Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. 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.. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. Current and former employees, volunteers and board members of the Asheville Art Museum describe a workplace that is "beyond toxic," an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. Or do you simply disagree with her management style? The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. To be active partners contributing to quality of life and community. I have lived in Asheville since 1979 and am a visual artist. She couldnt have cared less. 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. Open daily 11 am - 6 pm. As a friend of the arts and the Museum, your support is more important than ever. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. What is happening at art museums? 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. They dont want to hear. Inappropriate behavior? After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. The nine-member board manages the endowment's investments, supporting ongoing operations and growth, and oversees art acquisitions and care of the collection. The space within the building which comprises the Art Museum is leased to it by the City. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. Ruling year info 1976 Executive Director Ms. Pamela Myers Main address PO Box 1717 Asheville, NC 28802 USA Show more contact info EIN 56-6060776 Shall I bring my dull wit writ upon signage to the entrance to the museum to start protesting? Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. A gift to the Capital Campaign is a gift to our communitys future. There are many ways that you can become involved and be a part of this extraordinary community endeavor. Yeah because ALL THE BOARD CARES ABOUT is all the $$ that she raised, and they care nothing for the underpaid/unpaid small people she bullied and abused over the years. I tried to stand in front of Pam. 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. We need ethical and compassionate leadership from the Executive Director and Board. Is there a chance NC electoral votes will be split? Once the building housed just two organizations, the umbrella organization that operated the building was eliminated, and the existing organizations had direct leases with the City that County support was phased out over a few years. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. The fact that many have shared this sentiment and the board continues to take no meaningful action is ludicrous. 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. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. 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. 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. 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. And for the museum, it was a great place to start a conversation about how the next century of artists from the mountains of North Carolina might continue to shape creative expression in America. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Theyre not hearing. Pre-purchased online tickets and walk-in tickets are available. Our Asheville Art Museum is a nonprofit founded by artists. Mark-Ellis Bennett But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. And at what cost to the employees? If you cant discuss the efficacy of an organization and the way things are done as a member of that organizations board of directors, where exactly should one go to have that discussion? Established by artists in 1948, Asheville Art Museum works to transform lives through art. I tried to stand in front of Pam. 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. I was impressed to know that the leader of an unpaid docent group held a position on the board. Sign In The salary is probably in line with what other people at that level get paid, and Im sure that there are more than enough private donations to cover her salary so that no tax-payer dollars are used. Op Ed published on 9/29/13 in the Asheville Citizen Times City Wise to Invest in Museum Expansion. 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. Asheville But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. I have also strictest the hell museum off my to do and support list. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. This responsibility overrides all styleand The Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). We've recently sent you an authentication link. Kill the messenger certainly sends a message to the employees I couldnt have said it better myself. To create a vibrant environment for the arts and artists. Join, renew, or give the gift of Museum membership today. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. 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. Former trustee Michelle Weitzman claims her removal was a retaliatory action by the North Carolina institution's director, Pamela Myers, following an substantial investigation by the . Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Meyers has and is doing an incredible job I moved here same year as Meyers. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. I BET she does since, as the story states, she has packed the board with her supporters. Our Museum needs us to speak for its health and future, now. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. 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. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. 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. Over 35 people have either retired, resigned or been fired in the directors reign. Every request was honored, Krider said. Homeward Bound of WNC Asheville, NC 3 weeks ago Be among . Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. The GCMA will continue to be closed while it completes several planned building projects. 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. Theyre not hearing. With the Museums major renovation and expansion project comes even greater opportunities to transform lives through art. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. The Asheville Art Museum presents exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. She was a beloved mother, sister . 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. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. [Show slideshow] Gallery / Gift Shop Museums Craft Trails. Support: 14 7/8 x 15 in. Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. 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. A salary of $167,000 of taxpayer funds could be partially allocated to the leadership of our schools. Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password. 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 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. The KIA is a nonprofit, so the contract is public knowledge, but I am a friend of many of those who have left the museum and have been very supportive of them. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. Im envious of such a sheltered life. 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. (And, sorry I just dont see how those who fire someone for speaking out can use the word cancel culture. Shame! and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. I would like to know exactly what public money from which governments, city, county, state and federal, the museum receives, and how that money is used vs. the same for private donations. 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 Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. She and other current board members, as well as past board . Learn More{{/message}}. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. January 23, 2020 GMAT coaching in Chandigarh/Punjab. 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. In the spring of 2021, the board voted on the directors new contract. Imperious , high handed acts rarely work well. Open daily 11am6pm. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. Kathleen A. Homeward Bound seeks an experienced Executive Director (ED) with a passion for serving peopleSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. 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.. Some art lovers thank their lucky stars for Meyers. Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra; Friends of the ASYO; Hip Hop Folktale Project; Music in the Schools; Young People's Concerts; Symphony Talk; MusicWorks; About Us. 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. A few wine-drunk, middle-aged ladies bickering back and forth is the most hostile situation youve ever been in? In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. It is a simple matter to learn what employees are experiencing and feel. The Museum is located on the center square of downtown Asheville, 2 South Pack Square at Pack Place. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. Kerry Martin, Community Volunteer. My heart goes out to Ms. Weitzman. 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. This is a serious disincentive for talented people to apply for professional positions at AAM. Thats a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. 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. These are not adolescents whining for attention, promotions and pay raises. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. 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. An account was already registered with this email. 'I Look at Her as a Hero' Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. 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. The museum appears to be "in really good shape," said board member Michelle Weitzman. . Commentary This article was originally published in American Thinker Consumers can take a lot, but when you start raisin I tried to stand in front of Pam. 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.. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Alas, Ms. Weitzman is no longer there as a gadfly. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. Righteous indignation feels great, but solves nothing. 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. One must assume that Ms. Myers makes all major curatorial decisions, also. Foundation Directors Warren Stephens, Chair Ben Hussman, Vice-Chair George O'Connor, Treasurer Victoria Ramirez, Secretary John Ed Anthony Terri Erwin Michael Mayton Harriet Stephens North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Drop into our studio to experiment freely and collaborate using different materials, tools, and techniques! Your email address will not be published. Its an embarrassment. Money. 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