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. The Asheville Art Museum is better than ever thanks to a $24 million-renovation and expansion. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. 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. Through his work, Roland engages visitors in dialogues around community, social contract, identity, biases, and other deeply human experiences. Asheville Art Museum will host Open Studio at Different Wrld on. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Eight others complained to board members David Huff and Darren Green, beginning in 2020. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. fillmore county journal police reports; zillow dixon, ca; january 26, 2004 moon sign; won the 1989 group of the year juno award codycross; ncis jack sloane baby daddy; can we eat jackfruit during . After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Immerse yourself into world-class art, exciting history, and mind-bending science. // Photo credit: Lindsey Grossman. This has nothing to do with taking constructive criticism for writing mistakes or annoyance for pitching in after events or programs. Inappropriate behavior? To see this come out in the open is not surprising Im not shocked by any of it. We share your inclination to get the whole story. Please show Pam Myers and a few of her board minions to the door. There were absurd breaches of my personal and professional boundaries. Xpress needs help, too. Trustees, who serve voluntarily, are passionate advocates for the mission and vision of the Frist Art Museum. "We wanted the building to be . Was an intern at the museum a few years back, the toxic work culture permeates all the way down. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Christine Del Re seems to be taking a rather defensive posture, and an unbalanced one at that, while distracting from the problems at the museum. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdogstory appeared. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. They said Asheville represents itself as a progressive and inclusive city for LGBTQ artists, but the museum caters to a particular demographic that is no longer actually inclusive or representative of folks in the broader community here. Open daily 11am6pm. She noted that Myers came from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. However, I have not taught a workshop nor class there in over a year. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion. The West Michigan museum where I used to work is eerily similar and the board has chosen to ignore the constant staff turnover. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. That Myers has brought in a lot of funding is great. They orchestrated it all., Weitzman had volunteered at the museum since 2016 and held a seat on the board as president of the Docents Association. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Among the things "American Perspectives" does not include as folk art (and might) are graffiti art, hip-hop creations, tattoo art, decoys, weathervanes and Native American arts and crafts. If there are additional episodes of improper staff involvement, I will bring this to the trustees to consider your continuing on the board., On Nov. 14, the day before Tuesdays board meeting, Saenger wrote to Weitzman, In accordance with the bylaws, I am giving you notice that given the inappropriate behavior when you and your companions verbally attacked and intimidated Pam and others at the members event I will request a discussion as to your continuing to serve on the AAM board. While she knew some of the ex-employees, Bleakney said she was not aware of the scope of the complaints or that staffers had twice gone to the museums board. The letter signers include gallery attendants, grant managers, events coordinators, and others whose tenure at the museum spanned 2011 to this year. The board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myerss management style persisted. Employees spoke out because their attempt to bring about positive changes were unheard and ignored by Ms. Myers and other members in administration. Is there not something to this? Huff said. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. I hardly said anything. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Sort of like Im shocked, shocked to see abusive behavior going on as someone walks up and says here are your (entitlement) winnings. Linda Kendall Fields (Chair) 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. We hope you give us a chance and whitelist our website. Board of Directors - American Alliance of Museums Skip to content The following menu has 3 levels. An art museum director salary varies based on the level of experience, geographical location, and other factors. In fact, by the third story there were not even responses from the organization/board to the reporters inquiries. ALT ASO -- Asheville Symphony at Asheville Art Museum ALT ASO Performance at TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 5:30 P.M. VIP RECEPTION 6:00 P.M. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. 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. You can blame it on the staff all you want to. Phone (828) 254-7162 Email info@ashevillescience.org Participating member of the North Carolina Grassroots Science Museums collaborative with education funding by the North Carolina General Assembly. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. 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 board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. 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. Hamill said she was unmoved by the employee complaints detailed by Asheville Watchdog. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. At the Asheville Art Museum, the gift shop and the Front Desk were one and the same, meaning that those employees were front-facing and interacted with guests and served as the first impression to the Museum. Museums and Communities News is our roundup of stories demonstrating the many ways AAMD member museums serve their communities I was interested in doing anything I could to help curate a temporary show. To connect with us, please visit our Contact page. Do something before this bites the museum where no amount of fundraising skills will help. President and Eloise W. Martin Director. Just so completely out-of-control simply outrageous. I do think people who are involved in extraneous things like the gift shop, if theyre truly unhappy, Im not sure I care.. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Last week, the letters in the museums sign were altered from Asheville Art Museum to A He ll Art Museum. Asheville Police spokesperson Samantha Booth said Wednesday she could not locate a police report on the vandalism. Experience great art while mingling with fellow art lovers at an opening reception, watch a local ceramist throw a pot in her studio, discover new creative skills at a workshopall this and more. Press tab to enter the menus and then use your arrow keys, enter, and escape to use the menus. Theyre not hearing. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. Sections will explore the history of pattern and decorations use in American art during and after the now formally recognized movement was established. People must stand up to workplace bullies from the start. Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password. It was just very upsetting to me., Saenger said in the meeting, If youve read Lindsays report or spoken to others, I think its clear this was grossly inappropriate behavior by a trustee And this was in the midst of an event for members in the atrium of the museum., Asheville Watchdog requested the report Saenger referenced and any videotape of the incident. This is not harsh and demanding. Does it have to come to that? We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut . Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. I tried to stand in front of Pam. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. That Ms. Myers said Youre in my house while standing in the museum tells you everything you need to know. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. See here for our terms of service. From this it is easy to infer the strategy of the organization is simply to say nothing and just hope it all blows over at some point. Shall I bring my dull wit writ upon signage to the entrance to the museum to start protesting? Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. As a friend of the arts and the Museum, your support is more important than ever. It was dealt with in a combative way, Shull said. This should be more a group effort.. Home / Uncategorized / asheville art museum board of directors. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. Open daily 11am6pm. This success can be attributed to the great work the staff did in marketing and administration. Or perhaps the organization cares only what its funders think and not the staff or general public. 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. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. And the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing. Today, more than 500 members serve on the Smithsonian's Advisory Boards. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. This is a story with more questions to explore and report on. each year with the sec of state and could it be considered to be a conflict of interest for its executive director to be on the board of directors? I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. I know its not very politically correct, Hamill said. One person objected to something to do with the theatre-how many did not object? managing people, creating and maintaining relationships with community members and organizations, showing actual concern and motivation about addressing low visitor numbers, etc. Not the museum itself, just the board. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. I love when TheRump ends with that you always know more bad news is inevitably on the way. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). . The Business Manager position is part time (non exempt) and is expected to be 24 hours per week. 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. Required fields are marked *. They dont want to hear. Got it. It only takes a moment. You said to me you will not stand down on this. For immediate assistance or general inquiries, please call 828.253.3227. Please note that items in the second level of these menus can open a page and also expand submenus. I have also strictest the hell museum off my to do and support list. We refuse to continue being verbally and emotionally abused; we refuse to be gaslit and silenced when we defend ourselves, the letter said. Does Pam have the museum board over a barrel, given all the board member remarks about all the money she brings in? 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. A total of at least 60 employees left during that time, said Candace Reilly, an ex-employee who organized the letter and gathered signatures. West oversaw the Frye Art Museum's expansion and renovation, which was designed by Rick Sundberg of Olson Sundberg Kundig . David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. 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. do koalas have poisonous claws. Asheville Art Museum Art Exhibit: RAUSCHENBERG: A Gift in Your Pocket Mar 1 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center Asheville Gallery of Art "Awakenings" Group Show Mar 1 @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Asheville Gallery of Art Luzene Hill: Revelate Mar 1 @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Asheville Art Museum In my view that is balanced reporting two opposite actions in response to one issue. This is no joke. Asheville Art Museum 114 Literary, Art & Music Tours Art Museums Downtown Asheville By carriemjax The permanent collection had a broad variety, Jasper Jones to local Appalachian artists. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Job Description. Opinion: Fewer restrictions on guns? 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. The Best of Asheville: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour By Travel Curious - Asheville City Tours 2-3 hours Experience all that Asheville has to offer with a private 2.5-hour highlights tour led by an experienced local guide who Free cancellation from $170.00 per adult Reserve Travelers talk about " permanent collection " (10 reviews) " black mountain As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, the petition had 227 signatures. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Olin emphasizes that we are in constant state of motion and discovery. Mind you this was right before the museum was going to reopen, a supposedly exciting time to be there. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. What is it with people these days? Considering all the current conversation about her quest for perfection, I came away thinking I dont count for much in her world view. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. . 6,000+ Collaborations with Artists + Organizations. 2 segundos ago Aug 2016 - Present6 years 7 months. As a long term Asheville Art Museum member, donor, former volunteer, former Gallery Associate, and current Adult Studio instructor, I am little more than an outside observer to the day to day operations of the museum so this story has been revealing. Shes not above helping, but it doesnt erase her mismanagement its another highlight of insufficient staff support. Supporters credit Myers with taking the museum from the basement of the Asheville Civic Center to the glistening anchor of downtown that it is today, and with overseeing a capital campaign that raised more than $30 million. Enrich your involvement with the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. 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. The Bass Museum of Art opened in 1964 through the donation of a private collection by John and Johanna Bass to the City of Miami Beach. 990 statements can be interesting. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. The Asheville Art Museum is committed to being an active leader against racism. Your email address will not be published. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct a sources error in a quote about the museum where Myers worked before Asheville. Advisory Board members help ensure the success of the individual museums and centers. Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of nearly 149,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. In 1994 the Board appointed Richard West, scholar and former director of Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Maine; the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento; the Newport Art Museum, Rhode Island; and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Board mem- Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. The Perspective Caf is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! The Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. Myers has been a divisive figure during her 27-year tenure at the museum. Last week, the letters in the museums sign were altered from Asheville Art Museum to A Hell Art Museum. Asheville Police spokeswoman Samantha Booth said Wednesday she could not locate a police report on the vandalism. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. If this reader is interested in being even handed and balanced, where are the comments speaking to what is going on at the museum with its apparently comfortable complacent board, and an executive director who may be highly effective at raising money but who appears to not be qualified to manage people. Never had any direct interaction with her but this article helps make more sense of why it seemed like such an unhappy place. Shes also bad at her job i.e. It is an age old story. Re: Comments from Hamill (donor) Those that dont agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. Is this board more or less bought and paid for by the successful fundraising, and how much is personal vanity playing a part in being a board member? More than two dozen former employees of the Asheville Art Museum have signed a letter calling for the removal of the longtime executive director and an end to what they describe as a culture of fear and toxic leadership., The letter, signed by 29 ex-staffers, said mistreatment of staff as reported by Asheville Watchdog requires the museums board to do their duty and remove Pam Myers immediately in order to protect the current and future health and viability of the Institution., An online petition also went up Tuesday morning, calling on artists to support the museum staff and Myerss removal, and start the process of reestablishing trust and transparency with our entire community.. 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. The Asheville Art Museum, glistening through its glass exterior in the downtown heart of Pack Square, earns acclaim for its prized collection of American and Appalachian artwork. In that time has there been any kind of official response from the organization, its board or director? 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 ( Le'Kita Brown, Vice President. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. Where is that information and why not presented here? Its an embarrassment. As a Member, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits while providing vital support for the Museums engaging education programs and innovative exhibitions. 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. executive director of the museum since 1995. It is compliance and should fall to the CFO or COOin this case the same individualthe museum was under an extension when I arrived and remained so when I left. Pictured: The Missoula Art Museum, whose Museum as Megaphone distance learning platform has provided access to arts education to rural and Tribal communities across Montana throughout the pandemic. Artworks from the 21st century elucidate contemporary perspectives on the employment of pattern to inform visual vocabularies and investigations of diverse themes in the present day. An account was already registered with this email. 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. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. She gives off a very let them eat cake! vibe. Asheville Community Theatre | Business Manager. 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. Saenger responded, We do not believe it would be appropriate to share incident reports or security videos., Sarah Reincke, president of the Docents Association before Weitzman and a former trustee, said she believes the board was trying to find any excuse to rid themselves of a Trustee who consistently voiced valid opinions the Executive Committee refused to consider., Reincke said Weitzman was not the person who reprimanded Pam at the party, and she is not responsible for how another person expresses an opinion., The board used the actions of a third party as cause for Michelles dismissal, further proof, Reincke said, of the museums dysfunctional leadership., In a statement to Asheville Watchdog, Saenger wrote that the museum does not comment on trustees who leave the organization., If the board feels it necessary to ask a trustee to step down before the end of their normal term, it is not a matter we take lightly, but with the best interest of the museum in mind, Saenger wrote. The museum opened in what was formerly the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center, a 1930s Art Deco building designed by Russell Pancoast, grandson of Miami Beach pioneer John Collins. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. This all sounds like a vanity project that continues under an implicit threat of being fired, thrown off the board, or Ill hold my breath until I turn blue, then Ill take my toys (money) and go home and then youll be sorry!. Ms. Myers just doesnt seem to be very interested in finding out what that problem is, or correcting it. Since 2017, while construction has been ongoing, the museum's educational programs have continued without cessation, serving over 360,000 participants last year through programs on site at . The Theater is just one of the many examples of community relationships that are strained. Leave, I did. Too Much Is Just Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration features more than 70 artworks in an array of media from both the original time frame of the Pattern and Decoration movement, as well as contemporary artworks created between 1985 and the present. At some point words need to translate into both action and changed behavior, not just more words. sorry, that should have read: [this] reminds me of another highly manipulative/ vindictive psychopath Anyway, really, the powers to be in the City of Asheville/ Buncombe County now is the time for some serious damage control because I highly doubt this is going away anytime soon. 'I Look at Her as a Hero'
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