Dear CRUMB Subscribers,

Let me start by saying that after reading through previous posts and receiving several,I have a great deal of respect for all of you. The current discussion surrounding Automatic Update is one of the more well thought out debates I have witnessed in a listserv environment.

Please allow me to introduce myself and my company, SurroundArt/Studios, to you all. I feel like what we're offering here has the potential to greatly benefit you in your curatorial endeavors.

I'd like to give you some background on my partner and myself so you can see where we're coming from and you don't just think of us as spammers to your highly specialized list. We are both long time creators of technology based art works. My partner, Robert Deeds, and I have over 20 years of combined experience working in the media arts and are both recipients of grants, press and awards related to our work. Not only are we experienced in this realm, but we are both museum trained fine arts services professionals. The museum experience has led to Robert developing a role in the sustainability and conservation of new media works and has opened me up to understanding the practices that are involved in approaching complex problems in an innovative manner.

SurroundArt/Studios was formed as a "go-to" company to help artists, curators, galleries and institutions solve complex problems associated with the exhibition of new media and technology based works. In our brief history we have done just that for artists Lucas Samaras and Michal Rovner and are looking to make a habit of it...

We see it like this, most of the time prep crews are great at installing paintings and drawings and traditional art forms, but lack the experience and know-how associated with installing A/V or technology based works. While we may lack the knowledge of how a specific institution runs, we know how to make the art run properly, so we're there to either manage the entire project or just augment the staff that is in place.

We also recognize that artists sometimes need help in developing and executing sustainable technology based projects and see this as a place where we can be of service. We have the experience and the capability to work with an artist from concept to completion, allowing the artist to continue to devise new projects and continue making work.

I'd like to open up discussions with you all about how we can better service your needs and the needs of artists working in this field. Please free to engage me in any dialog you would like. I am open to suggestions and am interested in how we can make SurroundArt/Studios a valuable asset to you all.

Sincerely,
Ken

Kenneth Wiatrek
SurroundArt/Studios
63 Flushing Ave. Unit 154, Brooklyn, NY 11205
t. 718.852.4898 c. 832.594.4458 f. 718.852.4966
www.surroundart.com