Inappropriate behavior? 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. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. 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. Can I help pay off kids school lunch debts? 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.. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. 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. The Appleby Exhibition Hall was not open so if that part was open there may be more art in there. We need a Museum that honors art handlers, curators, communications staff, docents, program leaders, and community builders alike. The board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myers's management style persisted. 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.. Sep 2021 - Present1 year 5 months. What, because I spoke up? she said. Its an embarrassment. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. This is no way to run any organization, let alone a supposedly not for profit arts organization. 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. 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 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. Clearly there has been a consistent and ongoing pattern of abuse of volunteers and employees by Ms. Myers, which quite frankly reads like nothing short of a reign of terror .very very bad public relations no matter how magnificent your prized glass edifice there in Pack Square is. 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 Museums Board of Trustees. We need a Museum that supports every person involved in creating and sustaining exhibitions, programs, building its permanent collection, and upholding the institutions mission to engage with all who walk through its great glass doors. Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. Righteous indignation feels great, but solves nothing. It was a pleasure serving with her on the Board the entire time I was on it. Right so lets get the courts involved here since the Board there at the glass palace/ fortress has shown itself incapable of anything but a bunker mentality in regard to this -gone on way too long- travesty. It was not an attack.. Yeah because ALL THE BOARD CARES ABOUT is all the $$ that she raised, and they care nothing for the underpaid/unpaid small people she bullied and abused over the years. The building is beautiful. 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. Thank you for supporting the arts! We need ethical and compassionate leadership from the Executive Director and Board. The Asheville Art Museum is a private nonprofit 501c3 (not public). I hardly said anything. A vibrant arts scene, creative restaurants and beer galore dazzle in this Southern jewel of a city. 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. These are not adolescents whining for attention, promotions and pay raises. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. Hoping AAM administrators will learn from the internal and external feedback and make changes for the good of their employees and the city. Also, while it may be true that toxicity exists in many museums and nonprofits, it is wholly unacceptable to settle for the status quo. One must assume that Ms. Myers makes all major curatorial decisions, also. This Educational Organization is headquartered in Asheville, NC. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. As one of the employees who left in 2015 I can attest to the hostile, dysfunctional and toxic work environment. 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. From Asheville Watchdog: Trustee who criticized director is ousted from art museum board, Around Town: Literary series will focus on trees, nature in Jewish poetry, Local artists explore symbolism in new exhibit, Local creatives speak to the power of comedy, Green in brief: Conserving Carolina to expand Bracken Mountain Preserve, From AVL Watchdog: Information about holiday water failures is trickling out, as Asheville officials meet in private, Council to vote on water review committee Jan. 10, Deadline to submit writing & art for Xpress Kids Issues approaching, From Asheville Watchdog: City Council, mayor and staff hold closed-door meetings, sowing distrust, Early traffic woes spark updates to Ashevilles trolley system, 1923-24, From CPP: The uncertain future of old-growth forests in North Carolina, part four, City school board OKs Asheville Primary shelter plan, Green in brief: Asheville protects land at Mills River water plant. Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. Shall I bring my dull wit writ upon signage to the entrance to the museum to start protesting? I think well move on with our agenda now. This should be more a group effort.. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. , Frame: 16 1/8 x 16 1/2 in. It is up to staff and board to assess and address Museum health and not be complacent. The Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident. Thats absurd, Krider said. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Do we only care about rectifying injustices from long ago? What are the next steps, people? Meyers has and is doing an incredible job I moved here same year as Meyers. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Your involvement is essential, now and in the future. This is the inevitable -but alas very predictable- retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by the Asheville Watchdog expose. The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability. Once again, the wealthy establishment of Asheville shows that they will brook no questioning of their divine right to rule. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. 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. And at what cost to the employees? Give us a call at 828.253.3227 x114 to connect. 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. Asheville Art Museum Collections. The Museum also offers a broad variety of innovative programs for all ages, including classes and workshops for adults, college students, children, and families; guided and group tours; concerts and performances; volunteer and docent programs; year-round and summer internship programs; film screenings; lectures and panel discussions; school and teacher programs; special events; and much more. 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. 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. Homeward Bound seeks an experienced Executive Director (ED) with a passion for serving peopleSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. 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 . I cant tell you how much I appreciate your support. What, because I spoke up? she said. 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.. 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 Required fields are marked *. Based on these articles, the museum board is composed and operating based on a friends and family and buddy system style approach that ensures most if not all members will agree to self protect each other and fend off critiques. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Simply give us a . North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Drop into our studio to experiment freely and collaborate using different materials, tools, and techniques! Sunday Funday the Old-Fashioned Way! Ms. Stackhouse, no one is arguing that Pam did a good job (in certain parts of her job). Based on this, the staff IS pleasant, its their working environment that is not. I hardly said anything. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. Asheville Art Museum. 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. Open Monday - Saturday 11am to 5pm. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. Is the Asheville Art Museum a public institution meant to serve citizens or merely Ms. Myers house and the boards plaything. You can . Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. The entire Board is failing to uphold its responsibility and purpose by not taking the Museum employees and their advocates as their first priority. Staff are not and never have requested that the board acquiesce to a certain set of demands. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. 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 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. Jazz studies while in Ithaca, NY, opened his ears to. I recently found out that more than one employee that filed for unemployment during Covid (which the museum accepted) later had lawsuits filed against them by Lindsay and Pam to repay all the money they received because the museum forced everyone to work (many in person in the office) through the beginning of Covid leaving folks with kids, elderly and disabled with no way of earning money. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. Yes, John Grooms! 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. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. They dont want to hear. I tried to stand in front of Pam. 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. It is an age old story. Never miss an update by signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox. In the spring of 2021, the board voted on the directors new contract. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Every request was honored, Krider said. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. Coronavirus update: Updated bivalent Covid-19 boosters are now available. Check outadditional time lapse videos of the construction project on our YouTube channel. 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.. She has been a relentless advocate for the Asheville Art Museum and has led its path to excellence. 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. Just so completely out-of-control simply outrageous. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. Celebrated my birthday at the art museum on Monday with 3 generations of family. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. I have never experienced someone with so little emotional intelligence and managerial ability. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. Visit our Facebook gallery to see photos of the construction process. Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. Some art lovers thank their lucky stars for Meyers. The Asheville Art Museum has a high-quality collection of artifacts and visual arts representing the rich history of Western North Carolina. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. 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. 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