Ted Passon

To Whom It May Concern,

I was completely surprised by recent news that Astria Suparak is being
forced out of her role as the director of the Warehouse Gallery. I have

known and admired Astria's curatorial abilities for years. I run the
Small Change film
screening series in Philadelphia and Astria has consistenly been one of
our most captivating and beloved re-ocurring guests.

When I learned that she was offered a position at the Warehouse Gallery
my first thought was not "how lucky" for Astria but, how smart and
progressive of the
Warehouse Gallery to snatch up such a daring and obviously talented
up-and-coming
art-world star.

If you pay the slightest bit of attention to Astria's track record it
is clear that she is extremely creative
and has enough resources in the art world to make really exciting
things happen. I think the exhibits
she has curated thus far have proven that immensely.

I think the Warehouse Gallery should strongly re-consider it's position
in forcing out such a dynamic visionary who is clearly bringing
Syracuse
some of the contemporary art world's most promising and exciting work
and making the city a relevant and even competitive figure in the
national
arts landscape.

Best,
ted passon
Philadelphia

http://www.tedpasson.com

Kipp Whittaker

Dear Jeff,

From what I’ve gathered from the blog and other sources, the reason for this decision is based on a difference in vision for the aesthetic future of the Warehouse Gallery. What this situation has shown the community and faculty is that you have a different aesthetic vision than the majority of people who wish to support Astria's endeavors here in Syracuse. As many people have stressed there has been no concrete reason made public for this decision, not even for Astria who is the conduit of this frustrating mess. So this is the explanation the community receives, nothing more. At least hold a meeting between you and those who feel differently about this situation. Please stop hiding behind your vague script and give the faculty and the students some real reasons behind your decision. Help us to understand your position, because ultimately the position of the majority, the people who this decision directly effects, want Astria to continue being a positive asset to such a fragile territory. I hope this whole mess also shows everyone that an art scene is not just one person working their butt off to make things interesting, which I feel Astria has most certainly done. It requires participation from everyone to show support, especially when something as unfortunate as this happens.

Best,
Kipp