asheville art museum board of directors

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. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. One must assume that Ms. Myers makes all major curatorial decisions, also. It was just very upsetting to me.. The reliance on one individual for all decision making is a disservice to the institution and the public it supports. An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museums 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. This success can be attributed to the great work the staff did in marketing and administration. A vibrant arts scene, creative restaurants and beer galore dazzle in this Southern jewel of a city. My generals ..and my highly classified documents. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. Few outside the museum noticed when, this spring, five board members one-fourth of the trustees resigned. The fact that many have shared this sentiment and the board continues to take no meaningful action is ludicrous. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. 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. Leave, I did. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. There are two sides to every story. 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. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. Watchdog has succeeded spectacularly in offering one side of it. I am a former AAM member, but gave up donating awhile back when the staff turnover showed that the negative work environment was effecting the entire institution. 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 Kate Meehan, Idaho National Laboratory. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. The new Asheville Art Museum facility enhances the Museum's presentations of American art of the 20 th and 21 st . 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 . She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. What I find to be the most concerning is the salary of the director at approximately $167,000 of taxpayer funds. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Who would suggest changing her role to focus on what she appears to be good at, and not what she is evidently not good at? Simply dismissing this effort as cancel culture is an shallow, elitist view. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. 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. How do we get rid of Myers and her bootlickers on the Board? 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. 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.. Chloe O'Laughlin, Harris Publishing. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. Never miss an update by signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox. It sounds like it is time for the board to put Pam in her place as successful fundraiser in chief and keep her away from the rest of the organization. Kerry Martin, Community Volunteer. Asheville, NC 28801. 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. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Visit a chosen artwork in the galleries for inspiration, then, Steve Lapointes nine years of classical piano as a youth grounded him in music theory. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. The majority of current and former employees could share profusely regarding Pams managerial style. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. 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. If her only merit is that of a fundraiser, perhaps additional questions should be asked. Kill the messenger certainly sends a message to the employees I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. We fully believe in its vision to transform lives through art. 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. We need a Museum that honors art handlers, curators, communications staff, docents, program leaders, and community builders alike. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. She was a beloved mother, sister . The Asheville Art Museum presents exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. Righteous indignation feels great, but solves nothing. The Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Tickets are non-refundable. It is well-past time for the Board of Trustees of the Asheville Art Museum to remove Pam Myers as Executive Director. The Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident. Is there a chance NC electoral votes will be split? 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. Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the 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. 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. An opening reception will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. I cant tell you how much I appreciate your support. Imperious , high handed acts rarely work well. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. The Museum invites you to explore our outstanding Collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and to discover the richness of Western North Carolinas unique artistic history. And yes, Im proudly woke.) . For the first time, the Asheville Chamber Music Series will present its "Rising Star Series" in conjunction with the Asheville Art Museum. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. 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. Rebel/Re-Belle: Exploring Gender, Agency, and Identity | Selections from the Asheville Art Museum and Rubell Museum combines works from two significant collections of contemporary art to explore how artists have innovated, influenced, interrogated, and inspired visual culture in the past 100 years. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Hoping AAM administrators will learn from the internal and external feedback and make changes for the good of their employees and the city. That Myers has brought in a lot of funding is great. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. Your email address will not be published. The Museum is located on the center square of downtown Asheville, 2 South Pack Square at Pack Place. For immediate assistance or general inquiries, please call 828.253.3227. Check outadditional time lapse videos of the construction project on our YouTube channel. The board meets the second Monday of each month (unless regular date is a holiday and/or as noted in schedule) at 5:00 p.m. at the Asheville City School Administrative Offices at 85 Mountain St. Does Pam have the museum board over a barrel, given all the board member remarks about all the money she brings in? She has been a relentless advocate for the Asheville Art Museum and has led its path to excellence. Give us a call at 828.253.3227 x114 to connect. This is a serious disincentive for talented people to apply for professional positions at AAM. I stopped going to the AAM years ago when a charge of $3 was required for 10-13 year old kids from Madison Co. Middle School to enter not much but too much for many of them. How were these funds stewarded? Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. Theyre not hearing. I tried to stand in front of Pam. When I handed over the contract to the incoming docent president, I was suspended from being a docent for six months, which extended into 8 1/2 months and then expulsion from the docent corp. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. 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. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. They dont want to hear. It only takes a moment. Krider said she told Myers, Why do you think you can just stonewall people who are really struggling to understand your role and some of whats been going on here? , According to Weitzman, Benites got defensive and said, I dont think this is appropriate, and Pam said, Im hosting a party. , Weitzman said Krider was shaking her finger at Myers but stopped when Myers asked her to. We are the only nonprofit visual arts museum serving all 24 counties in Western North Carolina. This sounds EXACTLY like the art museum I used to work for. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. Asheville loves art, of course, but they also despise bullies. The new Museum will be a celebration of the human creative spirit, a center for lifelong learning and a gathering place for the community. Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Youre no longer a volunteer.. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. She should stick to that. 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. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. Rep. Hudson Introduces National Reciprocity of Concealed Carry. 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. development, and promotion of craft titles and art gallery books. 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. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. We share your inclination to get the whole story. Checks and balances must be in place for all employees including executive management. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. They dont want to hear. DIGITAL EXHIBITION: Dear Lorna, Love Ray features letters written by Ray Johnson to Lorna Blaine Halper while Johnson was a student at Black Mountain College. Sign In Its an art museum of American art, thats its sole focus. Big changes happened in the Museum building during our major expansion and renovation project right in the heart of downtown Asheville. Thats not common practice. I am aghast at some of the comments on the recent articles, as well as those from current AAM board members. The staff all seemed so pleasant, and my family enjoyed the art, staff and cafe. 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. The board has twice brought in an executive coach in 2015 after six former employees complained about the museum's management to trustees, and again in 2021 after eight other ex-staffers voiced their concerns to Huff and Green. The top-down arrogance (Youre in my house) is appalling and is too typical of what happens when a former backwater city gains some fame, albeit largely through tourism. Activities and Societies: graduate assistantship, Dept of Art History, Theory and Criticism news editor F magazine, executive board, Artists of Color United (ACU) Ford Foundation Fellowship (full . 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. Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. I totally agree, David. Michelle has a voice of honestly and integrity and not afraid to share it to the world ! Our Museum needs us to speak for its health and future, now. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. I was docent president at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and because of this had a seat on the board. 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.. 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. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. Join Us This Sunday for a Traditional Game Day. Through his work, Roland engages visitors in dialogues around community, social contract, identity, biases, and other deeply human experiences. Homeward Bound of WNC Asheville, NC 3 weeks ago Be among . It is a travesty that numerous other board members have long turned a blind eye to the serious, ongoing harm to employees that Ms. Weitzman was asking them to put a stop to. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. Will you do the same? We need a Museum that operates with consistent transparency and accountability. Not only the board of the art museum, but many other institutions do not have the least consideration of the rest of the population, and refuse to hear any input, particularly if its negative to their established order. Receive 12 months of free general admission of the 20th and 21st centuries of Directors January. 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