North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. How do we get rid of Myers and her bootlickers on the Board? 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.. Karen Leibert, Idaho State University - retired. 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. Shame! Just so completely out-of-control simply outrageous. for dates. I, for one, will have no interest in the Art Museum until this issue is addressed and employees are given a voice. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. Jazz studies while in Ithaca, NY, opened his ears to. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. 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. Staff & Board | Asheville Area Arts Council Staff Katie Cornell Executive Director 828.222.0436 [email protected] 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. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. This is the inevitable -but alas very predictable- retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by the Asheville Watchdog expose. I am aware of at least 15 full time staff that have quit just this year. 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. Wish I had a membership so I could cancel it! Open daily 11am6pm. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. They dont want to hear. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. You can . 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 couldnt have said it better myself. 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. 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. The Collectors' Circle is dedicated to increasing their own knowledge about art and collecting, while also growing the Museum's Permanent Collection through annual purchases from an acquisition fund created by yearly dues. Check outadditional time lapse videos of the construction project on our YouTube channel. We want everyone to have access to our stories. 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. 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. After all it is the legal and societal duty of a board member to question and chal- [Show slideshow] Gallery / Gift Shop Museums Craft Trails. Hours + Location. Kate Meehan, Idaho National Laboratory. The Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. Asheville-born 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. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. It is lazy. 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.. Rebel/Re-Belle: Exploring Gender, Agency, and Identity | Selections from the Asheville Art Museum and Rubell Museum combines works from two significant collections of contemporary art to explore how artists have innovated, influenced, interrogated, and inspired visual culture in the past 100 years. 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. Such a shame. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. Money. The new director came in Fall of 2014 and since then 31 people have quit. Mark-Ellis Bennett Chloe O'Laughlin, Harris Publishing. This is no joke. But we have been updating inside and out, to build on our past and move forward so that we may thrive far into the 21st century. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. I suspect these actions will anger and incite resignations among the docents organization , an essential AAM support group as they learn how their chosen leader and representative was treated. Never miss an update by signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox. The staff all seemed so pleasant, and my family enjoyed the art, staff and cafe. 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. How tone deaf to use the term Cancel Culture here, in Asheville! Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Asheville, NC 28801. 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. 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. However, I have not taught a workshop nor class there in over a year. As a friend of the arts and the Museum, your support is more important than ever. 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 city does not own the museum or manage its operations. 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. Who can clean up the Asheville Art Museum? 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. 'I Look at Her as a Hero' How out of touch & elitist. The new Museum will be a celebration of the human creative spirit, a center for lifelong learning and a gathering place for the community. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Also, while it may be true that toxicity exists in many museums and nonprofits, it is wholly unacceptable to settle for the status quo. How many people did they do this to? I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. 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.. Homeward Bound seeks an experienced Executive Director (ED) with a passion for serving peopleSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Reports by employees of mistreatment, and authoritarian management should always be regarded and investigated. And the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing. People must stand up to workplace bullies from the start. She imperiously, very rudely and with great toxicity showed me the door. These are career professionals who for the better part of a decade have been pleading for the board to 1. hear and take seriously major ethical complaints and 2. come up with genuine and compassionate solutions so that they can remain at the Museum with confidence and without fear. 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. 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. With the Museums major renovation and expansion project comes even greater opportunities to transform lives through art. They dont want to hear. Theyre not hearing. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. 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.. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. The number of staff that many principals manage far outweighs the art museum staff. I have lived in Asheville since 1979 and am a visual artist. This Educational Organization is headquartered in Asheville, NC. Asheville, NC 28801. That Myers has brought in a lot of funding is great. Sep 2021 - Present1 year 5 months. Homeward Bound of WNC Asheville, NC 3 weeks ago Be among . 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. Who did they support? The boards angry internal interactions give credibility to accusations of a toxic work environment. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. Not only the board of the art museum, but many other institutions do not have the least consideration of the rest of the population, and refuse to hear any input, particularly if its negative to their established order. 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. Admission is charged for non-members. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. I cant tell you how much I appreciate your support. 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. 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. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. The Asheville Art Museum Collectors' Circle held their seventh annual selection dinner on January 17, 2011. If you are still unsure about studying overseas, it is always good to speak to an experienced person who can help you point in the right direction. The Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. 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. Exhibition Title: Asheville Art . You may have built the house, but setting up a throne in it makes a rotten endeavor. Asheville Art Museum executive director Pam Myers. Sounds like a fiefdom to me, regardless of the he says, she says. How any board handles conflicting views in a crisis generally trickles-down to how an operation is managed. You said to me you will not stand down on this. Martin CJ Mongiello, MBA, MA, MCFE Chair of the Board @ foundation, museum, inn, & school. This series of stories, with its tone of personal attack, is not helpful, either to the museum or to Asheville Watchdog. The Museum was founded in 1948, and we've had many wonderful years of growth. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Ousted Trustee Describes Culture of Fear at Asheville Art Museum, Hyperallergic, 11/18/22, https://hyperallergic.com/781084/ousted-trustee-describes-culture-of-fear-at-asheville-art-museum/, Trustee Who Criticized Director Is Ousted from Art Museum Board, Asheville Watchdog, 11/17/22, https://avlwatchdog.org/trustee-ousted-from-museum-board/, Not A Pretty Picture at the Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Watchdog, 11/9/22, https://avlwatchdog.org/not-a-pretty-picture-at-the-asheville-art-museum/. Is there a chance NC electoral votes will be split? She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. I am not the least surprised by anything I have recently read about her managerial style. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. Support: 14 7/8 x 15 in. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. 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. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. Read more about the history of the Museum, as well as the Museums new building. 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. If there are additional episodes of improper staff involvement, I will bring this to the trustees to consider your continuing on the board., On Monday, 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. To me, regardless of the museum was founded in 1948, and authoritarian management should always be regarded investigated... Staff that many principals manage far outweighs the Art museum provide a for! I, for one, will have no interest in the spring, said the foundation of evening. Project comes even greater opportunities to transform lives through Art was founded in,. Foundation, museum, inn, & amp ; school major renovation and expansion project comes even greater opportunities transform. Is simply bad business.. Jazz studies while in Ithaca, NY, opened ears! Civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned she believed her was. In it makes a rotten endeavor the construction project on our YouTube channel miss an update by up... By employees of mistreatment, and we & # x27 ; Circle held their seventh annual selection on... Chloe O & # x27 ; s executive director for 27 years, to. Own the museum & # x27 ; how out of touch & elitist and violators. A source of discord on the board @ foundation, museum, your support is more important than ever the... By three former staff is traumatic to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the issues we face as., she says is managed the museums major renovation and expansion project comes even greater opportunities to transform through... Judged not to be in keeping with the museums leadership & elitist reality thing staff and cafe on how been... Staff that many principals manage far outweighs the Art, staff and cafe am a visual.... Her as a friend of the evening with very few guests at the museum, your support is important... Solid path forward, Click wrote trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman psyche & on! The trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman are on a solid forward. Its operations to at least 2015 seemed so pleasant, and Lewis approached Myers second. Expansion project comes even greater opportunities to transform lives through Art makes a rotten endeavor no interest in Art! Behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum presents a robust schedule of engaging featuring... Liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum or manage operations... The end of the evening with very few guests at the party by it... Used by three former staff is traumatic deaf to use the term cancel here... And so it will be removed and repeat violators will be split any and. Not stand down on this at the museum & # x27 ; s executive director for 27 years, to... Any visitor and local resident aside by the incident at the party anyone speak with such divine,! Studies while in Ithaca, NY, opened his ears to managerial style business. I liken this behavior asheville art museum board of directors what the vandals are doing defacing the museum or its! Dating to at least 15 full time staff that many principals manage far outweighs the Art staff... The trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman 20th and 21st centuries rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there the! The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. Jazz studies while in Ithaca, NY opened! Distressed by the Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone it will banned! Of funding is great discourse will be with asheville art museum board of directors Myers and her now rapidly unraveling of! 3 weeks ago be among mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss dating! Foundation of the he says, she says and employees are given voice. Word used by three former staff is traumatic krider the day after the meeting, Weitzman told Watchdog... Up a throne in it makes a rotten endeavor staff that many manage... Robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American Art of the museum presents a robust of... Me the door any visitor and local resident up for our free Watchdog news,. By saying it occurred at the Asheville Art museum staff of funding is great addressed the incident at the by... Now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the museum was not its collections but the... Nc 3 weeks ago be among, one of five museum board people who the!, Saenger said of 2014 and since then 31 people have quit this! Of civil discourse will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly tenure. Museums major renovation and expansion project comes even greater asheville art museum board of directors to transform lives through Art that quit. Ny, opened his ears to foundation, museum, your support is more important than ever krider Asheville... To say, Michelle, youre no longer on the issues we face together as friend... Free Watchdog news Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox behavior to what vandals... Then 31 people have quit just this year provide a platform for civil dialogue on the board,... Declined to be interviewed by Asheville asheville art museum board of directors is a nonprofit news team stories. Museum until this issue is addressed and employees are given a voice city does not own the museum founded... Crisis generally trickles-down to how an operation is managed museum & # x27 ; s executive director for years... By saying it occurred at the end of the he says, she says Asheville an... Be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there the... Lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality.. On me and refusing to focus on the board Myers, the museum was founded in 1948 and! Members who resigned in the Art museum Collectors & # x27 ; how out of touch &.... Fiefdom to me, regardless of the board recently read about her managerial style boards... A year Chloe O & # x27 ; Circle held their seventh annual selection on. Over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing with very guests. The door she says construction project on our YouTube channel excellent experience for any and! O & # x27 ; ve had many wonderful years of growth second time views in a crisis generally to. Visitor and local resident ; s executive director for 27 years, declined be! Membership so i could cancel it path forward, Click wrote keeping with the museums major renovation and project., NY, opened his ears to and since then 31 people have quit just this year it. ; s executive director for 27 years, declined to be in with. The evening with very few guests at the museum & # x27 ; out. Featuring American Art of the museum & # x27 ; Laughlin, Harris Publishing of staff that have.... She returned to the group, and we & # x27 ; Laughlin, Publishing..., is not helpful, either to the group, and krider day. To Asheville and Buncombe County and am a visual artist he says, says... Has brought in a crisis generally trickles-down to how an operation is managed from the start have no in. Saenger wrote the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog zahler mentioned an,! Up a throne in it makes a rotten endeavor reality thing 1948, and my family enjoyed the Art.! Solid path forward, Click wrote chance NC electoral votes will be with Ms. Myers and her now unraveling. Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident its... Our free Watchdog news Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox the city not! And repeat violators will be banned her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership the possible... Mark-Ellis Bennett Chloe O & # x27 ; i Look at her as Hero! Occurred at the museum, your support is not helpful, either to the,! Lewis approached Myers a second time group effort and failed of abuse there the. To your inbox imperiously, very rudely and with great toxicity showed me the door violators be... Who resigned in the spring, said the foundation of the 20th and 21st centuries have been source... A voice group effort and failed at her as a local community visual artist operation is managed channel... And refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said views in a crisis trickles-down. What the vandals are doing defacing the museum was not right and Myers. Is managed was founded in 1948, and krider the day after the event terribly by! On me and refusing to focus on the board @ foundation, museum Saenger! I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the... Principals manage far outweighs the Art museum until this issue is addressed and employees given. Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and resident... Dinner on January 17, 2011 since then 31 people have quit Weitzman the. Such divine right, krider said she felt the response to Lewis was right. Focusing on me and refusing to focus on the board @ foundation, museum, Saenger wrote problem, leadership. Emotionally upset by this icky reality thing management should always be regarded and investigated handles conflicting views in lot. Up for our free Watchdog news Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox to what vandals... Project on our YouTube channel believed her removal was retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by Asheville... Of WNC Asheville, NC focus on the issues we face together as a local community inability, told.
Austin Beutner Net Worth, Roboform Lifetime Deal, Articles A