asheville art museum board of directors24 Oct asheville art museum board of directors
The first floor had minimal art, just some in the lobby and framed photography. How could they even try with the firewall built around Pam? Kindness and gentle approaches 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. 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. 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. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. I think well move on with our agenda now. My generals ..and my highly classified documents. Certainly should not be punished for it ! 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 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.. 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. I have never experienced someone with so little emotional intelligence and managerial ability. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. It was not an attack.. In fact, she is no longer there as a volunteer. 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 The staff all seemed so pleasant, and my family enjoyed the art, staff and cafe. 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. We invite you to join us! 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. This petition starter stood up and took action. The building is beautiful. Shame! Every request was honored, Krider said. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Its an art museum of American art, thats its sole focus. Thank you for supporting the arts! Big changes happened in the Museum building during our major expansion and renovation project right in the heart of downtown Asheville. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. "I don't do this lightly," said Paul Saenger, chair of the museum's Board of Trustees, according to a recording of the board . 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. They dont want to hear. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Great work, Watchdog Team. The goal of these articles is to challenge the Board to do just that. Jun 17, 2022 - Anonymous Employee in Asheville, NC Recommend CEO Approval Business Outlook Pros My colleagues at the Museum were supportive, creative, and truly nice people. I was active in the discussions during the founding of Pack Place and have been a close observer and frequent critic of the Asheville Art Museum since the Civic Center basement days. 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. To connect with us, please visit our Contact page. Money. The Adult Studio program was popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing. This story was originallypublishedbyAsheville Watchdog, an independent nonprofit news team serving Asheville and surrounding communities. 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. 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? The Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. 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. Which, come to think of it might be precisely what it is ;) anyhoo Stay Tuned!! We hope youll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. Need a Consultation? Asheville Art Museum The newly renovated Asheville Art Museum at night The Asheville Art Museum is a community-based nonprofit visual art organization in Western North Carolina (WNC) and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Cancel culture?!?! personality issues.A working, functional board should encourage a range of views. Youre no longer a volunteer.. Imperious , high handed acts rarely work well. 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 told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. I couldnt have said it better myself. We engage, enlighten and inspire individuals, and enrich community through American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. 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. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. 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 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. Support the creative future of our region and donate today. That Ms. Myers said Youre in my house while standing in the museum tells you everything you need to know. asheville art museum board of directors. 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.. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. People must stand up to workplace bullies from the start. Really good health insurance. Board of Directors. My heart goes out to Ms. Weitzman. Inappropriate behavior? 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. 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. Kerry Martin, Community Volunteer. This all sounds like a vanity project that continues under an implicit threat of being fired, thrown off the board, or Ill hold my breath until I turn blue, then Ill take my toys (money) and go home and then youll be sorry!. As a relatively new resident of Asheville, I admired the quality of two exhibits I saw at the Museum recently and was seriously thinking about becoming a member. Time for an even closer look at this situation. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. I love when TheRump ends with that you always know more bad news is inevitably on the way. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. How do we get rid of Myers and her bootlickers on the Board? Just so completely out-of-control simply outrageous. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. The Asheville Art Museums vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. Our Vision + Mission: To transform lives through art. Sunday Funday the Old-Fashioned Way! 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. This story is good work! Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museums board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was recently ousted from the board and removed as a museum volunteer. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. Saenger responded in an Aug. 9 email that while it is important that trustees are informed as to staffing needs, etc., personal details are restricted by state and federal policy.. Asheville Art Museum opening events All events are held at 2 S. Pack Square. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. 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. I cant tell you how much I appreciate your support. Answer Man: Price for natural gas up almost 50 percent? We need your help to continue serving as a source of knowledge and inspiration during these uncertain times. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. What, because I spoke up? she said. To create a vibrant environment for the arts and artists. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. And yes, Im proudly woke.) . Im envious of such a sheltered life. 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 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. There is not a more perilous or immoral habit of mind than the sanctifying of success. John Dalberg-Acton. For as little as $5 a month the cost of a craft beer or kombucha you can help keep local journalism strong. Subscribe to our free Asheville Watchdog news alerts. I think well move on with our agenda now. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. 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. As Peter Drucker once famously said, Culture eats strategy for breakfast and it seems that the culture of this institution is in need of repair. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. whichhe continued to create over the course of his career as an art director and into his personal work after retirement. If so, time for a review/investigation to assist the Board in seeing the light? Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. And the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing. Is the Asheville Art Museum a public institution meant to serve citizens or merely Ms. Myers house and the boards plaything. 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.. The selection of objects displayed illustrates how Breslers eye for collecting craft not only draws attention to nature and artists interest in it, but also accentuates her role as a natural collector with an intuitive ability to identify themes and ideas that speak to one another. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. I chalk it up to there being better opportunities for staff elsewhere. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Thats a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. With the Museums major renovation and expansion project comes even greater opportunities to transform lives through art. from the museum in Asheville. These are real people whos lives she personally has harmed. A vibrant arts scene, creative restaurants and beer galore dazzle in this Southern jewel of a city. Deja vu all over again! It is well-past time for the Board of Trustees of the Asheville Art Museum to remove Pam Myers as Executive Director. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Something needs to be done now. Workers are expendable. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. Open Monday - Saturday 11am to 5pm. Sep 2021 - Present1 year 5 months. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. 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. 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. / Photo by Mark-Ellis Bennett Mark-Ellis Bennett David Huff Creative The view of the Asheville Art Museum as seen from Pack Square. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. I am sad that the place I called my sanctuary and loved being at has been so tarnished. Image Requests To request images for publication or other uses, click here to complete our request for image use form. The normal length of the meeting is two hours. It is a distinct and dangerous part of the problem. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. 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.. Open daily 11am6pm. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. Nonprofit journalism in the public interest. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. 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. 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. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. Hours + Location. Saenger responded in an Aug. 9 email that while it is important that trustees are informed as to staffing needs, etc., personal details are restricted by state and federal policy.. 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. 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 To provide an open, supportive work environment where Staff can thrive. She was a beloved mother, sister . 120 College Street. Based on this, the staff IS pleasant, its their working environment that is not. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is there not something to this? Huff said. 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. 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. A salary of $167,000 of taxpayer funds could be partially allocated to the leadership of our schools. In the meantime, it is time for us, artists and arts professionals of Asheville and surrounding regions, to do what the Board of Trustees has been unable to accomplish as a body: collectively and publicly voice our care for the Museum staff, advocate for them and the Museum's future, and call for the removal of Pam Myers as Executive Director. Sounds like a fiefdom to me, regardless of the he says, she says. How any board handles conflicting views in a crisis generally trickles-down to how an operation is managed. The Museums expansion and renovation project has consisted of different carefully planned phases: renovation/preservation of the North Wing (1926 Pack Library building); demolition work on the Museums East Wing and core; and the construction of the new building and glass faade. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. 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? This is a great example of how privilege protects itself. Your email address will not be published. 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. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. Is this board more or less bought and paid for by the successful fundraising, and how much is personal vanity playing a part in being a board member? Thorough and revealing (and entertaining!). I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. 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.. Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. But, with the revelations coming from this and other articles, I now have to question my assumptions. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. 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 . Now that the construction is complete and the Museum has reopened, we invite you into our new space to experience our fresh approaches, additions to the Collection, exhibitions, and educational programs. Few outside the museum noticed when, this spring, five board members one-fourth of the trustees resigned. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. This is a story with more questions to explore and report on. We need a Museum that honors art handlers, curators, communications staff, docents, program leaders, and community builders alike. I need to look at some more pleasant after reading this article. The issues with the director of the art museum are certainly concerning. . The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. 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. 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. This exhibition presents highlights from the Asheville Art Museums Collection by artists engaging the intaglio printmaking technique of etching in the late 19th and early 20th century. Without it we get a situation like this. Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. . Art is certainly important, but the quality of the education leaders for our children should be primary. 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. 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. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. I hardly said anything. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider 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. 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.
Santiago Flight 513 Real Images,
Roland Watts Basketball,
Steven Pettis Us Army,
Anne Sawyer Actress Age,
Articles A
No Comments