I was interested in doing anything I could to help curate a temporary show. 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. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. What, because I spoke up? she said. This is abuse. As a 501c3 organization isnt the Asheville Art Museum supposed to update its North Carolina solicitation license, reporting tax information etc. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. Elaine Bleakney, a poet and writer in Asheville who knows Reilly and Grossman, wrote the online petition. For what it is worth, my observation is that departmental staff come and go frequently. I think well move on with our agenda now. Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. Is there not something to this? Huff said. Considering all the current conversation about her quest for perfection, I came away thinking I dont count for much in her world view. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. 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. You can blame it on the staff all you want to. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Emailing your doctor? Roger McCredie January 8, 2015. This is what was decided seven years ago, and it is the same today.. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. . Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. I have a feeling yall are going to regret your fumble here. Why are so many who live here in the present so spineless? Your email address will not be published. The employees were saying, Oh, she criticized me about something, Hamill said. Your email address will not be published. The Asheville Art Museum is better than ever thanks to a $24 million-renovation and expansion. 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. asheville art museum board of directors. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. Does Pam have the museum board over a barrel, given all the board member remarks about all the money she brings in? She helps wash dishes because theres no events support staff, and the Membership/Events Manager position has turned over three times (or left vacant for many months) in the last two years alone. 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. On view February 3May 29! Thats a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. [1] Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Randy Shull, a prominent Asheville artist who served on the museums board for about 10 years, said he and his wife stopped donating to the museum over Myerss handling of a dispute around 2014 with the Diana Wortham Theater over space the two organizations shared in a cultural center called Pack Place. But behind the facade, it gets ugly, an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. 6,000+ Collaborations with Artists + Organizations. do koalas have poisonous claws. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. The fact that this has surfaced twice, she said, its not acceptable. Go-getter type of person who is aware how to work with established brands, arts styles, 2D and 3D artists and can smoothly lead the team of 2D and 3D to preserve the brand . Some face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. The Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. 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. Inappropriate behavior? Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion. . Thats absurd, Krider said. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. From Asheville Watchdog: Trustee who criticized director is ousted from art museum board, Around Town: Zelda Fitzgerald Week returns to Asheville, Around Town: Great Pottery Throwdown raises money for arts nonprofit, Around Town: The Vagina Monologues raises money for domestic violence nonprofit, From Asheville Watchdog: Merchants describe downtown Ashevilles descent into squalor and lawlessness, Council requests public input on budget priorities, Hillcrest High Steppin Majorettes and Drum Corps legacy endures, Safety, transit concerns raised at first Asheville budget meeting, Development roundup: Urgent care clinic, workforce housing proposed forCharlotte Highway, From Asheville Watchdog: Out of prison, former Buncombe County manager says local government was corrupt long before she arrived, Home-based child care may help with Buncombe needs, Green in brief: Duke Energy completes Hot Springs microgrid, From Asheville Watchdog: National consultant offers road map to end homelessness in Asheville again. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. 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. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Leave, I did. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. It was dealt with in a combative way, Shull said. The reality though is that when this many people are this unhappy, there is a problem. 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.. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. What are the next steps, people? asheville art museum board of directors asheville art museum board of directors. 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 that time has there been any kind of official response from the organization, its board or director? 56 Broadway Street. Leave, I did. 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. Today, more than 500 members serve on the Smithsonian's Advisory Boards. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. 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. 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. Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of nearly 149,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. . The museum's permanent collection also explores regional contributions in three areas: Leadership Advisory Committee. Since the museum is small, budget under an hour for your visit. Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in New York State . An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. West oversaw the Frye Art Museum's expansion and renovation, which was designed by Rick Sundberg of Olson Sundberg Kundig . Where is that information and why not presented here? 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 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. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. Supporters credit Myers with taking the museum from the basement of the Asheville Civic Center to the glistening anchor of downtown that it is today, and with overseeing a capital campaign that raised more than $30 million. Xpress needs help, too. 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. Could she have told you in a less harsh way? Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct a sources error in a quote about the museum where Myers worked before Asheville. Gary Cooper, Treasurer. We refuse to be bullied by Myers supporters., The former employees wrote that they care for the Museum deeply, and it is because of that love for what it is, and more importantly for what it truly could be, that we are asking you to join us in supporting the Museum and not its leader.. Pictured: The Missoula Art Museum, whose Museum as Megaphone distance learning platform has provided access to arts education to rural and Tribal communities across Montana throughout the pandemic. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. 120 College St, Asheville . Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. Years ago I wrote Pam Myers about an exhibit concept that would feature the design community of Asheville as a vibrant collection of talented professionals doing breakthrough work. This should be more a group effort.. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. 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. 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. (828) 254-7162 DONATE ABOUT Youre no longer a volunteer.. To view financial information and our governance, please visit our Finance and Governance page. The first story about the Art Museum, its board, and its director appeared more than a month ago. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. Women were considered sacred, involved in the decision-making process, and thrived within communities holding a worldview based on equilibrium. For as little as $5 a month the cost of a craft beer or kombucha you can help keep local journalism strong. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. Natural Collector October 19, 2022-April 24, 2023 We refuse to continue being verbally and emotionally abused; we refuse to be gaslit and silenced when we defend ourselves, the letter said. 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. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. 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. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. To engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is common knowledge among museum experts that museum stores and restaurants have become much needed sources of additional revenue; leadership at Asheville Art Museum, however, treats the store and cafe as unimportant after thoughts, refusing to provide the resources and support they need in order to be profitable. Who can clean up the Asheville Art Museum? I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. A total of at least 60 employees left during that time, said Candace Reilly, an ex-employee who organized the letter and gathered signatures. You question balance in the reporting and note, One person objected to something to do with the theatre-how many did not object? I believe you miss the point or the reporters intent. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass. "We wanted the building to be . Real answer: "When the Asheville Art Museum reopened in November 2019, we were able to offer the 'First Wednesday' program through funding received from a private foundation," museum . But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. 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. Please note that items in the second level of these menus can open a page and also expand submenus. We are going to pull out all the stops until theres change.. Revelate builds upon Hills investigation of pre-contact cultures. In response to Asheville Watchdogs story last month, the board stood by Myers, and at its next meeting removed an outspoken trustee, Michelle Weitzman, the only member to speak publicly about employee complaints, for what the board chair described as a pattern of disruptive behavior., The board made very clear theyre going to do absolutely nothing, Reilly said. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. As for the lovely donor Ms. Hamill Ill let her own -nauseously entitled, and completely out of touch with reality- words speak for themselves and they speak volumes. Too Much Is Just Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration features more than 70 artworks in an array of media from both the original time frame of the Pattern and Decoration movement, as well as contemporary artworks created between 1985 and the present. If they are not publicly stating that the situation, as reported, has improved are we to believe that it hasnt, or perhaps gotten worse? Posted on 26 Feb in delores winans grandchildren. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Pre-purchased online tickets and walk-in tickets are available. Yeah were not talking about Pam being harsh and demanding with staff who werent doing a good job. Were talking about witnessing our colleagues get told they are whiny babies when they are sexually harassed at work; were talking about being denied access to vital tools to do our jobs and then get yelled at when we are not able to do that job properly; were talking about consistently being ignored when we ask questions so that we can simply do our jobs better; were talking about being asked to work overtime for weeks on end and then not receive a proper break or compensation, only then to be told were not working hard enough; were talking about being subjected to a colleague who watched pornography in his office for years on end but no one wanted to report it because they were afraid Pam wouldnt believe them, then once finally reported he remained at AAM for weeks more; were talking about being told we are fucking idiots during public events when Pam didnt like where a table or garbage bin was placed; were talking about having no access to Human Resources or even a policy manual (!!) We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. At the Asheville Art Museum, the gift shop and the Front Desk were one and the same, meaning that those employees were front-facing and interacted with guests and served as the first impression to the Museum. It wasnt just pam unfortunately. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. But behind the facade, it gets ugly, an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. Is there not something to this? Huff said. Advisory Board members help ensure the success of the individual museums and centers. 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 so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. Right, not only does Ms. Meyers need to be replaced immediately her unquestioningly compliant board of trustees does as well. Asheville may be best known for its traditional acoustic music, but Moog showed that the swirling, space-age sounds of his synthesizer could fit quite naturally against the mysterious backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville Art Museum Exposed (@ashevilleartmuseumxposed) on Instagram. 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 high attrition rate is simply bad business.. Watchdog is giving the Museum every opportunity to share their side. 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. I argue they have one of the most important roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. Were pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. The Museum is located on the center square of downtown Asheville, 2 South Pack Square at Pack Place. The Asheville Art Museum is a regional affiliate partner of the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, hosting an annual juried competition for students in grades 712 from all across Western North Carolina. An art museum director salary varies based on the level of experience, geographical location, and other factors. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. 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