I hardly said anything. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Thank you, and stay well! hummm reporting decidedly relevant news.. with multiple quotes from her completely compliant and [now] unanimously supportive board; definitely ..as your man TheRump says ad infinitum ..a Witch Hunt !! so we have no idea how or whom to speak to when we dont want to speak to Pam; were talking about no on-boarding so if we do get it wrong and get berated, we had no way of preparing; were talking about a complete lack of trust and order from the top down (can you imagine if you start your job with your boss immediately mistrusting you and treating you like garbage? Asheville Art Museum. This has nothing to do with taking constructive criticism for writing mistakes or annoyance for pitching in after events or programs. Open daily 11am6pm. Tickets are non-refundable. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. the getty museum underground; houses for sale west pearl street, butler, pa; Recognitions; peter lowy malibu; CSR; how to remove a hashtag on tiktok. Museums and Communities News is our roundup of stories demonstrating the many ways AAMD member museums serve their communities [1] Revelate builds upon Hills investigation of pre-contact cultures. You said to me you will not stand down on this. 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. 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.. ALT ASO -- Asheville Symphony at Asheville Art Museum ALT ASO Performance at TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 5:30 P.M. VIP RECEPTION 6:00 P.M. Learn More{{/message}}. Too Much Is Just Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration features over 70 artworks in an array of media from both the original time frame of the Pattern and Decoration movement, as well as contemporary artworks created between 1985 and the present. 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 . // Photo credit: Lindsey Grossman. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. Books, jewelry, plush, games, activity kits, apparel, minerals & specimens, AMOS logo gear and more; all available in our unique museum store! It does appear there is a campaign in the community to keep this story alive, so how does remaining silent help? In addition to teaching violin and piano at AMS on a part-time basis since 2008, she has been a performing musician for over 35 years. But behind. Asheville Art Museum Project Focus Area: Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014 SECU Foundation awarded a grant to the Asheville Art Museum Association, Inc. to support the design, renovation and construction of the regional museum located in downtown Asheville. An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museums board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was ousted from the board Tuesday and removed as a museum volunteer. It was not an attack.. 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. Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. Elaine Bleakney, a poet and writer in Asheville who knows Reilly and Grossman, wrote the online petition. David Menconi. . Hamill said she was unmoved by the employee complaints detailed by Asheville Watchdog. Natural Collector October 19, 2022-April 24, 2023 One person objected to something to do with the theatre-how many did not object? This success can be attributed to the great work the staff did in marketing and administration. What, because I spoke up? she said. Sort of like Im shocked, shocked to see abusive behavior going on as someone walks up and says here are your (entitlement) winnings. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. 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. She and other current board members, as well as past board chairs, would only answer questions submitted in writing. 200,000+ Visitors. Thats a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. 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. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. This sounds like unbalanced reporting to me for which this Watchdog should be shamed. MICHELLE CROUCH, North Carolina Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 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 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. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. This is the inevitable -but alas very predictable- retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by the Asheville Watchdog expose. 0 404 4 minutes read. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. 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. Myers has been a divisive figure during her 27-year tenure at the museum. This should be more a group effort.. I was often told by Pam government organizations, local funders, and others didnt support the arts in Asheville-it was made very clear they did not support her. 2023 Officers Jamie Winderbaum FernandezChair Cathy GrantVice Chair Penny VinikVice Chair Tom HochhauslerTreasurer Kenneth PagesSecretary Dianne JacobPast Chair 2023 Board of Trustees Allison Casper Adams Belinda Alexander Pat Carter Sandra [] The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. At some point words need to translate into both action and changed behavior, not just more words. Furthermore, Hamills ignorant comments about gift shops being extraneous just goes to show that leadership and the people they surround themselves with do not understand how museums work. Re: Comments from Hamill (donor) She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. I tried to stand in front of Pam. A majority of the museum's board has remained steadfast to Myers, the museum's director since 1995, despite complaints by former employees in 2015 and again in 2021. 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. Watchdog is giving the Museum every opportunity to share their side. Saenger then polled the trustees. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass. 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. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. Christina Carr, an AAM member, serves on the board of the Museum Trustee Association and co-chairs the fundraising advisory board at the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. 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.. Troy, New York nysmuseums.org. 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. If they are not publicly stating that the situation, as reported, has improved are we to believe that it hasnt, or perhaps gotten worse? An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. (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 I think well move on with our agenda now. Trustees, who serve voluntarily, are passionate advocates for the mission and vision of the Frist Art Museum. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. Balanced reporting would detract from your outrageous reporting which is the goal of the Watchdog. Asheville Art Museum Exposed (@ashevilleartmuseumxposed) on Instagram. 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. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. I know its not very politically correct, Hamill said. 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. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Its just like, Wow, finally., Shull said he would like to see Myers retire and be celebrated for all that shes done and have a clean slate for the community to attract a really good director with significant talent that reflects the values that Asheville projects.. Leave, I did. Leaves me wondering what nerve was touched that sent this reader into such a defensive stance. In further checking the solicitation license had been applied for and received in 2022. That is the definition of poor management. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. And I am just appalled that a nonprofit could be run this way.. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. Buc-ees convenience store coming to Henderson County? Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. Join Us This Sunday for a Traditional Game Day. 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. Ive kind of found myself in a situation of traveling and taking my work outside of the city to be able to make a living with it, and that is with the privilege of a university degree and a local culture that already privileges white artists., Maurer, 23, said UNCA trains students for a museum-centered career, but the museum caters to artists that are not based in Asheville and then takes that work and redirects it towards tourists., The museum was founded in 1948 by local artists. However, I have not taught a workshop nor class there in over a year. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. Asheville, NC 28801. Got it. Experience great art while mingling with fellow art lovers at an opening reception, watch a local ceramist throw a pot in her studio, discover new creative skills at a workshopall this and more. 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. Clear enough? Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Board of Trustees. 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 Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password. Committees of the board include executive, finance, audit, and human resources. In that time has there been any kind of official response from the organization, its board or director? The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. 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. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. This should be more a group effort.. Artworks from the 21st century elucidate contemporary perspectives on the employment of pattern to inform visual vocabularies and investigations of diverse themes in the present day. While she knew some of the ex-employees, Bleakney said she was not aware of the scope of the complaints or that staffers had twice gone to the museums board. In fact, by the third story there were not even responses from the organization/board to the reporters inquiries. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. Youre no longer a volunteer.. One third of the board's members also serve as trustees for the . To connect with us, please visit our Contact page. . Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the 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. 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? 1,000+ Events. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. In fact, new staff are staying for shorter and shorter periods of time. I have a feeling yall are going to regret your fumble here. 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. I argue they have one of the most important roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Leadership Advisory Committee. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. The 68,000-square-foot museum features 20th and 21st century American art. I love when TheRump ends with that you always know more bad news is inevitably on the way. While I am sure the attorneys may approve of such an approach, it leaves a great deal open to conjecture. Open daily 11am6pm. Shes also bad at her job i.e. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out, the petition said. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Time for an even closer look at this situation. But the culture of fear in employees, the morale and the attrition is horrendous., In ticking off Weitzmans pattern of disruptive behavior at Tuesdays board meeting, Saenger, the chair, said, I dont see in any way how this benefits anyone or anything about the museum.. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. The Bass Museum of Art opened in 1964 through the donation of a private collection by John and Johanna Bass to the City of Miami Beach. 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 first story about the Art Museum, its board, and its director appeared more than a month ago. 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.. In my view that is balanced reporting two opposite actions in response to one issue. Museum Association of New York. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Today, more than 500 members serve on the Smithsonian's Advisory Boards. 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. This week, we caught up with Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. Company size 11-50 employees Headquarters Asheville, NC Type Nonprofit Founded 1948 Specialties Fine art museum specialising in contemporary American Art, 20th century to present, BMC,. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. Adopted as an educational framework, particularly in social justice and ethnic studies, Olin guides individuals through a process of reflection, action, reconciliation, and transformation. I was interested in doing anything I could to help curate a temporary show. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. The Perspective Caf is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! 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. They dont want to hear. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. 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. 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 that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Say when she would be available to speak at least 2015 show she raised employee concerns in! 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