Former Warehouse director offered position at Carnegie Mellon
By Megan Saucke
Posted: 2/20/08, 1:00 AM EST Section: News
After her controversial dismissal from Syracuse University, former Warehouse Gallery director Astria Suparak is set to take a new position.
Suparak will become director of the Regina Gouger Miller Gallery at Carnegie Mellon University on March 1.
"I wasn't that actively looking for employment because opportunities were coming to me," Suparak said. She received job offers in the Northeast, on the West Coast and in Canada from universities, festivals and arts organizations.
Suparak's unexpected firing sparked an outcry from those in local and international art communities. Jeffrey Hoone, executive director of the Coalition of Museums and Art Centers, took full responsibility for the firing. Both he and Chancellor Nancy Cantor declined to give reason for the decision, citing "confidential personnel issues."
Tom Sherman, a professor of video and media theory, said Suparak's firing came down to different visions.
"I think [the administration] had a different vision of what art would be here, and that didn't include this dynamic relationship with the community," Sherman said.
In November, it seemed Suparak would retain employment by SU as curator-in-residence at the College of Visual Performing Arts. But SU ended negotiations after Suparak talked to The Daily Orange about the possible new position.
Suparak's absence is still felt by many at SU. A new Warehouse Gallery director has yet to be hired.
"This is a very difficult setback for us, not only in terms of our image as a community and as a university that we let somebody that was doing a great job go," Sherman said. "It really lessens our capability to compete with good schools like CMU.
Suparak has a strong vision and knows how to engage a community in contemporary art, he said.
"Our loss is their gain," he said.
Yvonne Buchanan, an assistant professor of illustration in VPA, said Supark bridged different areas in the school and the community.
Suparak will become director of the Regina Gouger Miller Gallery at Carnegie Mellon University on March 1.
"I wasn't that actively looking for employment because opportunities were coming to me," Suparak said. She received job offers in the Northeast, on the West Coast and in Canada from universities, festivals and arts organizations.
Suparak's unexpected firing sparked an outcry from those in local and international art communities. Jeffrey Hoone, executive director of the Coalition of Museums and Art Centers, took full responsibility for the firing. Both he and Chancellor Nancy Cantor declined to give reason for the decision, citing "confidential personnel issues."
Tom Sherman, a professor of video and media theory, said Suparak's firing came down to different visions.
"I think [the administration] had a different vision of what art would be here, and that didn't include this dynamic relationship with the community," Sherman said.
In November, it seemed Suparak would retain employment by SU as curator-in-residence at the College of Visual Performing Arts. But SU ended negotiations after Suparak talked to The Daily Orange about the possible new position.
Suparak's absence is still felt by many at SU. A new Warehouse Gallery director has yet to be hired.
"This is a very difficult setback for us, not only in terms of our image as a community and as a university that we let somebody that was doing a great job go," Sherman said. "It really lessens our capability to compete with good schools like CMU.
Suparak has a strong vision and knows how to engage a community in contemporary art, he said.
"Our loss is their gain," he said.
Yvonne Buchanan, an assistant professor of illustration in VPA, said Supark bridged different areas in the school and the community.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Syracuse Community Member
posted 2/20/08 @ 9:57 AM EST
It is really too bad that professors at SU mentioned above allow one single person to dictate their future in competing in the arts. Quite honestly, when did they actually do anything with the gallery they claim to have supported and loved so dearly before the controversy? Seems to me they just wanted something to be mad about. (Continued…)
Jan Pottie, Alum
posted 2/20/08 @ 1:24 PM EST
The firing of Astria Suparak and subsequent bungling by Ann Clarke of Suparak's appointment to CVPA as Curator-In-Residence has been a wake-up call for the University community as a whole. (Continued…)
Joanna Spitzner
posted 2/20/08 @ 5:58 PM EST
I disagree with the characterizations made, by the anonymous Syracuse Community Member, of faculty and the protest of Suparak's dismissal.
Many people--not just faculty--protested the unjust firing of Suparak, It was a moment in which the local arts community and faculty came together in an dialogue about supporting art, artists, and creative people in Syracuse. (Continued…)
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