in the arts and arts institutions such as The Warehouse Gallery. To dispossess the community of an engaged and dedicated arts advocate, who despite her short tenure in Syracuse has done amazing work in Upstate New York and continues to do internationally acclaimed work for the field, appears duplicitous.

Although I have not yet expressed my concern regarding the cancellation of the Yes Men exhibition, I must also acknowledge my own shock as well as the confusion of countless others in the field of contemporary art. Why one would want to deprive the community of an exhibition of this internationally acclaimed arts group—the first retrospective of its kind with the potential to tour and give yet more international visibility to the Warehouse Gallery—is incomprehensible. Because of this bizarre move to cancel such a crucial show, and due to the lack of transparency in this rapid decision to relieve Astria of her position, I am led to assume the worst. I wonder if you might please facilitate a dialog that might shed some light on these concerns? As you have no doubt witnessed, I am not alone. Many in the fields of contemporary visual and media arts, as well as activists and tactical media artists, will soon pose the same questions and express the same distress.

Sincerely,


Carolyn Tennant
Media Arts Director
Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center

Jessica Lance

Dear Mr. Hoone, Ms. Cantor, Mr. Spina and Ms. Brzozowski,

I am writing to express my support for the Director of the Warehouse Gallery, Astria Suparak. Her work within the art community in the city of Syracuse and of Syracuse University has been beneficial and significant. Astria is a passionate, responsible individual with complete dedication to her work. Please reconsider her absence from the Warehouse Gallery.

Expansion of the arts has been an important part of Syracuse University's reach to the community, and the exhibitions at the Warehouse Gallery. Thanks to Astria's hard work, it is the perfect connection between downtown and the university. The shows directed by Astria have been relevant to current events surrounding Syracuse. For example, the show "Embracing Winter" fell in the middle of February, when the community of Syracuse can connect best with the art work. Also, the current show "COME ON: Desire Under the Female Gaze", which featured a video about the rock band Poison, overlapped with the New York State Fair where Poison put on a live concert. It is precisely this care and awareness of relevance both in the city and in contemporary art.

Please re-evaluate the actions taken against Astria Suparak, because she is an essential part of this community.

Thank you for your time,

Jessica Lance
MFA Department of Transmedia
Syracuse Experimental Film and Media Workshop

Nancy Keefe Rhodes

Dear Chancellor Cantor, Jeff Hoone, Carole Brzozowski, and Eric Spina,

It's extremely upsetting to learn of sudden & unexpected developments at the Warehouse Gallery. I understand that the upcoming exhibition with Yes Men was abruptly cancelled and, more disturbing, that Astria Suparak may be removed as director/curator. What a travesty that would be.

What I've heard in only a couple days' time from a number of faculty is that some have integrated the Yes Men into their classes especially for the SU-wide Justice Symposium project; others say they've included this group's material in their classes for a number of years now & frankly express bafflement over what the problem could be.

I've had occasion to interact with Astria since she's been here, & I've also seen how the arts community has responded to her presence. I've interviewed her & a number of artists in her shows for both Women's Voices Radio/WAER 88.3 FM & for the City Eagle weekly. She is always prepared, thoughtful, well-informed, & has ready a raft of supporting background material about her artists as well as the larger context in which her shows are mounted. She has set a higher bar for everyone.

Furthermore, the Warehouse's group shows have done something truly transformative in making Syracuse a real cross-roads. Bringing together artists from New York/Philadelphia/DC AND Ottawa/Montreal/Toronto has created an exciting mix, both for the artists themselves & for our community to witness. The Warehouse Gallery's website is frankly more informative & sophisticated & has more resources than the website of any other SU gallery - & it's the youngest. This activity has encouraged some people not to leave town, others to move here, & some long-time local artists who are nationally known to start showing locally for the first ime. Astria's work personifies "ripple effect" - & I'm afraid her removal will too.

I talk directly with artists, other gallery folks both on campus & off, area artists, & people who go to these shows, & people love what's happening here. They love the excitement, the spill-over effect in other arts, and they love that we're a cross-roads now instead of - as many people secretly fear & have long suspected - a backwater.

Chancellor Cantor, I have watched you take courageous & unpopular stands. Time & again I have opened the morning paper & read about something SU was actually doing & said aloud, "She really means it." I trust that you can take another look at this situation. We will really be making a mistake that will set a tone for the whole arts initiative if Astria is removed & bundled away in this sudden manner.

All best,

Nancy

--
Nancy Keefe Rhodes

Bill Delavan

Jeff,

While I don't know much about the subject of personnel changes at the Warehouse Gallery, either as to the factual basis of communications received or any reasons for the proposed changes if they are correct, I wish to add what I can to the discussion.

From my perception of it Gallery Director, Astria Suparak, has done a terrific job of creating interesting and varied shows with work from a continental area. In my opinion her themes have been well executed given the very limited exhibition space she has to work with. She is also "out there" in the greater community at other venues' events, which adds to the visibility of SU's Warehouse Gallery.

I cannot, of course, know or appreciate what concerns or experiences you may have, and I wish you the best in your work at CMAC.

Bill Delavan

Colin Todd

Sep 16, 2007 11:25 AM

To whom it may concern,

It has been brought to my attention that there have been some

administrative upheavals occurring at the Warehouse Gallery. One of

these, I was alarmed to see, was the possible termination of Astria

Suparak as the Gallery Director. Aside from whatever aesthetic tastes

the institution of Syracuse University has, I feel that this is a

horrible blunder for the Administration to do away with such an

energetic and intelligent gallery director that cares for building a

foundation for a community of art to exist in Syracuse.

Considering that the Warehouse Gallery has gained national recognition

within it's first year and has shown the most progressive and

intellectually challenging shows in Central New York, I do not

understand the sudden shift of support for Astria. She is a very well

connected gallery director who has been able to bring in a multitude

of well-known artists into the Syracuse art community. This has

allowed students and community members alike to join in a learning

experience from a variety of influential contemporary artists and

curators. Marisa Olson of the Rhizome.org (who co-curated the Network

Nature Show), Juliet Jacobson, Shih Chieh Huang, Takeshi Murata, Lisa

M. Robinson: just to name a few. The Warehouse Gallery also, in its

first year, has the largest attendance during the TH3 opening nights,

a sure sign of the interest by the students and community.

When I heard the YES Men were coming to Syracuse, I could hardly

believe it. I have been looking forward to the show and the chance to

talk with this very progressive artist group for a long time. I was

disheartened to hear that they were being canceled in the programing

for the gallery. There could have been much to learn and gather

insight from if they were ALLOWED to come.

Personally I have experienced a great deal of care and energy from

Astria concerning my development as an artist that works with the

community. She has somehow managed to find time in her amazingly busy

schedule to help me and other students out one on one, advising on

artist concepts, how to work with a community and group of artists,

how to better prepare to exhibit one's work and she has supplied ample

advise as a curator on how to prepare my portfolio for review. She has

also been very supportive of my work as well as other students across

the board. I feel that I would be losing one of Syracuse Universities

greatest assets for my education.

I see it as an injustice to the artistic community of Syracuse and the

Students of Syracuse University for Astria to leave the Warehouse

Gallery. Not only would the gallery suffer a loss of energy,

excitement, and intellectually stimulating array of Astria's curated

shows, but the community of Syracuse as a whole would suffer the loss

of a strong advocate and influence of progressive art. Astria is a

wonderful source for outside artists and curators to be brought in to

Syracuse. This gives the practicing artists in the area a chance to be

challenged and break out of the incestuous spiral that a closed of

city suffers from.

I challenge the people who are in places of power, who can actually do

something to keep Astria here, to step up and listen to all the good

this curator has done for the community of art in Syracuse. Do not

stamp out the momentum this community has experienced in the last year

toward a better environment of art, community, and education. It would

be a great loss to moral and the rhythm that artists and students need

to maintain a good creative-learning environment.

Sincerely,

Colin Todd

Graduate Student/Adjunct Professor

Dept. Photography-Transmedia VPA

Syracuse University.

Mick Mather

From: Michael Mather

September 17, 2007 10:51:43 AM EDT

Subject: In Support of Astria Suparek

Walking the Walk

The recent news about Astria Suparak’s removal as Director of The Warehouse Gallery is particularly unsettling for all of the reasons given by so many of her colleagues within Syracuse University who have already submitted letters of support. Just as unsettling are the unanswered questions regarding the specifics of the circumstances leading to this change. A good case has been made for the fact that Syracuse University and the City of Syracuse needs a forward thinking Director - one that Astria has proven to be.

That said, it is her connection to the community that is foremost on my mind. There’s been a lot of talk of the Chancellor’s Initiative’s as it relates to interaction between the hill and the city. It’s been my great pleasure to have worked with Astria through the City of Syracuse Community Development program, Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today (TNT). Astria is also a key partner with two public art projects located downtown that I’ve been personally involved with – The David Hayes Sculpture Project and The Totem Project.

Her professionalism, knowledge and expertise in assisting that connective bridge between town and gown is an asset that is born of a desire to make one’s community better and fueled by the step-by-step process of doing good work in each arena every day. Relationship building and community networking takes time, building trust in that area takes time, turning both into an asset that serves all factions of the community takes time and skill. Astria Suparak has the skill and has taken the time necessary to “walk-the-walk”. On behalf of the Greater Syracuse Arts Community, I ask you to weigh the value of this and reconsider her removal as Director.

Mick Mather

Special Projects Coordinator
Cultural Resources Council

Holly Greenberg

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the firing of Astria Suparak. Since joining our community, Ms. Suparak has done what no one else seems to have been able to do and that is bring a high quality contemporary arts programming to Central New York. Finally the students, faculty and members of the community have had the chance to see first hand what is

happening in the world of contemporary art.

When I moved here from Chicago in 2000 I was shocked by the lack of contemporary visual arts venues and have had to significantly alter my teaching and creative research methods. Now, after 7 years, I finally feel that there is a place where I can go and bring my students and feel that we are part of the larger art movement. Teaching students by using slide lectures, texts and the internet is not the same as being able to physically walk into a gallery and experience these works of art.

Astria Suparak is an extraordinary curator with passion, insight, experience, energy and a vast network of creative contacts. Syracuse is incredibly fortunate to have her and she undoubtedly is destined for greatness. Let's make sure that it occurs here as opposed to somewhere else. I trust the administration will take action and preserve our assets.

Sincerely,

Holly Greenberg

Associate Professor of Printmaking

Department of Art

Syracuse University

Jo-Anne Balcaen

Dear Jeffrey Hoone, Chancellor Cantor, Eric Spina and Carole Brzozowski,

I have just been informed of the recent decision to dismiss Astria Suparak from her position as Director of The Warehouse Gallery, and to cancel upcoming programming, including an exhibition by The Yes Men. I find this news shocking and very disappointing.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Astria and The Warehouse Gallery, where my work is currently being shown in the exhibit titled Come On: Desire Under the Female Gaze. Throughout the entire process, including my weekend stay in Syracuse in mid-August to install part of my work, I was greatly impressed by the Gallery's professionalism in making sure each aspect of the exhibition was sufficiently met. Astria was a delight to work with, and shows considerable thoroughness in her curatorial practice. Her programming vision shows evidence of a well-informed and thoughtful mind. She has the ability to present work that is accessible and thought-provoking, and which faculty and students clearly rely on as a link to current artistic practices. This exhibition is my first in the U.S., and I was pleased that it was such a positive experience. The Warehouse Gallery is a stunning exhibition space, and its' staff is among the best I have worked with. I have been exhibiting my work professionally across Canada and Europe for over 12 years. I have also worked within Montreal's cultural sector since 1999 as the Director of Articule artist-run centre, and currently as Curatorial Assistant for the Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery at Concordia University. This exposure to both sides of exhibition practices has made me well aware of the challenges involved in the production and dissemination of visual art. Astria exceeded my expectations on all levels.

Reading the letters of support written on her behalf from various faculty at Syracuse University, and by artists and cultural workers at large, it is obvious that Astria and The Warehouse Gallery play a vital role not only within the University, but increasingly within the Syracuse community at large. To pull the plug on the incredible amount of work Astria and The Warehouse Gallery have done - all in the interest of engaging the local community - would be a grave error in judgement. I urge you to please reconsider your decision.

Sincerely,

Jo-Anne Balcaen

7034 St. Urbain

Montréal, Québec

H2S 3H5

Jeremy Bailey

Dear Mr Hoone,

Several alarming events have recently come to my attention that have
caused me considerable concern. I was recently informed that a dear
friend of mine Astria Suparak is in danger of losing her position as
director of the warehouse gallery and that an extremely significant
exhibition at the gallery has been canceled.

It is with great conviction that I have to let you and others who are
in a position to manage such matters know that you are making a grave
error in judgment.

As former director of Spark Contemporary Art Space and an active
member of the Syracuse art community for 3 years it was my pleasure to
introduce Astria to the city as a guest curator in 2006. I was honored
to host her because I knew that her profile exceeded the capabilities
of our small student run gallery. And yet, as I knew then and I know
now, Astria is a very strong supporter of local community and believes
in bringing disparate geographies and social groups together, not
tearing them apart. She is the type of person that inspires everyone
around her to make great things happen. In essence, she is exactly the
type of person that Syracuse so desperately needs.

For these reasons it was my pleasure to introduce Astria to the
Warehouse gallery search committee, and it was my delight to discover
she would act in the capacity of director.

Since that time I have left the city to be a practicing artist in
Toronto, but I continue to go out of my way to return to the warehouse
gallery when I visit Syracuse and when I travel anywhere near the city
limits. Furthermore it has been an absolute pleasure and sometimes
shock to hear from curators and artists here in Toronto and on trips
to Buffalo, New York City, Philadelphia and beyond about "How hot
Syracuse is right now". You have to understand the significance of
these words. You must know that Syracuse hasn't been hot or
significant in any way since David Ross was curator at the Everson.
And believe it or not, you are currently in the presence of another
David Ross, Astria Suparak is the type of Curator that you are going
to kill yourself for not having cherished.

Case in point, the canceled exhibition in question. The Yes Men are
one of the most relevant group of American artists living today. A
quick look at the exhibition histories of major national and
international museums will turn up their name frequently (I first
discovered them at MASS MoCA). Indeed, I spoke recently with Claire
Schneider, curator at the Albright Knox in buffalo where I am
currently exhibiting. She told me that she had recently been asked to
make a presentation at this year's CAA on the topic of Collectives and
Collaboration in contemporary art. She spoke of a distinct interest
internationally in this type of art making and that she was very
excited to research and present the topics and strategies these
artists are working with. I don't need to tell you The Yes Men were
one of the first such groups that came up in our discussion.

You are about to cancel the most significant show in Syracuse history
since Nam June Paik had his retrospective at the Everson.

I urge you to reverse whatever decisions you have made regarding both Astria and her programming choices. Indeed, I'd like to encourage you take this as an opportunity to increase funding, promotion and attention for the Warehouse gallery and to honor the excellent work
Astria has done in only 12 short months as director.

Ask yourselves how many other members of the Sryacuse community have done as much, ask yourselves whether you can afford to lose even one of them.

I trust you know the correct answer to these questions.

Please call me if there is anything I can do to further convince you of Astria's or the Yes Men's considerable merits, there are many more, 416 895 ----.

sincerest regards,

Jeremy Bailey
MFA, Syracuse University, 2006

Allison Fox

Dear Mr. Hoone,

I am writing in response to recent decisions made by CMAC regarding The Warehouse Gallery, specifically the choice to eliminate the role of director Astria Suparak and abruptly cancel the programming currently underway. This issue strikes me personally and professionally and I felt it important to share my experiences.

I am writing as a woman in the arts, a graduate student at Syracuse University, and as one of the directors of Spark Contemporary Art Space, a graduate student run, non-commercial gallery in downtown Syracuse. These roles have given me the unique opportunity to engage with The Warehouse Gallery and Astria Suparak in varied capacities.

I write in support of Astria and the pivotal role she has had in establishing one of the key venues for art and dialogue in Syracuse, The Warehouse Gallery.

I have had the privilege of attending each of the exhibitions she has organized and curated. The difference she has made in her relatively short time here in Syracuse is notable. There is an excitement in the air that has caused every one of my peers to take note, her capability as a director and curator has been the subject of many a conversation among those of us in the arts and within the student population. Her accomplishments as a young professional female in the arts are an inspiration.

Astria's work at The Warehouse serves as a glowing example of how a space can quickly come alive under the right leadership. In her relatively short time here in Syracuse she has filled a need in this community, started a dialogue that has engaged me as an artist, a student, and a gallery administrator. I have rarely seen so much excitement surface in response to gallery programming, her choices have touched on something important. Astria has been a hugely supportive figure for Spark Contemporary Art Space from the beginning of her time in Syracuse. She has also played a key role in establishing and improving upon Th3: The Third Thursday, Syracuse's first citywide art open. I know from my own experiences how hard it is to get people out to exhibitions and screenings, to get them engaged with what is happening in their community. Every opening reception at the Warehouse has been a full house.

Astria is in touch with what is happening in the art world, she brings a diversity and excitement to the city that is rare to see in Syracuse.

Her exhibitions are reminiscent of those seen in larger metropolitan areas such as New York City and Toronto. In the span of only one year she has managed to adeptly link local and international artists, the university, and the community. There is electricity in the air, some sign of life in a town that many often write off as incapable of sustaining substantial artistic life.

I realize I know very little about the decisions and motivations taking place at CMAC. I can only write from my own experiences, and my interactions with Astria have made a distinct impression. Her support of this community and her dedication to its development are irreplaceable. Having witnessed all that she has done, the choice to eliminate her role is beyond my understanding. The decision to halt the important programming already underway with no explanation creates questions about the role that CMAC plans to have in the university and community art scene. I hope you will reconsider your decision to prematurely halt the contributions that Astria Suparak has made to The Warehouse Gallery, the Syracuse University community, and the Syracuse art scene.

Sincerely,
Allison Fox

MFA Candidate, 2008
Department of Painting
College of Visual & Performing Arts
Syracuse University

Director
Spark Contemporary Art Space
Syracuse, NY

Maura Jasper

Date: September 17, 2007 7:48:18 AM EDT

Subject: Re: Please show your support for Astria Suparak and The Warehouse Gallery in Syracuse, NY

Hi Joanna,

Thank you for sending me this. I am writing a letter right now. I am a video artist currently living in Boston who comes into Syracuse once a year to see family. Astria screened my work in the late 80's while a student at the Pratt Institute in New York. Her early support of my work helped build the exposure I needed to exhibit the same work in my first solo show at the now defunct Threadwaxing Space in New York. I have followed her career over the years and was so excited to learn about the Warehouse Gallery. I told many people in the Boston area about how exciting I thought this was for the city of Syracuse, and I was looking forward to visiting in November. Her hiring gave me some hope that the cultural climate in Syracuse was changing rapidly for the better - creating more opportunity for similar progressive creative outlets, opportunities, and attracting artists to the area.

This news was depressing enough, and then to find out that people are angry over an exhibition by the Yes Men depressed me even more.

Thank you for sending this, I will also be forwarding it to people in the Boston arts community.

Maura Jasper

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Maura Jasper

Nancy Keefe Rhodes

From: Nancy Keefe Rhodes [mailto:nancykeeferhodes@gmail.com]
Sent: Sun 9/16/2007 11:38 AM
To: nancykeeferhodes@gmail.com
Subject: Mayday Mayday Mayday

Dear friends & colleagues,

This is extraordinarily upsetting & I hope you will join me in supporting the Warehouse & Astria Suparak's position there in any way you can. That may be letters as Joanna Spitzner has suggested, or phone calls and/or showing up on Thursday to the next opening. A visible presence on Thursday will be extremely important.

As you will know if you think about it, much more is at stake here than the Warehouse - & good lord, that's enough of a risk right there - & how this community responds to this will set a course in how the arts fare in CNY. You can [build] all the Connective Corridors you want but if we let them dynamite this span the bridge will tumble.

All best,
Nancy

Kathy High

September 15, 2007

Dear Jeff Hoone, Nancy Cantor, Eric Spina and Carole Brzozowski,
I am writing on behalf of Astria Suparak and the future of the Warehouse Gallery. I am dismayed to hear of the news that Astria is being let go and that the upcoming exhibition of the Yes Men is cancelled.

I am not sure that I understand the nature of Astria's dismissal. I have known her professionally for the last six years. We have invited her to RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and to Troy on three different occasions for video presentations and more. Last year the Arts department invited Astria to be one of two visiting outside critics for our MFA students' review. This is a position we offer only to curators, artists and scholars whom we admire and trust to give honest and responsible feedback to the students. She did a great job advising students and assessing their works, and conducted herself completely professionally.
I visited the Warehouse Gallery this summer and saw the installation of the Networked Nature exhibition – which I quite liked. Astria and I discussed her plans for the upcoming year and we spoke of future collaborations between our institutions. I have admired her choices for shows thus far and was delighted to see her progress. She seemed to be taking her job extremely seriously, offering the community of Syracuse (and beyond) an opportunity to engage in the best of contemporary art practices. Everyone I spoke with was surprised Astria had moved to Syracuse initially, but we were delighted to have her as part of the upstate community and to have her oversee the Warehouse's curatorial mission. It seemed like a great gift to the entire community!

Astria's energy and commitment has been evident to me for years. When she toured her DIY video collections, she was extremely responsible to the artists who participated by posting all the press and comments she received while on tour with the work. She was also responsible to the audiences walking them through the different artists' conceptual approaches with the use of humor and a kind of unassuming "smarts." She is socially conscious and driven to make contemporary art work assessable – a rare trait in someone her age. I witnessed her presenting her video compilations on two different occasions in Troy, once at RPI and once through RPI at the Sanctuary for Independent Media. I also participated in yet another video tour showing my own video work – so I understand first hand how Astria "treats" artists. Participating in this tour was one of the most interesting projects for me as I actually "heard" from my audiences through Astria's postings. It was a real contribution to my understanding of my work.

I have been a resident of NY State for the last thirty-five years. During that period I have split my time between upstate and NYC. I attended Colgate University for my undergraduate work, and was influenced by the video art programming of David Ross and then Richard Simmons at the Everson Museum in Syracuse. Seeing this work at the time was life altering for me, as I ultimately attended graduate school in experimental film and video, a career I am committed to through to the present. I see Astria's programming at the Warehouse Gallery in Syracuse a similar project that could influence numerous young students throughout the region to make a commitment to a career in the arts.

Currently I am the Head of the Arts Department at RPI. I am actively engaged in curating through our iEAR Presents series, the BioArts Initiative exhibition program, the Sanctuary for Independent Media and more. I understand the kinds of coalitions that are needed in upstate NY to allow for works to travel and circulate between institutions – as budgets dwindle and are exhausted. Our collaboration with Warehouse Gallery would allow for a kind of arts circulation that is essential to the upstate area. Also, academic universities need public venues that challenge our expectations and extend our classroom teaching practices. With Astria's leadership, the Warehouse Gallery presented just such a project.

I must also mention, that the cancellation of the Yes Men exhibition upsets me personally as one of the Yes Men team is a member of the RPI Arts faculty. Exhibitions (such as the Yes Men) are one way to really build alliances between university centers and departments and to support faculty's art practices. The sudden cancellation of this exhibition is both insulting and appalling both to the participants, and to professional arts faculty throughout the State.
Please understand that Astria Suparak has a large public following and many supporters. Please make your decisions transparent as it is important for us all to know why you have made this decision which at this point appears gratuitous, irresponsible and impulsive. I do not support your decision and am wondering why such a positive addition to the Syracuse and upstate community has been so blatantly dismissed and mistreated.
I await further information about the situation from you all. Thank you.
Sincerely,

Kathy High, Head/ Arts Department

cc: Dean John Harrington, Humanities and Social Sciences/RPI,
Igor Vamos, Associate Professor RPI/Arts