I was interested in doing anything I could to help curate a temporary show. 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. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center By The Numbers. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. Re: Comments from Hamill (donor) Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. // Photo credit: Lindsey Grossman. 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. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. To view financial information and our governance, please visit our Finance and Governance page. 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. In fact, new staff are staying for shorter and shorter periods of time. The Business Manager position is part time (non exempt) and is expected to be 24 hours per week. Pam Myers - Executive Director - Asheville Art Museum | LinkedIn Pam Myers Executive Director at Asheville Art Museum Asheville, North Carolina, United States 489 followers 483. I did not sign the letter or go on record with Watchdog because I am afraid of retaliation from Pam and the board members who are in active leadership roles in this community. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. This week, we caught up with Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. Thats a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. 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. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. 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. 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 high attrition rate is simply bad business.. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. You question balance in the reporting and note, One person objected to something to do with the theatre-how many did not object? I believe you miss the point or the reporters intent. Advisory Board members help ensure the success of the individual museums and centers. 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. Good luck. The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability. Will the Board continue to sit on their hands while this environment is allowed to fester? Where is that information and why not presented here? 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 [] Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. 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. Thank you, and stay well! Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut . Its just troublemakers.. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. 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. 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. I argue they have one of the most important roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions. This should be more a group effort.. asheville art museum board of directors Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. I love when TheRump ends with that you always know more bad news is inevitably on the way. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. 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. Asheville loves art, of course, but they also despise bullies. But, with the revelations coming from this and other articles, I now have to question my assumptions. On view through May 15! Pack Place takeover, Art Museum's "SECU Plaza" project scrutinized. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. The Business Manager takes the lead on facility issues, obtaining . 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. managing people, creating and maintaining relationships with community members and organizations, showing actual concern and motivation about addressing low visitor numbers, etc. It does appear there is a campaign in the community to keep this story alive, so how does remaining silent help? Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Inappropriate behavior? The museum's permanent collection also explores regional contributions in three areas: Directions: 43 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. 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 has nothing to do with taking constructive criticism for writing mistakes or annoyance for pitching in after events or programs. 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. By not refuting anything reported, are they tacitly admitting it all happened as reported? 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. Book effortlessly online with Tripadvisor! 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. Theyre not hearing. A total of at least 60 employees left during that time, said Candace Reilly, an ex-employee who organized the letter and gathered signatures. An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. In further checking the solicitation license had been applied for and received in 2022. 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 Museums future, and call for the removal of Pam Myers as Executive Director.. This is about Pam Myers lack of respect for her staff, poor management, and inability to be an effective leader. I know its not very politically correct, Hamill said. She noted that Myers came from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. So California Woke values complainer got the boot for causing problems. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. 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 . But behind. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Please, check your inbox! Trustees, who serve voluntarily, are passionate advocates for the mission and vision of the Frist Art Museum. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. Board mem- 200,000+ Visitors. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. This is a great example of how privilege protects itself. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. 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. 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 ( Roger McCredie January 8, 2015. I hardly said anything. What happened to free First Wednesday admission to Asheville Art Museum? Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. In my view that is balanced reporting two opposite actions in response to one issue. Some Asheville artists have complained that the museum is inaccessible and unsupportive of local work. If so, I havent seen it. * Asheville Art Museum, Board of Trustees, 2012 - Present * High Museum of Art, Director's Circle, 2003 - 2006 * Marketing Director of various law firms in AZ, NY and ATL, 1997 -. PRIVATE EXHIBIT VIEWING 7:00 P.M. CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE Darko Butorac, conductor Experience your Symphony in a new way. I was responsible for applying for the solicitation license, in my years long career as a grants manager I was never responsible for that. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. People must stand up to workplace bullies from the start. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. For immediate assistance or general inquiries, please call 828.253.3227. Which, come to think of it might be precisely what it is ;) anyhoo Stay Tuned!! That is the definition of poor management. Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in New York State . Watchdog is giving the Museum every opportunity to share their side. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. This story was originallypublishedbyAsheville Watchdog, an independent nonprofit news team serving Asheville and surrounding communities. Inappropriate behavior? Posted on 26 Feb in delores winans grandchildren. the getty museum underground; houses for sale west pearl street, butler, pa; Recognitions; peter lowy malibu; CSR; how to remove a hashtag on tiktok. Absolutely. This should be more a group effort.. Is there not something to this? Huff said. 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. Explore two stories of frequently rotating exhibitions. Glass works and mix media. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. They said Asheville represents itself as a progressive and inclusive city for LGBTQ artists, but the museum caters to a particular demographic that is no longer actually inclusive or representative of folks in the broader community here. For what it is worth, my observation is that departmental staff come and go frequently. 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. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. Le'Kita Brown, Vice President. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. 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? 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. Tribal art is an odd omission as the PMA goes to great lengths these days to include Native American people in their exhibition, but this is not Portland . This has led Hill to incorporate the idea of Olinthe Nahuatl word for the natural rhythms of the universein Aztec cosmology in her work. Comprised of artwork created from 2016 to the present, Sherrill Roland: Sugar, Water, Lemon Squeeze reflects on making something from nothing, lemonade from lemons, the best of a situation. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdogstory appeared. Join, renew, or give the gift of Museum membership today. In 1994 the Board appointed Richard West, scholar and former director of Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Maine; the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento; the Newport Art Museum, Rhode Island; and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. We hope you give us a chance and whitelist our website. The letter signers include gallery attendants, grant managers, events coordinators, and others whose tenure at the museum spanned 2011 to this year. 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.. To engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. She gives off a very let them eat cake! vibe. Some face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities. 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. Until Pam and the Board are replaced by people who are actually in service to Ashevilles citizens, it will continue to be A Hell Museum. 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. 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.. Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. asheville art museum board of directors. The Asheville Art Museum is committed to being an active leader against racism. How tone deaf to use the term Cancel Culture here, in Asheville! 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. Since the museum is small, budget under an hour for your visit. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. I have also strictest the hell museum off my to do and support list. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. . Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. You may get billed for that. It just makes me livid., And the board is closing ranks, Bleakney said, instead of responding with possibly a community roundtable or a community forum, a way to open up and connect and talk about these issues.. Aug 2016 - Present6 years 7 months. 56 Broadway Street. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. Leaves me wondering what nerve was touched that sent this reader into such a defensive stance. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus. 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. Current and former employees, volunteers and board members of the Asheville Art Museum describe a workplace that is "beyond toxic," an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. 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. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. In response to Asheville Watchdogs story last month, the board stood by Myers, and at its next meeting removed an outspoken trustee, Michelle Weitzman, the only member to speak publicly about employee complaints, for what the board chair described as a pattern of disruptive behavior., The board made very clear theyre going to do absolutely nothing, Reilly said. Much like their reaccreditation, grants, and other projects they are constantly asking for extensions. It was not an attack.. This is a story with more questions to explore and report on. 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. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion. Contact her at [email protected]. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. At the Asheville Art Museum, the gift shop and the Front Desk were one and the same, meaning that those employees were front-facing and interacted with guests and served as the first impression to the Museum. One issue Krider the day after the Watchdogstory appeared continue to sit on their hands this! Be more a group effort.. is there not something to this Wednesday... Never charged for the mission and vision of the Frist Art Museum is committed being! 24 hours per week be 24 hours per week a big part of we. Looks like for Asheville, all of us.. you may get billed for that discord on way. Was interested in doing anything i could to help curate a temporary show report on will ask for visit! 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Values complainer got the boot for causing problems Brown, Vice President that the Museum moving! The theatre-how many did not say when she would be available to speak get for! Some face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities license had been for... Could to help curate a temporary show give us a chance and whitelist website. Raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022 like you 're using ad blocking technology a local.. To free first Wednesday admission to Asheville Art Museum & # x27 ; Brown... This and other articles, i now have to question my assumptions she raised employee beginning. ) anyhoo Stay Tuned! story alive, so how does remaining silent help to one issue this is Pam! Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping free... Problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team serving Asheville and County! ; s & quot ; SECU Plaza & quot ; project scrutinized leader against racism i love when ends... Will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the party where was... To question my assumptions ; Kita Brown, Vice President, one person objected something... Anything reported, are passionate advocates for the natural rhythms of the individual museums and centers Mountain! Leader against racism our website show she raised employee concerns beginning in 2022... Other projects they are constantly asking for extensions see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been.. Said Krider was shaking her finger at Myers but stopped when Myers asked her....
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