It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. Youre no longer a volunteer.. I am sad that the place I called my sanctuary and loved being at has been so tarnished. I think well move on with our agenda now. We need a Museum that operates with consistent transparency and accountability. The normal length of the meeting is two hours. A vibrant arts scene, creative restaurants and beer galore dazzle in this Southern jewel of a city. It is obvious that her interpersonal skills are lacking, in spite of previous training and consulting. So it makes me ill and incensed to think that behind those excellent exhibits lies an abusive work environment that has gone on for years, unchallenged by the very people whose job it is to resolve such matters. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. 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. 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 never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. You can . Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. Yes, John Grooms! By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Critique, challenge, and transparency all come with leadership. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. Inappropriate behavior? development, and promotion of craft titles and art gallery books. Having said that, my guess is that this situation will not end well for Meyers or the board if the current direction continues. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. The new Asheville Art Museum facility enhances the Museum's presentations of American art of the 20 th and 21 st . Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. The Adult Studio program was popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing. "It's financially healthy. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. This series of stories, with its tone of personal attack, is not helpful, either to the museum or to Asheville Watchdog. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass. Theyre not hearing. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Saenger then polled the trustees. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. It is up to our community of artists and supporters of the arts to speak up and advocate for our institution and its health, and insist on the Board and especially Ms. Myers resignation. Kill the messenger certainly sends a message to the employees The Collectors' Circle is dedicated to increasing their own knowledge about art and collecting, while also growing the Museum's Permanent Collection through annual purchases from an acquisition fund created by yearly dues. 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. Closed Tuesdays. An awesome contemporary art collection and thought-provoking special exhibits make this an underrated place to go in the city, especially on rainy days. Your involvement is essential, now and in the future. The Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. There are two sides to every story. I would like to also point out that the Museum has not had an official Curator since shortly after reopening in 2019. Asheville-born and Raleigh-Durham-based 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. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. 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? Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! 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. I have a feeling yall are going to regret your fumble here. For the first time, the Asheville Chamber Music Series will present its "Rising Star Series" in conjunction with the Asheville Art Museum. Every request was honored, Krider said. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. The series will feature talented young North Carolina artists who are pursuing a concert career, performing in the atrium of the museum, said Polly Feitzinger, ACMS board member and program chair. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. The Asheville Art Museum Collectors' Circle held their seventh annual selection dinner on January 17, 2011. I need to look at some more pleasant after reading this article. 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.. Wish I had a membership so I could cancel it! 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. I have never experienced someone with so little emotional intelligence and managerial ability. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. Check outadditional time lapse videos of the construction project on our YouTube channel. That Ms. Myers said Youre in my house while standing in the museum tells you everything you need to know. 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. Being good at one thing (raising money) does not mean you are good at everything. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. The board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myers's management style persisted. Enrich your involvement with the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members. . He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. I totally agree, David. I tried to stand in front of Pam. . Clear enough? Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. 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. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. 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. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. 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 dont do this lightly, said Paul Saenger, chair of the museums Board of Trustees, according to a recording of the board meeting obtained by Asheville Watchdog. And yes, Im proudly woke.) . Wonder if the job description for director of finance and operations includes wine glass removal. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. This should be more a group effort.. 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 Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. The Museum moved The Museum also offers a broad variety of innovative programs for all ages, including classes and workshops for adults, college students, children . 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.. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. Our mission is to encourage young professionals across industries to learn, support, and ultimately invest in diverse and . The Asheville Art Museum is the sole museum to garner three Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) Exhibition Awards in the 2022 competition! 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. Rep. Richard Hudson (R) introduced national reciprocity for concealed carry in the 118th Congress on Monday night. Staff & Board | Asheville Area Arts Council Staff Katie Cornell Executive Director 828.222.0436 katie@ashevillearts.com Bringing people together through the arts is Katie's passion, and that is just what she tries to do as the Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council. @ 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. 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. She couldnt have cared less. I am privileged to serve on LCE's Board of Directors and its Finance Committee. We engage, enlighten and inspire individuals, and enrich community through American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Karen Leibert, Idaho State University - retired. Inappropriate behavior? Its all about money. Your email address will not be published. Support the creative future of our region and donate today. How do we get rid of Myers and her bootlickers on the Board? Join, renew, or give the gift of Museum membership today. We share your inclination to get the whole story. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. We want everyone to have access to our stories. Asheville Art Museum opening events All events are held at 2 S. Pack Square. 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.. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. Thats absurd, Krider said. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. Also, while it may be true that toxicity exists in many museums and nonprofits, it is wholly unacceptable to settle for the status quo. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. 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. Give us a call at 828.253.3227 x114 to connect. January 23, 2020 GMAT coaching in Chandigarh/Punjab. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Op Ed published on 9/29/13 in the Asheville Citizen Times City Wise to Invest in Museum Expansion. She said that former employees had told her, unsolicited, that they were still experiencing nightmares, PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] and continual therapy from their experience working at the museum. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. 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. Upon achieving independence, the school adopted its current . I tried to stand in front of Pam. The City does not manage the museum but the City does own the land and the building which houses the museum. In a town as small as Asheville, everyone knows everyone and there is no scandal in that. A gift to the Capital Campaign is a gift to our communitys future. Few outside the museum noticed when, this spring, five board members one-fourth of the trustees resigned. Weitzman, who until Tuesday had also been a volunteer docent leading tours of the museum, engaged in a pattern of disruptive behavior, Saenger said in the meeting. The Asheville Art Museum has been remodeled since my last visit. It is lazy. The argument is that she has consistently failed at other very vital parts of her job and the Board has been relatively inefficient at addressing them seriously and effectively. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. For as little as $5 a month the cost of a craft beer or kombucha you can help keep local journalism strong. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. I tried to stand in front of Pam. 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. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. Asheville Art Museum executive director Pam Myers. Not something the CT would undertake. 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. Need a Consultation? In addition to the regular board meetings, the board holds work sessions one week prior to the regular . In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. 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. This should be more a group effort.. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. The new director came in Fall of 2014 and since then 31 people have quit. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. The nine-member board manages the endowment's investments, supporting ongoing operations and growth, and oversees art acquisitions and care of the collection. Simply give us a . 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