Really good health insurance. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Weitzman, who until Tuesday had also been a volunteer docent leading tours of the museum, engaged in a pattern of disruptive behavior, Saenger said in the meeting. Kids under 15 should be allowed in at no cost if art is to be advanced now the fee is $10 for those same aged kids. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. This story is good work! Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. 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. 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. It was not an attack.. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. Every request was honored, Krider said. These are real people whos lives she personally has harmed. Ms. Stackhouse, no one is arguing that Pam did a good job (in certain parts of her job). She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. This, frankly, is the story of a very strong institution, an ambitious and focused leader and a board. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. It is obvious that her interpersonal skills are lacking, in spite of previous training and consulting. 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 cant tell you how much I appreciate your support. Thats absurd, Krider said. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. What is happening at art museums? Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. Pam should not have been in charge of day to day operations in 2015, and it is shocking that she still is. A docent was permanently removed from the board and the docent corps for speaking up about the director. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. For the first time, the Asheville Chamber Music Series will present its "Rising Star Series" in conjunction with the Asheville Art Museum. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. Martin CJ Mongiello, MBA, MA, MCFE Chair of the Board @ foundation, museum, inn, & school. I think this is horrible., Zahler added that he was supposed to be making the motion to remove Weitzman, but obviously I got on a little too late I would like to second that motion.. personality issues.A working, functional board should encourage a range of views. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Alas, Ms. Weitzman is no longer there as a gadfly. 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.. The space within the building which comprises the Art Museum is leased to it by the City. The Asheville Symphony Sessions; 2021 Virtual Concert Series; News & Press; ASO Radio; Education. 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. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. 2 South Pack Square. Inappropriate behavior? Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Leave, I did. Pam Myers is fundamentally ill equipped for her role. Imperious , high handed acts rarely work well. For what it is worth, my observation is that departmental staff come and go frequently. After all it is the legal and societal duty of a board member to question and chal- Some people are really great at certain functions. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. Or do you simply disagree with her management style? Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Enrich your involvement with the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. Read more about the history of the Museum, as well as the Museums new building. An account was already registered with this email. The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the future. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the 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. Sunday Funday the Old-Fashioned Way! 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. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. January 23, 2020 GMAT coaching in Chandigarh/Punjab. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. @ Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library, Asheville Restaurant Week Returns January 17-23, Warren Wilson College Announces Courses for Lifelong Learners, Asheville City Schools Graduation Rate Above State Average, How to Dispose of, or Recycle, That Christmas Tree, Flat Rock Playhouse Announces 2023 Music on the Rock Concert Series, Employment Agencies, Consultants & Businesses. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. 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. Asheville, NC 28801. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. It is lazy. This is no way to run any organization, let alone a supposedly not for profit arts organization. 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. Are you kidding me? One must assume that Ms. Myers makes all major curatorial decisions, also. I tried to stand in front of Pam. Admission is now $15 for two floors of art as the second floor just has a children's hands on art room. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. 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. Which, come to think of it might be precisely what it is ;) anyhoo Stay Tuned!! It is a simple matter to learn what employees are experiencing and feel. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. I would hope that they have more skills and resources to deal with conflict than exclusion. 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!. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. In a town as small as Asheville, everyone knows everyone and there is no scandal in that. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. 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. To engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident. Michelle Weitzman // Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego. 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 board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Clear enough? Saenger then polled the trustees. 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. We share your inclination to get the whole story. You said to me you will not stand down on this. Grand Opening Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 9, 6-10 p.m., $225 . Jun 17, 2022 - Anonymous Employee in Asheville, NC Recommend CEO Approval Business Outlook Pros My colleagues at the Museum were supportive, creative, and truly nice people. 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 . Without it we get a situation like this. Sign In 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. 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. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. Through his work, Roland engages visitors in dialogues around community, social contract, identity, biases, and other deeply human experiences. 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 first floor had minimal art, just some in the lobby and framed photography. Board members support the ADA's mission to be a leader and advocate for the vitality of downtown Asheville. 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. 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. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. Sep 2021 - Present1 year 5 months. Thanks for publication but from my experience in NYC museums are famous for being toxic. The Collection; . In the meantime, it is time for us, artists and arts professionals of Asheville and surrounding regions, to do what the Board of Trustees has been unable to accomplish as a body: collectively and publicly voice our care for the Museum staff, advocate for them and the Museum's future, and call for the removal of Pam Myers as Executive Director. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. Xpress needs help, too. 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. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. And I thought that I was the only volunteer ever to be fired. 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. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. This is no joke. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Richard Napier, Idaho Mountain Trading. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. 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. How could they even try with the firewall built around Pam? Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. The boards angry internal interactions give credibility to accusations of a toxic work environment. To be active partners contributing to quality of life and community. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. 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. They garnered support from the city, county, and other government sources for renovation, but tax payer dollars do not have a stake in year to year operations to my knowledge. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. 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 board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Being good at one thing (raising money) does not mean you are good at everything. Katyal: Trial and Conviction of Trump 'Real Possibility in Georgia' MSNBC contributor Neal Katyal said Monday on MSNBC's "The Last Word" that former President Donald Trump w In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. And AAM gets that money whether or not students go. Asheville Art Museum. Need a Consultation? New College of Florida is a public liberal arts college in Sarasota, Florida.It was founded in 1960 as a private institution known simply as New College, spent several years merged into the University of South Florida, and in 2001 became an autonomous college, the eleventh independent school of the State University System of Florida. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. 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. Some art lovers thank their lucky stars for Meyers. Kill the messenger certainly sends a message to the employees I, and another board member, opposed the contract because of the directors extreme salary and benefits while maintaining a toxic working environment ($242K this year with a $35K bonus if shes still here next month). Deja vu all over again! 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. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. 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. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. This exhibition presents highlights from the Asheville Art Museums Collection by artists engaging the intaglio printmaking technique of etching in the late 19th and early 20th century. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. 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.. 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. Cancel culture?!?! Is there a chance NC electoral votes will be split? My family was a supporter of the Museum for years but I will not be renewing our membership in 2023. The Asheville Art Museum has been remodeled since my last visit. Asheville Art Museum executive director Pam Myers. It is a distinct and dangerous part of the problem. We invite you to join us! A vibrant arts scene, creative restaurants and beer galore dazzle in this Southern jewel of a city. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. 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. Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. / Photo by Mark-Ellis Bennett Mark-Ellis Bennett David Huff Creative View of the Jackson Building and City Hall from the museum's caf. I was active in the discussions during the founding of Pack Place and have been a close observer and frequent critic of the Asheville Art Museum since the Civic Center basement days. always works better. LOL. Open daily 11am6pm. Karen Leibert, Idaho State University - retired.

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