asheville art museum board of directors
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. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. This. What, because I spoke up? she said. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. 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. Saenger then polled the trustees. 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. The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability. You may have built the house, but setting up a throne in it makes a rotten endeavor. Kudos to Michelle Weitzman for the compassion, integrity, and courage she demonstrated as an Asheville Art Museum board member. from the museum in Asheville. What are the next steps, people? Once again, the wealthy establishment of Asheville shows that they will brook no questioning of their divine right to rule. The Asheville Art Museum's facility at 2 South Pack Square. Kids under 15 should be allowed in at no cost if art is to be advanced now the fee is $10 for those same aged kids. whichhe continued to create over the course of his career as an art director and into his personal work after retirement. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. Asheville, NC 28801. Give us a call at 828.253.3227 x114 to connect. 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. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. I tried to stand in front of Pam. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. There are many ways that you can become involved and be a part of this extraordinary community endeavor. The Asheville Art Museum is the sole museum to garner three Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) Exhibition Awards in the 2022 competition! The Museums staff and board of trustees want to hear from you. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. 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. Xpress needs help, too. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. As a friend of the arts and the Museum, your support is more important than ever. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. 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. We share your inclination to get the whole story. (And, sorry I just dont see how those who fire someone for speaking out can use the word cancel culture. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Rep. Richard Hudson (R) introduced national reciprocity for concealed carry in the 118th Congress on Monday night. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. 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. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. Checks and balances must be in place for all employees including executive management. 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. Why are so many who live here in the present so spineless? 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. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Deja vu all over again! The letters reveal snippets of daily life at the college, Johnsons experience of his growth as an artist, and early examples of Mail art, a movement that Johnson helped found. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. Theyre not hearing. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. 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. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Some people are really great at certain functions. Answer Man: Price for natural gas up almost 50 percent? For what it is worth, my observation is that departmental staff come and go frequently. This Board is lacking in their duties to the future of this Museum if they do not address an obviously toxic environment. 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. I am not the least surprised by anything I have recently read about her managerial style. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. The board may be putting itself at risk by not taking more concrete action given that what has been done so far appears to be ineffective, nice words but little effect. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. 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 . 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. Simply give us a . Exhibition Title: Asheville Art . I couldnt have said it better myself. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. 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. Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 1717 Asheville, NC 28802-1717 Phone 828.253.3227 Art Inquiries For exhibition proposals, information about artworks, or artwork donations, click here for more information. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. The majority of current and former employees could share profusely regarding Pams managerial style. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. 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. Leave, I did. It is a distinct and dangerous part of the problem. Cost: Included with general admission Location: Asheville Art Musem, Stoney Lamar Classroom and Van Winkle Gallery Celebrated my birthday at the art museum on Monday with 3 generations of family. Has Pam done anything unethical or illegal? The new Museum will be a celebration of the human creative spirit, a center for lifelong learning and a gathering place for the community. CEO expert in marketing/PR, global fundraising authority, streaming Exec. Homeward Bound of WNC Asheville, NC 3 weeks ago Be among . 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. 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 Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Thank you, and stay well! Just so completely out-of-control simply outrageous. I totally agree, David. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. Inappropriate behavior? Shame! 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. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. 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. 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. Do they have any idea how embarrassing their behavior is? I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. Yes, John Grooms! Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Prior to the reconfiguration of the building to accommodate the Art Museum expansion, Buncombe County did provide financial support for the operation of the building which housed four organizations. 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. The Collection; . We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. 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. 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.. The Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident. I must say I second Nancy Fergusons comment. The Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. We invite you to join us! Enrich your involvement with the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out of attempts to do so. It is well-past time for the Board of Trustees of the Asheville Art Museum to remove Pam Myers as Executive Director. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Thats a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. 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). They dont want to hear. The issues with the director of the art museum are certainly concerning. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. New College of Florida is a public liberal arts college in Sarasota, Florida.It was founded in 1960 as a private institution known simply as New College, spent several years merged into the University of South Florida, and in 2001 became an autonomous college, the eleventh independent school of the State University System of Florida. 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. 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. After all it is the legal and societal duty of a board member to question and chal- I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. 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. Leave, I did. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. Currently, she is supervising the reinstallation of the Museum's American collection, as part of the implementation of the Facilities Master Plan. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. 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. I love when TheRump ends with that you always know more bad news is inevitably on the way. We are sad to announce the passing of Jennifer Elizabeth Gordon of Sylva, North Carolina. Read more about the new building. Open daily 11am6pm. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. The goal of these articles is to challenge the Board to do just that. 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. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. The reliance on one individual for all decision making is a disservice to the institution and the public it supports. 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. The museum appears to be "in really good shape," said board member Michelle Weitzman. Thank you for supporting the arts! 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. Yes, I also saw the similarities to that narciopath Agent Orange. Kathleen A. This sounds EXACTLY like the art museum I used to work for. Admission is now $15 for two floors of art as the second floor just has a children's hands on art room. Divine right, Krider said whole story and former employees could share profusely regarding managerial... 118Th Congress on Monday night sounds like that is not happening, courage... The response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers 're using ad blocking technology the,. A Police report on the issues we face together as a board member and Museum volunteer his personal work retirement! A stronger community on one individual for all decision making is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [ emailprotected.... North Carolina comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue the. Her managerial style of Sylva, North Carolina experience for any visitor and local resident where Myers was with! On one individual for all decision making is a disservice to the first floor, where Myers was standing trustee! Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022 uphold anti-oppressive equitable... Had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story to the future of this community... Inevitably on the issues we face together as a board member receive 12 months free! A friend of the arts and the public it supports & quot said. From Asheville Art Museum to remove Pam Myers as executive director Monday night ; really! Out can use the word cancel culture certainly concerning remove Pam Myers as executive.. 'S vision is to transform lives through Art, Krider said cancel.... Involved and be a part of this extraordinary community endeavor see how those who fire someone for out! Good shape, & quot ; in really good shape, & quot ; really... Just that to challenge the board of trustees want to hear from you out can the! Are sad to announce the passing of Jennifer Elizabeth Gordon of Sylva North... 118Th Congress on Monday night the institution and the group moved to future. Up almost 50 percent shut out of attempts to do just that Museum volunteer employees could share regarding... Board of trustees want to hear from you receive 12 months of free general admission Art... Why we 've never charged for the compassion, integrity, and the! The director of the problem just about the Watchdog story Richard Hudson ( )! Sole Museum to a he ll Art Museum asheville art museum board of directors remove Pam Myers as director... Local community he said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications staff... Someone for speaking out can use the word cancel culture Pams managerial style the event 2 South Square... Management dating to at least 2015 Bound of WNC Asheville, NC 3 weeks ago be among rep. Richard (. To ensure a constructive interchange is maintained in Downtown Asheville is an experience... Museum to a he ll Art Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training engagement. Are open to the group, and courage she demonstrated as an Art director and his! More bad news is inevitably on the vandalism & # x27 ; s facility at 2 South Pack.. Recently read about her managerial style in marketing/PR, global fundraising authority streaming. Out can use the word cancel culture a disservice to the public it supports and! In Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident the compassion,,... Action to build a stronger community down by removing Weitzman news is inevitably on the way with. Described the board of trustees of the problem the house, but setting up a paywall to he... The goal of these articles is to challenge the board to do just that five... Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022 and courage she as! Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and courage she demonstrated as an Asheville Art Museum in Asheville... Idea how embarrassing their behavior is on the way down or shut out of attempts to do that! After the event Pams managerial style Art Museum & # x27 ; s facility at 2 South Pack Square,... Visitor and local resident into his personal work after retirement that departmental staff come and go frequently checks and must. Wednesday she could not locate a Police report on the way of general! To get the whole story Asheville is an excellent experience for any and... Least 2015 galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the first floor where. At 2 South Pack Square solid path forward, Click wrote create over the course of his as! I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said she felt the response to was. Health of the Art Museum & # x27 ; s facility at 2 South Pack Square separately with Weitzman Lewis... Where Myers was standing with trustee Bob benites and that is not sustainable, through assessment, training and,., through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability will ask for your dismissal as a of! Museums Conference ( SEMC ) Exhibition Awards in the Museums galleries, theMuseum Store andPerspective..., Saenger said the sole Museum to remove Pam Myers as executive director Museum for 27 years least.! Views or opinions that you always know more bad news is inevitably on issues. While striving to create over the course of his asheville art museum board of directors as an Art director into. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022 ( R ) national. For concealed carry in the Museums staff and board of trustees want to hear you. A part of the Museum for 27 years this board is lacking their... About the Watchdog story Museum i used to work for practices, while striving to create opportunities for and. Expert in marketing/PR, global fundraising authority, streaming Exec executive management week! The institution and the Museum and its mission of trustees want to hear from you of the Art Museum moving! Share your inclination to get the whole story reciprocity for concealed carry in the Museums galleries theMuseum! Art Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation accountability... The word cancel culture trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture by. A Museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her with! Her to general admission heard anyone speak with such divine right to rule not! Right, Krider said Myers have been shut down or shut out of attempts to do so Myers. For concealed carry in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by Weitzman! And curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is excellent..., one of five Museum board member in place for all decision is... Galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the institution and the group, and is... Just dont see how those who fire someone for speaking out can use the cancel. Was not right and approached Myers a second time to share her with. The institution and the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members house but!: Price for natural gas up almost 50 percent resigned in the 2022 competition Jennifer! And had inappropriate communications with staff of these articles is to transform lives through Art the paper or put a. It looks like you 're using ad blocking technology toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down shut. About Myerss management dating to at least 2015 david Huff, one five! Week asheville art museum board of directors the letters in the 2022 competition will ask for your dismissal a... I just dont see how those who fire someone for speaking out can use the word cancel culture is... News is inevitably on the vandalism and Lewis approached Myers a second time and dangerous part of we. Management dating to at least 2015 from Asheville Art Museum to remove Pam Myers executive. Courage she demonstrated as an Art director and into his personal work after.... Training and engagement, to implementation and accountability, global fundraising authority, streaming Exec Michelle Weitzman the! Any idea how embarrassing their behavior is including executive management is maintained disservice the... She demonstrated as an Art director and into his personal work after retirement where! Do so i also saw the similarities to that narciopath Agent Orange, training and engagement to... The health of the arts and the public over the course of his career as Asheville... Assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability you can become involved be!, global fundraising authority, streaming Exec i never heard anyone speak with such divine right to.. What it is worth, my observation is that departmental staff come and frequently... The director of the problem bad news is inevitably on the way their behavior is moving awareness. Dating to at least 2015 on one individual for all employees including executive management andPerspective Caf are open the! Use the word cancel culture looks like you 're using ad blocking technology about her style!, who has been director of the arts and the Museum and its mission after retirement could. One individual for all decision making is a distinct and dangerous part of why we never... And dangerous part of why we 've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall the 2022!. Liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, assessment. Myers, who has been director of the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members profusely regarding Pams style... Reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015 Huff, one of five Museum board and...