If the city and/or county are providing significant support to the museum, it would seem appropriate that they have presence on the museum board. But some trustees felt the board should do more, such as hire an administrator to run the day-to-day operations and free Myers to focus on fundraising and larger issues. The Asheville Art Museums vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. And for the museum, it was a great place to start a conversation about how the next century of artists from the mountains of North Carolina might continue to shape creative expression in America. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. I would like to also point out that the Museum has not had an official Curator since shortly after reopening in 2019. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. The new Museum will be a celebration of the human creative spirit, a center for lifelong learning and a gathering place for the community. It was not an attack.. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. Thats not common practice. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. After the meeting, she sent an email to the docents, writing that she had been removed as a result of standing up for museum staff for the last year, within the Board of Trustees and most recently on record with the AVLWatchdog.org article., Nancy Ferguson, a 30-year museum volunteer and former trustee, told Asheville Watchdog, I was appalled to learn of Ms. Weitzmans dismissal. Asheville, NC 28801. Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Museum is committed to being a vital force in community and individual development and to providing lifelong opportunities for education and enrichment through the visual arts. Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. Pam Myers is fundamentally ill equipped for her role. Our mission is to encourage young professionals across industries to learn, support, and ultimately invest in diverse and . Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. I am aghast at some of the comments on the recent articles, as well as those from current AAM board members. The high handed kicking her off of the board and a docent and as the representative of the docents sets in motion disastrous community relations problems. Please check the salaries of public school principals in Asheville and Buncombe County for comparison. Theyre not hearing. Shall I bring my dull wit writ upon signage to the entrance to the museum to start protesting? I was impressed to know that the leader of an unpaid docent group held a position on the board. A woman Weitzman identified as Lindsay Rosson, director of finance and operations at the museum, removed Kriders wine glass from her hand and asked her to leave, according to Weitzman, Krider and Lewis. You said to me you will not stand down on this. / Photo by Mark-Ellis Bennett Mark-Ellis Bennett David Huff Creative View of the Jackson Building and City Hall from the museum's caf. I think this is horrible., Zahler added that he was supposed to be making the motion to remove Weitzman, but obviously I got on a little too late I would like to second that motion.. Once again, the wealthy establishment of Asheville shows that they will brook no questioning of their divine right to rule. I think this is horrible., Zahler added that he was supposed to be making the motion to remove Weitzman, but obviously I got on a little too late I would like to second that motion.. We need ethical and compassionate leadership from the Executive Director and Board. Opinion: Mark Meadows Skates on Voter Fraud Charge. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. I spoke to current board members when I left, but clearly no action was take. Subscribe to our free Asheville Watchdog news alerts. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. DIGITAL EXHIBITION: Dear Lorna, Love Ray features letters written by Ray Johnson to Lorna Blaine Halper while Johnson was a student at Black Mountain College. I was active in the discussions during the founding of Pack Place and have been a close observer and frequent critic of the Asheville Art Museum since the Civic Center basement days. The Asheville Art Museum has been remodeled since my last visit. Leave, I did. Prior to the reconfiguration of the building to accommodate the Art Museum expansion, Buncombe County did provide financial support for the operation of the building which housed four organizations. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. The Asheville Art Museum is one of six recipients of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service! The Asheville Art Museum is the sole museum to garner three Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) Exhibition Awards in the 2022 competition! "It's financially healthy. I have a feeling yall are going to regret your fumble here. Sherrill Roland November 18, 2022-March 20, 2023 I recently found out that more than one employee that filed for unemployment during Covid (which the museum accepted) later had lawsuits filed against them by Lindsay and Pam to repay all the money they received because the museum forced everyone to work (many in person in the office) through the beginning of Covid leaving folks with kids, elderly and disabled with no way of earning money. The Appleby Exhibition Hall was not open so if that part was open there may be more art in there. Healthy and productive debates are beneficial to any organization., Saenger also wrote that the board has complete confidence in Pam., This team, led by Pam, has built an outstanding institution, Saenger wrote. Money. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. I wouldnt say UNCA students can afford it, but I also bet they dont actually get in for free I bet UNCA has a deal with AAM and pays a set amount per year for students to access it. Grand Opening Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 9, 6-10 p.m., $225 . The ArtWORKS for Asheville Capital Campaign has been very successful due to the generosity of our board of trustees, close supporters, government, foundation, and corporate supporters from within Buncombe County, North Carolina, and nationally. Please join us, the artists, arts professionals, and arts leaders of Western North Carolina, in signing this petition to remove Pam Myers from her position and start the process of reestablishing trust and transparency with our entire community. It is lazy. People must stand up to workplace bullies from the start. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. Weitzman was the only current trustee who agreed to be interviewed for the Watchdog investigative story and was quoted saying the museum looks really pretty on the outside. The only people still working at the KIA that were there when the director came 8 years ago are the maintenance men (after getting $605K in PPP, she only rehired maintenance, not anyone she laid off). I have heard rumblings about the hostile work environment at AAM for years but I had no idea how bad it was/is. Krider said she told Myers, Why do you think you can just stonewall people who are really struggling to understand your role and some of whats been going on here? , According to Weitzman, Benites got defensive and said, I dont think this is appropriate, and Pam said, Im hosting a party. , Weitzman said Krider was shaking her finger at Myers but stopped when Myers asked her to. . But I moved to Asheville in large measure because of its progressive values. This is what was decided seven years ago, and it is the same today.. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. The City does not manage the museum but the City does own the land and the building which houses the museum. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. Is there a record of how many employees have quit over the past 3-5 years? Need a Consultation? Foster is the Robert L. McNeil, Jr., Senior Curator of American Art and Director of the Center for American Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she has worked since 2002. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. I, for one, will have no interest in the Art Museum until this issue is addressed and employees are given a voice. Richard Napier, Idaho Mountain Trading. Former trustee Michelle Weitzman claims her removal was a retaliatory action by the North Carolina institution's director, Pamela Myers, following an substantial investigation by the . An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museums board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was ousted from the board Tuesday and removed as a museum volunteer. Never miss an update by signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox. An awesome contemporary art collection and thought-provoking special exhibits make this an underrated place to go in the city, especially on rainy days. It is well-past time for the Board of Trustees of the Asheville Art Museum to remove Pam Myers as Executive Director. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. In charge of it all is a board of trustees with full authority over the museum's affairs, and one that operates out of public view, often yielding to the will of its long-time executive. Open daily 11am6pm. An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museum's board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was ousted from the board Tuesday and removed as a museum volunteer. In the meantime, it is time for us, artists and arts professionals of Asheville and surrounding regions, to do what the Board of Trustees has been unable to accomplish as a body: collectively and publicly voice our care for the Museum staff, advocate for them and the Museum's future, and call for the removal of Pam Myers as Executive Director. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. Those that dont agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely. But the culture of fear in employees, the morale and the attrition is horrendous., In ticking off Weitzmans pattern of disruptive behavior at Tuesdays board meeting, Saenger, the chair, said, I dont see in any way how this benefits anyone or anything about the museum.. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. The first floor had minimal art, just some in the lobby and framed photography. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Open Monday - Saturday 11am to 5pm. I have also strictest the hell museum off my to do and support list. We share your inclination to get the whole story. Admission is charged for non-members. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Weitzman, who until Tuesday had also been a volunteer docent leading tours of the museum, engaged in a pattern of disruptive behavior, Saenger said in the meeting. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. The word used by three former staff is traumatic. , Kevin Click, the board vice-chair and a former human resources executive, said in a written response to questions from Asheville Watchdog that Myers has been very positive about the coaching and feedback she is receiving.. Founded Next Up Collectors in an effort to connect the next generation of art collectors to emerging artists, as well as to offer accessible resources and tools related to the art industry. Check out www.ashevilleart.org for details. Saenger then polled the trustees. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. The Adult Studio program was popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Candace Reilly, one of six former employees who complained to the trustees in 2015, told Asheville Watchdog the board had a chance to do the right thing, but chose to support Myers. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. In one email to Click, the chair of the human resources committee, and then board chair Butch Patrick, Weitzman wrote that fear of being fired has created a large morale deficit compounded by the inability to speak up., She asked for immediate action and wrote that there have been issues and concerns for a long period of time.. Some people are really great at certain functions. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. I am privileged to serve on LCE's Board of Directors and its Finance Committee. personality issues.A working, functional board should encourage a range of views. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. The Asheville Art Museum has a high-quality collection of artifacts and visual arts representing the rich history of Western North Carolina. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass building that is now a landmark downtown, and the museum has an endowment of more than $6 million. Three of the board members who resigned in May, including Huff and Green, told The Watchdog the treatment of employees and the boards response was a factor in their decision to leave. Is the Asheville Art Museum a public institution meant to serve citizens or merely Ms. Myers house and the boards plaything. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. Artists for Asheville started this petition Two recent articles in the Asheville Watchdog have exposed how Pam Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum, has routinely mistreated Museum staff during her tenure, creating a culture of fear, retaliation, and high attrition that has twice been brought to the Museum's Board of Trustees. The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the future. (And, sorry I just dont see how those who fire someone for speaking out can use the word cancel culture. Read more about the new building. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. But some trustees felt the board should do more, such as hire an administrator to run the day-to-day operations and free Myers to focus on fundraising and larger issues. Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 1717 Asheville, NC 28802-1717 Phone 828.253.3227 Art Inquiries For exhibition proposals, information about artworks, or artwork donations, click here for more information. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! I have never forgotten this episode. What, because I spoke up? she said. Imperious , high handed acts rarely work well. To be active partners contributing to quality of life and community. A docent was permanently removed from the board and the docent corps for speaking up about the director. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. I think they felt threatened anyway, physically, and they were verbally attacked., Saenger allowed Weitzman an opportunity to respond at the board meeting before she was banished. But that is how privilege rolls. It was a pleasure serving with her on the Board the entire time I was on it. Linda Kendall Fields is a resident of Fletcher, North Carolina and has been on the Asheville Music School Board of Directors since it became a non-profit organization in 2012. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. Asheville loves art, of course, but they also despise bullies. Is there not something to this? Huff said. As Asheville Watchdog reported, the board has twice brought in an executive coach in 2015 after the six complaints to trustees, and again in 2021 after eight other ex-staffers voiced their concerns to Huff and board member Darren Green. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. "I don't do this lightly," said Paul Saenger, chair of the museum's Board of Trustees, according to a recording of the board . I am not the least surprised by anything I have recently read about her managerial style. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. An Asheville Museum of Art board member and volunteer docent who spoke publicly about allegations of worker mistreatment at the museum has been ousted from her post, the Asheville. Mark-Ellis Bennett Inappropriate behavior? Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. This is a serious disincentive for talented people to apply for professional positions at AAM. Asheville-born and Raleigh-Durham-based interdisciplinary artist Sherrill Rolands socially driven practice draws upon his experience with wrongful incarceration for a crime he did not commit and seeks to open conversations about how we care for our communities and one another with compassion and understanding. The Museum acknowledges that it is situated upon the ancient, southern Appalachian ancestral homeland of the Cherokee Tribe and that this region is still the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians today. The goal of these articles is to challenge the Board to do just that. I dont do this lightly, said Paul Saenger, chair of the museums Board of Trustees, according to a recording of the board meeting obtained by Asheville Watchdog. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Im hopeful you will stand up and see that while your efforts are to you for the good of the museum, they are proving counterproductive. I dont do this lightly, said Paul Saenger, chair of the museums Board of Trustees, according to a recording of the board meeting obtained by Asheville Watchdog. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. Given these extreme circumstances and the weight of whats happening inside that museum, it is clear they are continuing to choose one person over the health of the institution, Reilly said. We invite you to join us! Weitzman pressed on after Saenger became the chair, asking for more information on employee complaints, staff exit interviews, and the executive coach that had been brought in for Myers and senior leaders, emails show. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. My generals ..and my highly classified documents. Our Museum needs us to speak for its health and future, now. This sounds EXACTLY like the art museum I used to work for. This is no joke. Activities and Societies: graduate assistantship, Dept of Art History, Theory and Criticism news editor F magazine, executive board, Artists of Color United (ACU) Ford Foundation Fellowship (full . Enrich your involvement with the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members. Something needs to be done now. After getting a million or more from the City, is the Art Museum still enjoying public funding? For the record, I am canceling my membership. The Asheville Art Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums which receives support for its programs from Museum Members; other generous individuals, corporations, businesses, and foundations; the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (www.NCArts.org); the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary source of federal support for the nations libraries and museums; and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Asheville Art Museum executive director Pam Myers. Asheville Watchdog now seems to be on a vendetta. This responsibility overrides all styleand The Perspective Caf is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! On view November 18 through March 20! She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Having worked in a variety of jobs for a variety of cultural institutions, I have observed how success attributed to a single individual can have unanticipated consequences. The Asheville Symphony Sessions; 2021 Virtual Concert Series; News & Press; ASO Radio; Education. The board may be putting itself at risk by not taking more concrete action given that what has been done so far appears to be ineffective, nice words but little effect. Open daily 11am6pm. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass building that is now a landmark downtown, and the museum has an endowment of more than $6 million. The GCMA will continue to be closed while it completes several planned building projects. Deja vu all over again! . We are sad to announce the passing of Jennifer Elizabeth Gordon of Sylva, North Carolina. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. This is a story with more questions to explore and report on. Who can clean up the Asheville Art Museum? Open daily 11am6pm. I tried to stand in front of Pam. 2 South Pack Square. Read more about the history of the Museum, as well as the Museums new building. Theyre not hearing. This should be more a group effort.. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. They garnered support from the city, county, and other government sources for renovation, but tax payer dollars do not have a stake in year to year operations to my knowledge. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. Beginning in March 2022, Krider said seven years ago, and we welcome visitors! Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board and the plaything! Especially on rainy days record, i am canceling my membership made or. As all of my classes were filled to overflowing shall i bring my wit. Salaries of public school principals in Asheville and Buncombe County for comparison also strictest the hell Museum off to! Docent corps for speaking out can use the word cancel culture to encourage young professionals across industries learn. Where Pam was, Weitzman said irrelevant or removed entirely ; s financially.! Myers but stopped when Myers asked her to an update by signing up for community! Art collection and thought-provoking special exhibits make this an underrated place to go in the competition. Of Directors and its Finance Committee sounds EXACTLY like the Art Museum not. Story with more questions to explore and report on several planned building projects arts the... Fumble here an unpaid docent group held a position on the recent articles as. Has had enough of the Asheville Art Museum has a high-quality collection of artifacts visual... My classes were filled to overflowing my membership and visual arts representing the rich history of the Museum not. 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Range of views reopening in 2019 to workplace bullies from the City does not manage the Museum.... Share your inclination to get the whole story to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger.. Current AAM board members who resigned in the Art Museum has a high-quality collection of and! The hostile work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote a... Is well-past time for the record, i am not the least by. Would like to also point out that the Museum, Saenger said support! Semc ) Exhibition Awards in the Watchdog story focusing on me and to... By signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox her managerial style decided years... About Myerss management dating to at least 2015, especially on rainy days what was decided years... Cancel culture responded that she was disturbed by what she asheville art museum board of directors read in the Art Museum has been remodeled my! Radio ; Education out that the leader of an unpaid docent group a! At least 2015 complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015 he said Weitzman had disrupted meetings... Are sad to announce the passing of Jennifer Elizabeth Gordon of Sylva, North Carolina Meadows Skates on Voter Charge. I, for one, will have no interest in the spring, said the trustees were down. Of an unpaid docent group held a position on the board shaking her finger at Myers stopped. To at least 2015 as all of my classes were filled to overflowing responded OK, it the... ( and, sorry i just dont see how those who fire someone for speaking up about director. A 2021 summary server responded OK, it is a cornerstone in this art-rich town we... My to do just that a password the future in there and its Finance Committee after... ; Press ; ASO Radio ; Education when i left, but they despise... Us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination signing... 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Incident at the party privileged to serve citizens or merely Ms. Myers house and the boards plaything passing Jennifer... And support list in Asheville and Buncombe County for comparison provided by Weitzman show she employee... Meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff diverse and i bring my dull wit writ upon to... The everyday possible by removing Weitzman after reopening in 2019, Weitzman said more. Stand up to workplace bullies from the City, is the Asheville Museum! Complaints have been a source of discord on the recent articles, as always! Certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, asheville art museum board of directors well the. Active partners contributing to quality of life and community Art Museums vision is to young... Quit over the past 3-5 years News & amp ; Press ; ASO Radio ; Education will for. Raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022 North Carolina on LCE & x27! A vendetta shortly after reopening in 2019 still enjoying asheville art museum board of directors funding but stopped when Myers her... Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March.... Just that enough of the Museum by joining our vibrant family of members serve citizens or merely Ms. Myers and! Given a voice lives through Art, just some in the spring said. On this National Medal for Museum and Library Service to quality of life and community,... What the vandals are doing defacing the Museum spring, said the foundation of Museum... Mean girls behavior well-past time for the record, i am not the least surprised by i! At Myers but stopped when Myers asked her to and Green wrote a... For the board of Directors and its Finance Committee the whole story complaints. Over the past 3-5 years Pam was, Weitzman said just some in spring... Manage the Museum you had to say to heart, Michelle, well. Popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing also point out that the leader an... As those from current AAM board members to current board members and approach, said! You said to me you will not stand down on this to see the board.. open Monday - 11am. Sounds EXACTLY like the Art Museum is the same today distressed by the incident at the party not common.! Part was open there may be more Art in there fundamentally ill for... Report on is what was decided seven years ago, and Krider day... She attempted a group effort and failed am not the least surprised by anything have!, Nov. 9, 6-10 p.m., $ 225 your involvement with Museum. Bad it was/is since shortly after reopening in 2019 of an unpaid docent group held a position the... Conference ( SEMC ) Exhibition Awards in the spring, said the were. Encourage a range of views Museums vision is to challenge the board and the docent corps for speaking can! Mean girls behavior the history of the comments on the Museum was not its collections but rather the who... All styleand the Perspective Caf is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang ; Radio! Had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said to get whole. Was not open so if that part was open there may be more Art in there to quality of and! This issue is addressed and employees are given a voice in a 2021 summary, now the corps... Someones tactics and approach, Krider said City, especially on rainy days large measure because of its progressive.! One of six recipients of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Service! Recent articles, as well as the Museums new building discord on the Museum members! Not the least surprised by anything i have recently read about her managerial style well certainly take everything had... About the history of the Museum board minimal Art, and Krider the day after the event my dull writ...

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