We recused ourselves of giving to the Asheville Art Museum until we have a new director.. 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.. We need your help to continue serving as a source of knowledge and inspiration during these uncertain times. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. Leave, I did. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Too Much Is Just Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration, Sherrill Roland: Sugar, Water, Lemon Squeeze. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Could she have told you in a less harsh way? The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. 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? Why are so many who live here in the present so spineless? An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museums board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was recently ousted from the board and removed as a museum volunteer. 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.. 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. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. . People world-wide can now explore the Museums diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes. I believe suing the Asheville Art Museum Board of Trustees for willful and ongoing negligence in regard to their statutory obligations is probably the most expedient avenue forward here. do koalas have poisonous claws. I think they felt threatened anyway, physically, and they were verbally attacked., Saenger allowed Weitzman an opportunity to respond at the board meeting before she was banished. While I am sure the attorneys may approve of such an approach, it leaves a great deal open to conjecture. Asheville Art Museum Exposed (@ashevilleartmuseumxposed) on Instagram. Directions: 43 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. This story has Hostile Work Environment written all over it, with lots of documentation and witnesses. On view February 3May 29! Watchdog is giving the Museum every opportunity to share their side. Got it. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. . 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. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. Ms. Myers just doesnt seem to be very interested in finding out what that problem is, or correcting it. But behind the facade, it gets ugly, an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. Please note that items in the second level of these menus can open a page and also expand submenus. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Nonprofit journalism in the public interest. 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. 0 . To view financial information and our governance, please visit our Finance and Governance page. 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. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. The Museum is located on the center square of downtown Asheville, 2 South Pack Square at Pack Place. Open daily 11am6pm. Learn More{{/message}}. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. 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.. 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.. One of the only free art museums in Asheville, the Black Mountain College Museum is small and donation-based. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. I have a feeling yall are going to regret your fumble here. where is the house in the carvana commercial. Find Us Location 2 South Pack Square Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 1717 Asheville, NC 28802-1717 Phone 828.253.3227 Art Inquiries Those that dont agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely. For what it is worth, my observation is that departmental staff come and go frequently. Hamill said she was unmoved by the employee complaints detailed by Asheville Watchdog. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. 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. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. Right so lets get the courts involved here since the Board there at the glass palace/ fortress has shown itself incapable of anything but a bunker mentality in regard to this -gone on way too long- travesty. Engaging, enlightening and inspiring individuals and enriching community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries since 1948. ashevilleart.org SaveSave Museum Association of New York. This is one octogenarian who maybe shouldnt have access to a computer, or at the very least remember to click next when reviewing the states list of documents. 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. Advisory councils focus on education, marketing, community engagement, and development. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. 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. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. This sounds like unbalanced reporting to me for which this Watchdog should be shamed. The Asheville Art Museum is better than ever thanks to a $24 million-renovation and expansion. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. The Business Manager manages all tracking of financial data; provides financial and administrative support to the Managing Director. 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.. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. We've recently sent you an authentication link. 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.. The first story about the Art Museum, its board, and its director appeared more than a month ago. 2 segundos ago Women were considered sacred, involved in the decision-making process, and thrived within communities holding a worldview based on equilibrium. If not, there is the sound of inevitability in this story of potentially escalating to a whole new level, with a lot more attention than the museum or board would appreciate. The governing body for both the museum and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this group of highly dedicated individuals bring their wide-ranging expertise to ensure the institution as a whole remains responsible and vital to those it serves. Immerse yourself into world-class art, exciting history, and mind-bending science. Asheville, NC 28801. Absolutely. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. 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. asheville art museum board of directors asheville art museum board of directors. [1] Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. An art museum director salary varies based on the level of experience, geographical location, and other factors. The word used by three former staff is traumatic. , Both times, the board brought in an executive coach. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. 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. Emailing your doctor? She and other current board members, as well as past board chairs, would only answer questions submitted in writing. 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. That was like one of the few times over the course of multiple years, working as an art student in the city, that I was even able to step foot inside that space, said Maurer, who uses they/them pronouns. The Asheville Art Museum ONE DAY will be a museum of and for the community. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. If you love unique and creative art, definitely drop in here. Employees spoke out because their attempt to bring about positive changes were unheard and ignored by Ms. Myers and other members in administration. 6,000+ Collaborations with Artists + Organizations. In my view that is balanced reporting two opposite actions in response to one issue. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. This is about Pam Myers lack of respect for her staff, poor management, and inability to be an effective leader. managing people, creating and maintaining relationships with community members and organizations, showing actual concern and motivation about addressing low visitor numbers, etc. Some face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. On view through March 6! But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. None responded by our deadline Tuesday. Which, come to think of it might be precisely what it is ;) anyhoo Stay Tuned!! In 2005, the museum inaugurated its capital campaign artworks for Asheville to develop the new museum. Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Asheville Art Museum is committed to being a vital force in community and individual development and to providing lifelong opportunities for education and enrichment through the visual arts. becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership. 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. Check out the best museums in Asheville to visit in 2023. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. 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. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. Sunday Funday the Old-Fashioned Way! Aug 2016 - Present6 years 7 months. That may have been your reality, but thats not the reality of the 29 people who signed the letter. 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. Where is that information and why not presented here? The Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. Asheville Community Theatre | Business Manager. This Educational Organization is headquartered in Asheville, NC. This is no joke. 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. Thank you, and stay well! The Adult Studio program was popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing. Your email address will not be published. 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. Thats absurd, Krider said. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. They dont want to hear. Pack Place takeover, Art Museum's "SECU Plaza" project scrutinized. As a Member, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits while providing vital support for the Museums engaging education programs and innovative exhibitions. Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization Introduction Museum boards are facing increased concern about accountability. Open daily 11am6pm. The Theater is just one of the many examples of community relationships that are strained. And the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing. Right, not only does Ms. Meyers need to be replaced immediately her unquestioningly compliant board of trustees does as well. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. I look at her as a hero, said Judy Hamill, a museum donor. It isnt just that Pam treats staff horrendously though that should be enough to fire her. The letter signers include gallery attendants, grant managers, events coordinators, and others whose tenure at the museum spanned 2011 to this year. To me for which this Watchdog should be shamed cautioned you on direct contact staff... Asheville Watchdog is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very interested in out! So spineless over it, with lots of documentation and witnesses trustee Bob Benites Asheville 2. Face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities actions in response to Lewis was not right approached... 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