Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. Read more about the history of the Museum, as well as the Museums new building. . Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. 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. 'I Look at Her as a Hero' New Address: 12710 Research Blvd. 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. Please show Pam Myers and a few of her board minions to the door. The majority of current and former employees could share profusely regarding Pams managerial style. 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. Are you kidding me? [1] I was impressed to know that the leader of an unpaid docent group held a position on the board. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). I chalk it up to there being better opportunities for staff elsewhere. Having worked in a variety of jobs for a variety of cultural institutions, I have observed how success attributed to a single individual can have unanticipated consequences. This should be more a group effort.. A docent was permanently removed from the board and the docent corps for speaking up about the director. It is a simple matter to learn what employees are experiencing and feel. Image Requests To request images for publication or other uses, click here to complete our request for image use form. This story is good work! It is up to staff and board to assess and address Museum health and not be complacent. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. Homeward Bound of WNC Asheville, NC 3 weeks ago Be among . 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.. 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. If youre able, please consider supporting the Museum through a donation; by becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership; or by shopping or purchasing a gift card in the Museum Store. for dates. Our Story; Guild; Chorus; Symphonettes; Music Director Darko Butorac; Musicians . Meyers has and is doing an incredible job I moved here same year as Meyers. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. . @ 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. Is there a chance NC electoral votes will be split? Having been a consultant to dozens of major medical centers, large and small hospitals; as an active member of various boards; as an active supporter of the Asheville Art Museum for 19 years and a retired AAM board member; and along with my spouse substantial donors of funds and art , I am distressed and appalled over the treatment of Michelle Weitzman ,as revealed in this article. How many people did they do this to? What, because I spoke up? she said. Mark-Ellis Bennett 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. Foster is the Robert L. McNeil, Jr., Senior Curator of American Art and Director of the Center for American Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she has worked since 2002. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. That Myers has brought in a lot of funding is great. You can . I dont always agree with her, but I have immense respect for her and what she has accomplished for Asheville. Asheville loves art, of course, but they also despise bullies. Check out www.ashevilleart.org for details. The Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. 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. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Without it we get a situation like this. There is not a more perilous or immoral habit of mind than the sanctifying of success. John Dalberg-Acton. But, with the revelations coming from this and other articles, I now have to question my assumptions. It was just very upsetting to me.. The Asheville Art Museum Collectors' Circle held their seventh annual selection dinner on January 17, 2011. 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. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. Based on this, the staff IS pleasant, its their working environment that is not. Late night Thursdays until 9 pm. Xpress needs help, too. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. 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.. . Righteous indignation feels great, but solves nothing. An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museum's 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. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. 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. 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. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. The entire Board is failing to uphold its responsibility and purpose by not taking the Museum employees and their advocates as their first priority. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. To provide an open, supportive work environment where Staff can thrive. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. 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. 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. To schedule a group tour please contact us at info@blackmountaincollege.org. They dont want to hear. The Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident. Utilizing the current building footprint of the Museum, this environmentally friendly project includes the historic preservation of the Museums current North Wing (the 1926 Pack Library building), renovation of prior Museum spaces, and new construction to transform current disparate spaces into a cohesive, coherent, and inviting Museum. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. It is well-past time for the Board of Trustees of the Asheville Art Museum to remove Pam Myers as Executive Director. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. The Asheville Art Museum's facility at 2 South Pack Square. Art is certainly important, but the quality of the education leaders for our children should be primary. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. The normal length of the meeting is two hours. We need a Museum that operates with consistent transparency and accountability. We are the only nonprofit visual arts museum serving all 24 counties in Western North Carolina. 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. 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. Jen passed away on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022, at the age of 46. A gift to the Capital Campaign is a gift to our communitys future. If so, time for a review/investigation to assist the Board in seeing the light? Board of Directors Patrick Chaffin | Ryman Hospitality Properties John Esposito | Warner Music Group Eddie George | Entrepreneur Kevin Green | Chartwell Hospitality Dr. Alex Jahangir | Vanderbilt Medical Center Doug Kreulen | President and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Ken Levitan | Vector Management Kimberly Lewis | Emerson Grace Read more about the new building. Those that dont agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. 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. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. 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. To create a vibrant environment for the arts and artists. 828-350-8484. info@blackmountaincollege.org. This petition starter stood up and took action. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. Comprised of artwork created from 2016 to the present, Sherrill Roland: Sugar, Water, Lemon Squeeze reflects on making something from nothing, lemonade from lemons, the best of a situation. 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 Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Is there not something to this? Huff said. 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. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. We want everyone to have access to our stories. The Asheville Art Museum is the sole museum to garner three Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) Exhibition Awards in the 2022 competition! Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. asheville art museum board of directors. Sign In That Ms. Myers said Youre in my house while standing in the museum tells you everything you need to know. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. The Asheville Art Museums vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. Yes, I also saw the similarities to that narciopath Agent Orange. However, I have not taught a workshop nor class there in over a year. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Admission is charged for non-members. 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. 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. I tried to stand in front of Pam. Asheville, NC 28801. Closed Tuesdays. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. She is the Treasurer of the Mid America Print Council executive board 2022-2024, and resides in Asheville NC with the goal of bringing a bit of Print League KC to the Blue Ridge Mountains by opening another community print shop. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. 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). But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. People world-wide can now explore the Museums diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. How were these funds stewarded? What I find to be the most concerning is the salary of the director at approximately $167,000 of taxpayer funds. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. We share your inclination to get the whole story. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. Im hopeful you will stand up and see that while your efforts are to you for the good of the museum, they are proving counterproductive. 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. The new Asheville Art Museum facility enhances the Museum's presentations of American art of the 20 th and 21 st . Admission is now $15 for two floors of art as the second floor just has a children's hands on art room. Asheville Art Museum executive director Pam Myers. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. The reliance on one individual for all decision making is a disservice to the institution and the public it supports. It is an age old story. Not hiring an experienced curator sure saves money! Theyre not hearing. Big changes happened in the Museum building during our major expansion and renovation project right in the heart of downtown Asheville. To be active partners contributing to quality of life and community. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. The Appleby Exhibition Hall was not open so if that part was open there may be more art in there. My generals ..and my highly classified documents. I tried to stand in front of Pam. A few wine-drunk, middle-aged ladies bickering back and forth is the most hostile situation youve ever been in? 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. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) has announced the election of new board and executive committee members. Few outside the museum noticed when, this spring, five board members one-fourth of the trustees resigned. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. What, because I spoke up? she said. As a friend of the arts and the Museum, your support is more important than ever. Karen Leibert, Idaho State University - retired. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. We should all be grateful for what she has done? 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. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. 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. 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. The Adult Studio program was popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing. In addition to teaching violin and piano at AMS on a part-time basis since 2008, she has been a performing musician for over 35 years. 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 director, Pamela Myers. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. Lori Barber, College of Eastern Idaho. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Answer Man: Where are the street sweepers? Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Drop into our studio to experiment freely and collaborate using different materials, tools, and techniques! This vision fails when it cant provide a sustainable livelihood and psychologically safe workplace environment for its employees. Transform lives through Art Asheville, NC 3 weeks ago be among her! ; Musicians } ) however, I now have to question my assumptions with transparency! By what she had read in the spring, said the foundation of the and... Should all be grateful for what she had read in the museum and its mission Exhibition in..., Huff and Green wrote in a lot of funding is great after. Than ever all 24 counties in Western North Carolina life and community electoral will... 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