Thats absurd, 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. Considering all the current conversation about her quest for perfection, I came away thinking I dont count for much in her world view. Good luck. You may get billed for that. 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. So we tear down the Vance Monument but leave the Queen of the Glass Palace in place? Id like to be able to do that more, because Ashevilles been a great community for us to live in, Shull said. 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. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. By not refuting anything reported, are they tacitly admitting it all happened as reported? In the letter to the Trustees, the 29 ex-employees wrote that current and former staff want to reclaim our Museum an institution built by the community and for the community.. We've recently sent you an authentication link. Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in New York State . Ms. Myers just doesnt seem to be very interested in finding out what that problem is, or correcting it. 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. Could she have told you in a less harsh way? Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. (828) 258-1262. moogseum.org. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On view February 3May 29! This is one octogenarian who maybe shouldnt have access to a computer, or at the very least remember to click next when reviewing the states list of documents. 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 ( For as little as $5 a month the cost of a craft beer or kombucha you can help keep local journalism strong. 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. This sounds like unbalanced reporting to me for which this Watchdog should be shamed. This is no way to run any organization, let alone a supposedly not for profit arts organization. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. Asheville Art Museum 114 Literary, Art & Music Tours Art Museums Downtown Asheville By carriemjax The permanent collection had a broad variety, Jasper Jones to local Appalachian artists. . That is the definition of poor management. That was like one of the few times over the course of multiple years, working as an art student in the city, that I was even able to step foot inside that space, said Maurer, who uses they/them pronouns. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. Something needs to be done now. Randy Shull, a prominent Asheville artist who served on the museums board for about 10 years, said he and his wife stopped donating to the museum over Myerss handling of a dispute around 2014 with the Diana Wortham Theater over space the two organizations shared in a cultural center called Pack Place. Yes, I also saw the similarities to that narciopath Agent Orange. So California Woke values complainer got the boot for causing problems. In further checking the solicitation license had been applied for and received in 2022. We refuse to continue being verbally and emotionally abused; we refuse to be gaslit and silenced when we defend ourselves, the letter said. Open daily 11am6pm. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Its an embarrassment. An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. Your email address will not be published. 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 Pam Myers - Executive Director - Asheville Art Museum | LinkedIn Pam Myers Executive Director at Asheville Art Museum Asheville, North Carolina, United States 489 followers 483. 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. An account was already registered with this email. I have also strictest the hell museum off my to do and support list. On view through March 6! Learn More{{/message}}. This exhibition combines Hills use of mylar safety blankets alongside recent drawings. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. 0 404 4 minutes read. It struck me at the time that it was odd she couldnt take five minutes to dash off a quick note. Roger McCredie January 8, 2015. This is the inevitable -but alas very predictable- retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by the Asheville Watchdog expose. To be balanced, the reporter quoted two museum donors, one who defended the museum and gave her reasons, and one who stopped supporting the museum and gave his reasons. This is a great example of how privilege protects itself. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. If there are additional episodes of improper staff involvement, I will bring this to the trustees to consider your continuing on the board., On 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. Shes also bad at her job i.e. 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. 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. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Mind you this was right before the museum was going to reopen, a supposedly exciting time to be there. And I am just appalled that a nonprofit could be run this way.. We invite you to join us! She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Some face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities. 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. You said to me you will not stand down on this. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. The Asheville Art Museum is a regional affiliate partner of the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, hosting an annual juried competition for students in grades 7-12 from all across Western North Carolina. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. Yes, thats the definition of insanity, Homelessness and First Amendment On Trial in Asheville. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. On view through May 15! 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. Sunday Funday the Old-Fashioned Way! Read more about the history of the Museum, as well as the Museums new building. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Asheville Art Museum will host Open Studio at Different Wrld on. Find Us Location 2 South Pack Square Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 1717 Asheville, NC 28802-1717 Phone 828.253.3227 Art Inquiries This is about Pam Myers lack of respect for her staff, poor management, and inability to be an effective leader. From Asheville Watchdog: Trustee who criticized director is ousted from art museum board, Around Town: Zelda Fitzgerald Week returns to Asheville, Around Town: Great Pottery Throwdown raises money for arts nonprofit, Around Town: The Vagina Monologues raises money for domestic violence nonprofit, From Asheville Watchdog: Merchants describe downtown Ashevilles descent into squalor and lawlessness, Council requests public input on budget priorities, Hillcrest High Steppin Majorettes and Drum Corps legacy endures, Safety, transit concerns raised at first Asheville budget meeting, Development roundup: Urgent care clinic, workforce housing proposed forCharlotte Highway, From Asheville Watchdog: Out of prison, former Buncombe County manager says local government was corrupt long before she arrived, Home-based child care may help with Buncombe needs, Green in brief: Duke Energy completes Hot Springs microgrid, From Asheville Watchdog: National consultant offers road map to end homelessness in Asheville again. If they are not publicly stating that the situation, as reported, has improved are we to believe that it hasnt, or perhaps gotten worse? Those that dont agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely. 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.. Revelate builds upon Hills investigation of pre-contact cultures. Re: Comments from Hamill (donor) But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. 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. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. Real answer: "When the Asheville Art Museum reopened in November 2019, we were able to offer the 'First Wednesday' program through funding received from a private foundation," museum . Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. 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. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Sort of like Im shocked, shocked to see abusive behavior going on as someone walks up and says here are your (entitlement) winnings. This is what was decided seven years ago, and it is the same today.. The first story about the Art Museum, its board, and its director appeared more than a month ago. President and Eloise W. Martin Director. The outspoken employees were very courageous in attempting to shine light on an aggregious working conditions for a very underpaid staff. They dont want to hear. Aug 2016 - Present6 years 7 months. [1] Youre no longer a volunteer.. The Asheville Art Museums vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. 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. Why some people in the public would do this, she said, I think they have no standing. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Come have a drink and experiment with art materials while connecting with your community! There were absurd breaches of my personal and professional boundaries. Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Asheville Art 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. His reason had something to with the theater it could have been anything. Asheville-born 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. MICHELLE CROUCH, North Carolina Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Directions: 43 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801. Years ago I wrote Pam Myers about an exhibit concept that would feature the design community of Asheville as a vibrant collection of talented professionals doing breakthrough work. Your involvement is essential, now and in the future. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. 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 Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. where is the house in the carvana commercial. 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. The Business Manager takes the lead on facility issues, obtaining . Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. 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. What, because I spoke up? she said. As Asheville Watchdog reported, the board has twice brought in an executive coach in 2015 after the six complaints to trustees, and again in 2021 after eight other ex-staffers voiced their concerns to Huff and board member Darren Green. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Le'Kita Brown, Vice President. 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. On view through March 20! I was interested in doing anything I could to help curate a temporary show. Subscribe to our free Asheville Watchdog news alerts. Advisory Board members help ensure the success of the individual museums and centers. Clear enough? Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. But how does that make the museum Youre in MY house? David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. What happened to free First Wednesday admission to Asheville Art Museum? Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion. The Asheville Art Museum re-opens with two major exhibitions, Intersections in American Art and Appalachia Now! Boca Raton Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, marital status, national origin, citizenship, creed, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, age, veteran status, mental or . An art museum director salary varies based on the level of experience, geographical location, and other factors. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. Never miss an update by signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox. The Asheville Art Museum is a regional affiliate partner of the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, hosting an annual juried competition for students in grades 712 from all across Western North Carolina. Thats absurd, Krider said. We are going to pull out all the stops until theres change.. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. Being good at one thing (raising money) does not mean you are good at everything. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. The letter signers include gallery attendants, grant managers, events coordinators, and others whose tenure at the museum spanned 2011 to this year. Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. I hardly said anything. We hope youll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. At some point words need to translate into both action and changed behavior, not just more words. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. Buc-ees convenience store coming to Henderson County? The Asheville Art Museum, glistening through its glass exterior in the downtown heart of Pack Square, earns acclaim for its prized collection of American and Appalachian artwork. This isnt uncommon for pandemic projects, but the museums history of not delivering on time is far beyond the last three years. 120 College St, Asheville . Thank you, and stay well! For immediate assistance or general inquiries, please call 828.253.3227. Saenger then polled the trustees. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. 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. Job Description. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. As a long term Asheville Art Museum member, donor, former volunteer, former Gallery Associate, and current Adult Studio instructor, I am little more than an outside observer to the day to day operations of the museum so this story has been revealing. Check out the best museums in Asheville to visit in 2023. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. This should be more a group effort.. Pre-purchased online tickets and walk-in tickets are available. Open daily 11am6pm. Every request was honored, Krider said. She never responded. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. Theyre not hearing. Theyre not hearing. (251) 208-7508, 111 South Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602 Mobile Museum of Art (251)208-5200, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile, AL Troy Pioneer Museum of Alabama (334)566-3597, 248 Highway 231 N, Troy, AL Tuscaloosa Children's Hands-On Museum (205)349-4239, 2213 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL Paul W. Bryant Museum
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