He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. In that time has there been any kind of official response from the organization, its board or director? But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. Ms. Myers just doesnt seem to be very interested in finding out what that problem is, or correcting it. Contact - Asheville Art Museum Home > Contact Contact Use the form below for general questions, or scroll down to connect with us for more specific inquiries. Being good at one thing (raising money) does not mean you are good at everything. Inappropriate behavior? We hope you give us a chance and whitelist our website. What are the next steps, people? Shull and his wife, Hedy Fischer, who own Pink Dog Creative in the River Arts District, have donated art that is part of the museums permanent collection. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. 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. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. 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. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. The Asheville Art Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums that 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 that believes that a great nation deserves great art. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. Join, renew, or give the gift of Museum membership today. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. How out of touch & elitist. On view through March 6! 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. Probably very much like Ms. Myers. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. 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. 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.. Subscribe to our free Asheville Watchdog news alerts. Leave, I did. If they are not publicly stating that the situation, as reported, has improved are we to believe that it hasnt, or perhaps gotten worse? An account was already registered with this email. Enrich your involvement with the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. As a 501c3 organization isnt the Asheville Art Museum supposed to update its North Carolina solicitation license, reporting tax information etc. Learn More{{/message}}. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. This has led Hill to incorporate the idea of Olinthe Nahuatl word for the natural rhythms of the universein Aztec cosmology in her work. Unpopular Opinion but Reality: 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. Elaine Bleakney, a poet and writer in Asheville who knows Reilly and Grossman, wrote the online petition. Capes constructed of mylar burst with energy and rustle with subtle sound, the shining material a signifier of care, awareness, displacement, and presence. 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. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. 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. I was responsible for applying for the solicitation license, in my years long career as a grants manager I was never responsible for that. Not the museum itself, just the board. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. managing people, creating and maintaining relationships with community members and organizations, showing actual concern and motivation about addressing low visitor numbers, etc. Its just like, Wow, finally., Shull said he would like to see Myers retire and be celebrated for all that shes done and have a clean slate for the community to attract a really good director with significant talent that reflects the values that Asheville projects.. Yes, she can be harsh and demanding, but who wants typos and bad grammar on a press release? It sounds like it is time for the board to put Pam in her place as successful fundraiser in chief and keep her away from the rest of the organization. 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.. In the letter to the Trustees, the 29 ex-employees wrote that current and former staff want to reclaim our Museum an institution built by the community and for the community.. 0 . I chalk it up to there being better opportunities for staff elsewhere. the getty museum underground; houses for sale west pearl street, butler, pa; Recognitions; peter lowy malibu; CSR; how to remove a hashtag on tiktok. Every request was honored, Krider said. Oh, and I love the quote.. Youre in my house. .reminds me of another psychopath were all unfortunately all too familiar with. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. Board of Directors - American Alliance of Museums Skip to content The following menu has 3 levels. Median Annual Salary: More than $86,480 ($41.58/hour) Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $53,780 ($25.86/hour) Bottom 10% Annual Salary: More than $27,190 ($13.07/hour) Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017. I have a feeling yall are going to regret your fumble here. 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. 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. 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. 0 404 4 minutes read. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. I worked at the museum under Pam Myers. And I am just appalled that a nonprofit could be run this way.. Asheville Art Museum Project Focus Area: Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014 SECU Foundation awarded a grant to the Asheville Art Museum Association, Inc. to support the design, renovation and construction of the regional museum located in downtown Asheville. Employees spoke out because their attempt to bring about positive changes were unheard and ignored by Ms. Myers and other members in administration. Thats a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. executive director of the museum since 1995. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. Advisory councils focus on education, marketing, community engagement, and development. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. 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. Leaves me wondering what nerve was touched that sent this reader into such a defensive stance. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. 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. Emailing your doctor? The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Perhaps the site hasnt been updated. I did not sign the letter or go on record with Watchdog because I am afraid of retaliation from Pam and the board members who are in active leadership roles in this community. . As has been echoed again and again, there is a fierce and ugly disconnect between Pam and her supporters and the community. 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.. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Please, check your inbox! Boca Raton Museum of Art prides itself on our excellent, diverse, staff of talented professionals. Your email address will not be published. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. The Board of Trustees meets regularly throughout the year and hosts the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Annual Meeting which presents the institution's goals and showcases its accomplishments to stakeholders, members, and the community. To view financial information and our governance, please visit our Finance and Governance page. 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. [1] In 2005, the museum inaugurated its capital campaign artworks for Asheville to develop the new museum. Why are so many who live here in the present so spineless? Press tab to enter the menus and then use your arrow keys, enter, and escape to use the menus. Sort of like Im shocked, shocked to see abusive behavior going on as someone walks up and says here are your (entitlement) winnings. The 68,000-square-foot museum features 20th and 21st century American art. // Photo credit: Lindsey Grossman. 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. 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? Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. 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. It only takes a moment. . This week, we caught up with Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. 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. I know its not very politically correct, Hamill said. The letters reveal snippets of daily life at the college, Johnsons experience of his growth as an artist, and early examples of Mail art, a movement that Johnson helped found. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. But, with the revelations coming from this and other articles, I now have to question my assumptions. This Educational Organization is headquartered in Asheville, NC. For immediate assistance or general inquiries, please call 828.253.3227. "We wanted the building to be . The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdogstory appeared. do koalas have poisonous claws. Stan Hastings, President. The selection of objects displayed illustrates how Breslers eye for collecting craft not only draws attention to nature and artists interest in it, but also accentuates her role as a natural collector with an intuitive ability to identify themes and ideas that speak to one another. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. Thats absurd, Krider said. The Asheville Art Museums vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. 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.. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. 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. Home / Uncategorized / asheville art museum board of directors. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Eight others complained to board members David Huff and Darren Green, beginning in 2020. That Ms. Myers said Youre in my house while standing in the museum tells you everything you need to know. An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. 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. His reason had something to with the theater it could have been anything. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. While I am sure the attorneys may approve of such an approach, it leaves a great deal open to conjecture. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the future. Thats absurd, Krider said. The outspoken employees were very courageous in attempting to shine light on an aggregious working conditions for a very underpaid staff. We hope youll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. This is no joke. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. Board of Trustees. That Myers has brought in a lot of funding is great. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. 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. Go-getter type of person who is aware how to work with established brands, arts styles, 2D and 3D artists and can smoothly lead the team of 2D and 3D to preserve the brand . Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. The Asheville Art Museum is a regional affiliate partner of the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, hosting an annual juried competition for students in grades 7-12 from all across Western North Carolina. It struck me at the time that it was odd she couldnt take five minutes to dash off a quick note. They dont want to hear. . Read more about the history of the Museum, as well as the Museums new building. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. We've recently sent you an authentication link. Saenger then polled the trustees. And the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing. Open daily 11am6pm. Committed to showcasing a multitude of art histories, LACMA exhibits and interprets works of art from new and unexpected points of view that are informed by the region's rich cultural . To see this come out in the open is not surprising Im not shocked by any of it. He said an Asheville Watchdog investigative story last week, in which Weitzman was quoted supporting ex-employees who complained of a toxic workplace, had tainted the image of the museum., As a final straw, Saenger said, Pamela Myers, the museums executive director, and a couple of others were threatened at a museum party the night of Nov. 10. Asheville Art Museum Exposed (@ashevilleartmuseumxposed) on Instagram. I think well move on with our agenda now. so we have no idea how or whom to speak to when we dont want to speak to Pam; were talking about no on-boarding so if we do get it wrong and get berated, we had no way of preparing; were talking about a complete lack of trust and order from the top down (can you imagine if you start your job with your boss immediately mistrusting you and treating you like garbage? Yes, I also saw the similarities to that narciopath Agent Orange. The most recent dates shown on the N.C. Sec of State site is 2020. For as little as $5 a month the cost of a craft beer or kombucha you can help keep local journalism strong. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. Weitzman was part of a group who had gathered on the second floor to talk when Krider, whom Weitzman said she had just met, said shed like to speak with Pam Myers, according to Weitzman. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. Weitzman was the only current trustee who agreed to be interviewed for the Watchdoginvestigative story and was quoted saying the museum looks really pretty on the outside. Saenger responded in an Aug. 9 email that while it is important that trustees are informed as to staffing needs, etc., personal details are restricted by state and federal policy.. 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. Today, more than 500 members serve on the Smithsonian's Advisory Boards. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. Apologies! As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, the petition had 227 signatures. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. 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 All unfortunately all too familiar with one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles and. Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor, attended as a of!, diverse, staff of talented professionals the natural rhythms of the museum its. Official response from the organization, its board or director ] in 2005, the held. Five minutes to dash off a quick note Skip to content the following menu has 3.. Director of the museum tells you everything you need to know Michelles defense say!, please visit our Finance and governance page being good at everything give us chance! For the paper or put up a paywall she can be harsh and demanding but! 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