Why I Resigned from SARTQ
After three years, I have given my resignation to the local art collective, SARTQ. In the beginning, the original branding campaign was developed in tandem with my close friend, Tobey Albright. He and I designed and implemented a cohesive marketing strategy and identity to this cause, opening up prospects that the local community had never experienced before.
With the creation of a solid label, an award winning website, a memorable, interchangeable and effective logo, a portfolio of posters, and videos specifically created for the exposure of the collective as a whole and individually per artist. The work I have successfully crafted for the purpose of one thing; promoting and exposing SARTQ as a fully functional, history making, artist collective: a business that operates for the purpose of education and exposure of local contemporary artists.
I positioned myself as the Visual & Interactive Communications Director, as well as one of the visual artists. Everything I made was not for sale, and for the benefit of the group.
Review by Charles Kovacs:
“As a video artist, Miller’s work is perhaps the most ephemeral in that it captures documents the other members’ creative processes … electronically. His camerawork, close-ups, and editing effectively reflect aspects of the modes and techniques within the creative process for each of the exhibited artists. Moreover, Miller is responsible for the outstanding website of the group providing critical and necessary Internet presence. Finally, his documentary gives rare glimpses into other works by the artists in the exhibition that are not currently on display.” (April, 2010)
Most of my career with the group was spent in the background. As a graphic artist, and one not selling work exhibited, I was mostly in the shadows. Friends and peers would commend my designs, but the general audience took this work for granted. Countless hours (an average of 20 hours per week) went unknown. September 2011 became a turning point, when a ‘conflict of interest’ arose between Tim Jaeger, myself and the Board of Directors within SARTQ. After the creation of Sarasota Visual Art, we were kicked off the Board of Directors in fear of legal repercussions.
My decision to leave the group is multifaceted. The group lacks a cohesive ideology, with the exception of the obvious, for the individual to sell their artwork. I joined an art collective to do everything but sell my artwork. It also lacks community involvement and education. This is something we had in our mission statement, but failed miserably in achieving. The group is inclusive of only itself and does not embrace others outside itself. Its management lacks direction and vision. Workload is greatly unbalanced.
These thoughts are made public not to demean the prospects of something I have worked so hard on, and given so much of my personal time to help succeed, but to express my desire to continue to support and help enhance the group for its benefit and the benefit of those involved. I will continue to be a friend of the cause, and maintain my loyalty to its artists and future endeavors.
Thank you to the Sarasota community for supporting my endeavors and my time while with this project.
Tags: daniel miller, sartq