Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Frank McCauley

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

I am writing to express my extreme disappointment in the decision to remove Astria Suparak from her position at The Warehouse Gallery, and the subsequent cancellation of the exhibition of internationally recognized and respected, and not to mention one of the most exciting exhibitions to grace the City of Syracuse, The Yes Men. This error in judgment will not be contained locally. This is an embarrassment on the global scale, letting everyone know just how backwards thinking and allergic to progressive and positive programming Syracuse really is. On a personal note Astria has been one of the most inspiring, kind, helpful, supportive, and dedicated individuals I have ever met. The things which she has achieved at such an early age, and how quickly she has fostered growth and a sense of excitement in every facet of this struggling local art scene, has inspired and influenced me immeasurably. She brings a much-needed fresh perspective with an even hand. In short, Astria is exactly what Syracuse needs, she honestly is absolutely irreplaceable, and we will surely regret and reap the consequences of losing her if these efforts receive a cold shoulder. I implore you, reverse your decision, we have so much to gain from her presence and so much to lose in her absence.

My sincerest regards,

Frank McCauley
Director
Spark Contemporary Art Space

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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.