ATHICA Is Moving to the Leathers Building
A Big Change Taking Place Over the Next Few Months
ATHICA has resided at 160 Tracy Street in the Chase Park warehouses since its founding in 2001. The hosting landlords, FiveArt (currently Valerie Aldridge, Linda Henneman, and Mitch Rothstein) have been extremely supportive and generous to ATHICA over these years, providing the space in exchange for a highly-subsidized rent. Many in the Athens community are aware that the 160 Tracy Street space is for sale, as well as aware of the dynamic market in Athens for in-town properties. The ATHICA board has explored many options, including remaining in place as a tenant or owner, or moving to another location, either as tenant or owner. After a lengthy and involved search process, in which many in the community helped find or offer possible locations, the ATHICA board has identified a facility that is similar in spirit and location while being within the financial capacity of the organization — no small task! — and secured a multiple-year lease with option to purchase.
While it will be hard to leave Tracy Street and ATHICA’s “parents” FiveArt, the ATHICA board hopes that everyone will continue to enjoy and participate in ATHICA’s programming for years to come in the new location in Suite 1200 of the Leathers Building on Pulaski Street.
Board President Lauren Fancher reflects, “It has been very challenging to even consider a move and also to find a location that meets the requirements. However, it has become clear that ATHICA needs to have more certainty about location, expenses, and schedule in order to manage the organization effectively. The ATHICA board hopes that all will understand that a move now seems to be best for those interests, however difficult it is to leave the spacious and unique facility that has been home for so long.” Fancher adds, “We owe a huge debt to FiveArt and our hope is that the vision formed with founding owner Donald Keyes and founding director Lizzie Zucker-Saltz will continue to flourish in this new home.”
ATHICA will have a farewell-to-Tracy-Street reception on June 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, to which one and all are invited to express appreciation for the last 16 years to ATHICA’s hosts and founders FiveArt and Lizzie Zucker-Saltz. ATHICA will be transitioning to the new space over June and July, reopening with the exhibition The Golden Record on August 18th, from 6 to 9 PM.
The ATHICA Board – April 2018
Lauren Fancher | President
Laura Straehla | Vice President
Jim Moneyhun | Treasurer
Vickie Suplee | Secretary
Madeline Bates
Meagan Bens
Sylvan Olson Cown
John English
Camille Hayes
Joni Younkins-Herzog
Richard Herzog
Jon Vogt