10th Anniversary Letter from the Artistic Director
Spring 2012
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photo credit John Gallagher
passed since
we opened our first show, Raw Womyn. I still recall
the
launch-day
jitters I shared with bold developers Five Art, Inc., as if
it
was
yesterday; we were all nervous that the city building
inspectors
would not
approve the door frames in time for the
opening!
 
photo credit Wayne Bellamy
In a few
weeks, on Earth Day, ATHICA will open its 45th exhibit,
Upcycle, our third dedicated to understanding a vital
environmental issue. Serendipitously, former Athenian artist
Joni Younkins-Herzog--now a Sculpture Professor in Sarasota--and whom I curated into Raw Womyn, has a large installation in
Upcycle, like bookends of an era.
However,
despite the many, many joys of this past decade, I have decided
to transition out as ATHICA's Director for personal reasons
during the next 6-9 months, handing over the reins by Sepetember
1, 2012.
Of course, I
will continue to be associated as Founder, Artistic Director
emerita, consultant
and occasional curator.
 
photo credit Wayne Bellamy
I have much
to look back on fondly, and many people to thank for
our
achievements
thus far. It has been such a wonderful journey of
learning
and teaching,
bringing some 13,000 visitors the kind of truly
unique
encounters
only provided by stimulating contemporary art. It has been
a
real joy to
introduce you to work by more than 900 innovative
and
provocative
artists and performers from all over the region, the
nation
and the
world-- and in many instances to introduce you to the
artists,
experts and
curators in person.
I would like
to thank the wonderful community of Athens for its
many
talented
volunteers, the many UGA interns who have come forward, and the
many local businesses that have contributed in-kind services,
equipment, catering and financial support. I would especially
like to thank those businesses that have generously given time
and time again with amazing generosity and graciousness such
as; Ashford Manor, who have provided artists with
accommodations; TSAV, who have provided AV support; and
caterers such as Trumps, Marti's at Midday, Mama's Boy,
Heirloom Cafe and White Tiger Gourmet, who have fed us well. A
special shout-out is due to media sponsors Flagpole Magazine
and Athens Food & Culture for endless support, as well as
website provider JHouse Media. Incredible graphic designers
like Keith Rein, Amy Summers, Susan Beaubien, Darcy Reenis and
Larry Forte have donated countless pro-bono hours, as have our
'in-house' photographer Wayne Bellamy (whose pictures grace
this page), videographer Diana Lee, carpenter Jay
Nackashi and the series of Volunteer Coordinators and Board Members
who have made ATHICA tick. The list could go on and on...
Five Art,
Inc., our initial backer, built our wonderful space and
they
continue to
lease it to us at well-below market value. I appreciate
their
support.
The ATHICA
board--see their letter--has taken up the call to
find new people to
bring energy to the space and to work to continue the vision I
began a decade ago. I am pleased as punch that ATHICA will,
with their help and yours, continue.
Over the next
few months we will be letting you know about many fabulous and
fun initiatives we are launching to celebrate our tenth year
all year, to help ensure that the next decade in Northeast
Georgia continues to be enriched by wondrous contemporary art
and culture for all.
Sincerely,
Lizzie Zucker
Saltz
March 22, 2012
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