There are many ways that you can become involved and be a part of this extraordinary community endeavor. 'I Look at Her as a Hero' 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. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. 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. enge Executive Committee actions . This is a story with more questions to explore and report on. Your email address will not be published. MakerSpace: Third Thursday with Artist Aspen Johnston. As a relatively new resident of Asheville, I admired the quality of two exhibits I saw at the Museum recently and was seriously thinking about becoming a member. To schedule a group tour please contact us at info@blackmountaincollege.org. for dates. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. The Museums expansion and renovation project has consisted of different carefully planned phases: renovation/preservation of the North Wing (1926 Pack Library building); demolition work on the Museums East Wing and core; and the construction of the new building and glass faade. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. 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. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. 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. This is what was decided seven years ago, and it is the same today.. Grand Opening Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 9, 6-10 p.m., $225 . Answer Man: Where are the street sweepers? Stop wagging your finger, didnt even notice I was doing it., Krider said all Weitzman did was tell me where Pam was standing and repeat something she had already apparently said that working for her is really difficult or however she worded it.. But, with the revelations coming from this and other articles, I now have to question my assumptions. I tried to stand in front of Pam. Sep 2021 - Present1 year 5 months. Hoping AAM administrators will learn from the internal and external feedback and make changes for the good of their employees and the city. How do we get rid of Myers and her bootlickers on the Board? We want everyone to have access to our stories. We need a Museum that supports every person involved in creating and sustaining exhibitions, programs, building its permanent collection, and upholding the institutions mission to engage with all who walk through its great glass doors. Not the museum itself, just the board. I think well move on with our agenda now. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. The Collection; . I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. The Museum is located on the center square of downtown Asheville, 2 South Pack Square at Pack Place. Few outside the museum noticed when, this spring, five board members one-fourth of the trustees resigned. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. 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. We share your inclination to get the whole story. 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. Ste.230, Austin TX 78759 Store Cart ; Toggle search Toggle navigation. Join Us This Sunday for a Traditional Game Day. 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. LOL. The salary is probably in line with what other people at that level get paid, and Im sure that there are more than enough private donations to cover her salary so that no tax-payer dollars are used. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. Its a shame to the city to continue to support these overly entitled people. We are sad to announce the passing of Jennifer Elizabeth Gordon of Sylva, North Carolina. Coronavirus update: Updated bivalent Covid-19 boosters are now available. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. The Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass. The Disturbing Details Behind the Bird Flu and Egg Prices. Great work, Watchdog Team. After an exodus of five Board members this summer, the remaining members have not yet shown that they value Museum staff above the reputation of Myers. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. The museum only has an Associate Curator and an Assistant Curator and does not appear to be looking to refill the lead position at this time. I think this cancel culture has gone so totally out of control, and I think thats exactly what Michelle is dealing with, Zahler said, not recognizing the fact that all the good work that had gone on before, that there was an issue, and because of that, Pam should be canceled. It is up to our community of artists and supporters of the arts to speak up and advocate for our institution and its health, and insist on the Board and especially Ms. Myers resignation. Certainly should not be punished for it ! The Asheville Art Museum's facility at 2 South Pack Square. How many people did they do this to? I think well move on with our agenda now. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Leave, I did. After all it is the legal and societal duty of a board member to question and chal- Clearly there has been a consistent and ongoing pattern of abuse of volunteers and employees by Ms. Myers, which quite frankly reads like nothing short of a reign of terror .very very bad public relations no matter how magnificent your prized glass edifice there in Pack Square is. So it makes me ill and incensed to think that behind those excellent exhibits lies an abusive work environment that has gone on for years, unchallenged by the very people whose job it is to resolve such matters. Is there not something to this? Huff said. 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 . Money. We need ethical and compassionate leadership from the Executive Director and Board. I think well move on with our agenda now. Do we only care about rectifying injustices from long ago? 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. I must say I second Nancy Fergusons comment. Yes, It Stinks, Information About Holiday Water Failures Is Trickling Out, as Asheville Officials Meet in Private. Staff & Board | Asheville Area Arts Council Staff Katie Cornell Executive Director 828.222.0436 katie@ashevillearts.com Bringing people together through the arts is Katie's passion, and that is just what she tries to do as the Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Pam Myers is fundamentally ill equipped for her role. As one of the employees who left in 2015 I can attest to the hostile, dysfunctional and toxic work environment. The Museum is nearing the end of the final phase! The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. The reliance on one individual for all decision making is a disservice to the institution and the public it supports. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. 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. I have lived in Asheville since 1979 and am a visual artist. Researches Biltmore's fine and decorative art collections and history to support internal and external communications as well as exhibitions, publications, and training and educational materials . Not hiring an experienced curator sure saves money! Can I help pay off kids school lunch debts? All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. Or do you simply disagree with her management style? Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. Foundation Directors Warren Stephens, Chair Ben Hussman, Vice-Chair George O'Connor, Treasurer Victoria Ramirez, Secretary John Ed Anthony Terri Erwin Michael Mayton Harriet Stephens Its an embarrassment. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. 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. Is there not something to this? Huff said. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out of attempts to do so. 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). To be banished from the palace on Park Square seems to be a common pathway. She said that former employees had told her, unsolicited, that they were still experiencing nightmares, PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] and continual therapy from their experience working at the museum. Thanks for publication but from my experience in NYC museums are famous for being toxic. Subscribe to our free Asheville Watchdog news alerts. Something needs to be done now. We fully believe in its vision to transform lives through art. A salary of $167,000 of taxpayer funds could be partially allocated to the leadership of our schools. The KIA is a nonprofit, so the contract is public knowledge, but I am a friend of many of those who have left the museum and have been very supportive of them. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. The Asheville Art Museum is one of six recipients of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service! In addition to teaching violin and piano at AMS on a part-time basis since 2008, she has been a performing musician for over 35 years. Just because a person is adept at fundraising does not make them suited to be an executive director who directly manages (a fluctuating number of) employees. These are not adolescents whining for attention, promotions and pay raises. Im envious of such a sheltered life. It was just very upsetting to me.. This series of stories, with its tone of personal attack, is not helpful, either to the museum or to Asheville Watchdog. An account was already registered with this email. Pam should not have been in charge of day to day operations in 2015, and it is shocking that she still is. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. 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. She said that former employees had told her, unsolicited, that they were still experiencing nightmares, PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] and continual therapy from their experience working at the museum. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! 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. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. 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. Big changes happened in the Museum building during our major expansion and renovation project right in the heart of downtown Asheville. 2 South Pack Square. Which, come to think of it might be precisely what it is ;) anyhoo Stay Tuned!! 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. New Address: 12710 Research Blvd. We need a Museum that honors art handlers, curators, communications staff, docents, program leaders, and community builders alike. Conflict is not abuse, and Ms. Myers and her Board are reacting in an immature and disappointing way to vital public discourse. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. Asheville, NC 28801. 828-350-8484. info@blackmountaincollege.org. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. 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 Museum invites you to explore our outstanding Collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and to discover the richness of Western North Carolinas unique artistic history. Shall I bring my dull wit writ upon signage to the entrance to the museum to start protesting? Once the building housed just two organizations, the umbrella organization that operated the building was eliminated, and the existing organizations had direct leases with the City that County support was phased out over a few years. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. I have never forgotten this episode. To be active partners contributing to quality of life and community. January 23, 2020 POSSIBLE REASONS BEHIND STUDENT VISA REJECTION. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. I think this cancel culture has gone so totally out of control, and I think thats exactly what Michelle is dealing with, Zahler said, not recognizing the fact that all the good work that had gone on before, that there was an issue, and because of that, Pam should be canceled. Join, renew, or give the gift of Museum membership today. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. 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. This, frankly, is the story of a very strong institution, an ambitious and focused leader and a board. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. 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. Theyre not hearing. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Image Requests To request images for publication or other uses, click here to complete our request for image use form. This is no way to run any organization, let alone a supposedly not for profit arts organization. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. The fact that many have shared this sentiment and the board continues to take no meaningful action is ludicrous. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Our Museum needs us to speak for its health and future, now. The board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myers's management style persisted. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Pre-purchased online tickets and walk-in tickets are available. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. It was not an attack.. This is not a game to me, Weitzman said, adding that she had raised concerns about employee mistreatment with Saenger; with the previous chair, Herbert Butch Patrick Jr.; and with board vice chair Kevin Click, the chair of the human resources committee. 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. Commentary This article was originally published in American Thinker Consumers can take a lot, but when you start raisin Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdog story appeared. It is obvious that her interpersonal skills are lacking, in spite of previous training and consulting. To engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Martin CJ Mongiello, MBA, MA, MCFE Chair of the Board @ foundation, museum, inn, & school. Open Monday - Saturday 11am to 5pm. 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. Michelle Weitzman // Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego. How were these funds stewarded? Thank you, and stay well! She imperiously, very rudely and with great toxicity showed me the door. If her only merit is that of a fundraiser, perhaps additional questions should be asked. . What, because I spoke up? she said. 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. This should be more a group effort.. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. The Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. I wrote recommendations, and I was dismissed, so I went through proper channels before putting my name and my reputation in the public view, Weitzman said. Opinion: Mark Meadows Skates on Voter Fraud Charge. Just so completely out-of-control simply outrageous. It is a simple matter to learn what employees are experiencing and feel. This is no joke. 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.. Thats absurd, Krider said. Open daily 11am6pm. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. By the way, not only was my seat removed from the board, but also the seat of the other person who voted against the contract. Every request was honored, Krider said. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. Nonprofit journalism in the public interest. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 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. We should all be grateful for what she has done? Without it we get a situation like this. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Clear enough? The Asheville Art Museum is the sole museum to garner three Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) Exhibition Awards in the 2022 competition! I would love to see a deep dive into the funding of the museum. 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. Asheville Watchdog now seems to be on a vendetta. Open daily 11am6pm. When we visited, there was a temporary exhibit of recently donated Southern Folk Art (think: the ubiquitous and prolific Howard Finster and unschooled artists such as Finster), and a collection of modernist design from the mid-20th. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. This vision fails when it cant provide a sustainable livelihood and psychologically safe workplace environment for its employees. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. 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 director, Pamela Myers. I hardly said anything. I am sad that the place I called my sanctuary and loved being at has been so tarnished. I am a former AAM member, but gave up donating awhile back when the staff turnover showed that the negative work environment was effecting the entire institution. 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. The GCMA will continue to be closed while it completes several planned building projects. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. Based on these articles, the museum board is composed and operating based on a friends and family and buddy system style approach that ensures most if not all members will agree to self protect each other and fend off critiques. Do they have any idea how embarrassing their behavior is? On view November 18 through March 20! The Museum also offers a broad variety of innovative programs for all ages, including classes and workshops for adults, college students, children, and families; guided and group tours; concerts and performances; volunteer and docent programs; year-round and summer internship programs; film screenings; lectures and panel discussions; school and teacher programs; special events; and much more. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. 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.
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asheville art museum board of directors