I am disappointed that the Board of the Museum is so insecure that the only way they can deal with differences is by throwing out the person who differs with the majority view. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. I have heard rumblings about the hostile work environment at AAM for years but I had no idea how bad it was/is. If you are still unsure about studying overseas, it is always good to speak to an experienced person who can help you point in the right direction. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Pam should not have been in charge of day to day operations in 2015, and it is shocking that she still is. To view financial information and our governance, please visit our Finance and Governance page. GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro College Department of Art presents Kenn Kotara's exhibition, "social geometries," Oct. 15-Nov. 15 in the Anne Rudd Galyon Gallery, and the Irene Cullis Galley in the Cowan Humanities Building on campus. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. 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. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. It sounds like it is time for the board to put Pam in her place as successful fundraiser in chief and keep her away from the rest of the organization. Thanks for publication but from my experience in NYC museums are famous for being toxic. / Photo by Mark-Ellis Bennett Mark-Ellis Bennett David Huff Creative The view of the Asheville Art Museum as seen from Pack Square. The Museum was founded in 1948, and we've had many wonderful years of growth. How tone deaf to use the term Cancel Culture here, in Asheville! Never miss an update by signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Sounds like fish is in fact rotting from the head down. I need to look at some more pleasant after reading this article. Im envious of such a sheltered life. I have never experienced someone with so little emotional intelligence and managerial ability. Need a Consultation? 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. 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. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. Big changes happened in the Museum building during our major expansion and renovation project right in the heart of downtown Asheville. personality issues.A working, functional board should encourage a range of views. When we visited, there was a temporary exhibit of recently donated Southern Folk Art (think: the ubiquitous and prolific Howard Finster and unschooled artists such as Finster), and a collection of modernist design from the mid-20th. 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. If her only merit is that of a fundraiser, perhaps additional questions should be asked. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. They orchestrated it all., Weitzman had volunteered at the museum since 2016 and held a seat on the board as president of the Docents Association. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. Kathleen A. 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. The board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myers's management style persisted. 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. An awesome contemporary art collection and thought-provoking special exhibits make this an underrated place to go in the city, especially on rainy days. Few outside the museum noticed when, this spring, five board members one-fourth of the trustees resigned. Wonder if the job description for director of finance and operations includes wine glass removal. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. Is there a record of how many employees have quit over the past 3-5 years? I think well move on with our agenda now. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. A docent was permanently removed from the board and the docent corps for speaking up about the director. Thats absurd, Krider said. Based on this, the staff IS pleasant, its their working environment that is not. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. always works better. Theyre not hearing. Will you do the same? The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the future. Cons The biggest con of working at the Museum is the Executive Director. Former trustee Michelle Weitzman claims her removal was a retaliatory action by the North Carolina institution's director, Pamela Myers, following an substantial investigation by the . This is no joke. 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. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. After all it is the legal and societal duty of a board member to question and chal- This should be more a group effort.. I tried to stand in front of Pam. Is there not something to this? Huff said. Open daily 11am6pm. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. The Asheville Art Museum has been remodeled since my last visit. 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 Asheville Art Museum is the sole museum to garner three Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) Exhibition Awards in the 2022 competition! My generals ..and my highly classified documents. In fact, she is no longer there as a volunteer. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. 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. 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. It is an age old story. Our Museum needs us to speak for its health and future, now. This responsibility overrides all styleand This should be more a group effort.. The space within the building which comprises the Art Museum is leased to it by the City. 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. Please show Pam Myers and a few of her board minions to the door. She is the Treasurer of the Mid America Print Council executive board 2022-2024, and resides in Asheville NC with the goal of bringing a bit of Print League KC to the Blue Ridge Mountains by opening another community print shop. Our Asheville Art Museum is a nonprofit founded by artists. What are the next steps, people? And AAM gets that money whether or not students go. Just so completely out-of-control simply outrageous. Only 6 and under are free, as well as UNC-A students, Members of AAM, and active military personnel, which most of the latter three groups could afford. Were pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. 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. 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. You may have built the house, but setting up a throne in it makes a rotten endeavor. It is a distinct and dangerous part of the problem. 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. To provide an open, supportive work environment where Staff can thrive. 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. To create a vibrant environment for the arts and artists. If you cant discuss the efficacy of an organization and the way things are done as a member of that organizations board of directors, where exactly should one go to have that discussion? 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. 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.. I BET she does since, as the story states, she has packed the board with her supporters. This all sounds like a vanity project that continues under an implicit threat of being fired, thrown off the board, or Ill hold my breath until I turn blue, then Ill take my toys (money) and go home and then youll be sorry!. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. 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. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. 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. Ms. Stackhouse, no one is arguing that Pam did a good job (in certain parts of her job). 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. Cost: Included with general admission Location: Asheville Art Musem, Stoney Lamar Classroom and Van Winkle Gallery I tried to stand in front of Pam. . New Address: 12710 Research Blvd. It is well-past time for the Board of Trustees of the Asheville Art Museum to remove Pam Myers as Executive Director. Weitzman was the only current trustee who agreed to be interviewed for the Watchdoginvestigative story and was quoted saying the museum looks really pretty on the outside. 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 . CEO expert in marketing/PR, global fundraising authority, streaming Exec. 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. But how does that make the museum Youre in MY house? Thats absurd, Krider said. This is no joke. Op Ed published on 9/29/13 in the Asheville Citizen Times City Wise to Invest in Museum Expansion. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why are so many who live here in the present so spineless? The new Asheville Art Museum facility enhances the Museum's presentations of American art of the 20 th and 21 st . Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director Executive Committee Paul Lentz Saenger, Chair Kevin Click, Vice Chair Butch Patrick, Immediate Past Chair Julia Peterson, Secretary Karen Praytor, Treasurer Staff Directory and Contact Board of Trustees Tami Bebber Robert Benites Courtney Blossman Chris Cavanaugh Carolyn Coward Betsy Cunagin Paula Dawkins Lei Han People world-wide can now explore the Museums diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes. Clear enough? Jen passed away on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022, at the age of 46. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. 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.. The Asheville Art Museum Collectors' Circle held their seventh annual selection dinner on January 17, 2011. Saenger responded, We do not believe it would be appropriate to share incident reports or security videos., Sarah Reincke, president of the Docents Association before Weitzman and a former trustee, said she believes the board was trying to find any excuse to rid themselves of a Trustee who consistently voiced valid opinions the Executive Committee refused to consider., Reincke said Weitzman was not the person who reprimanded Pam at the party, and she is not responsible for how another person expresses an opinion., The board used the actions of a third party as cause for Michelles dismissal, further proof, Reincke said, of the museums dysfunctional leadership., In a statement to Asheville Watchdog, Saenger wrote that the museum does not comment on trustees who leave the organization., If the board feels it necessary to ask a trustee to step down before the end of their normal term, it is not a matter we take lightly, but with the best interest of the museum in mind, Saenger wrote. 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. Visit our Facebook gallery to see photos of the construction process. The Museum invites you to explore our outstanding Collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and to discover the richness of Western North Carolinas unique artistic history. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. Required fields are marked *. Some art lovers thank their lucky stars for Meyers. The Adult Studio program was popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing. becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership. 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. I stopped going to the AAM years ago when a charge of $3 was required for 10-13 year old kids from Madison Co. Middle School to enter not much but too much for many of them. The Disturbing Details Behind the Bird Flu and Egg Prices. I believe suing the Asheville Art Museum Board of Trustees for willful and ongoing negligence in regard to their statutory obligations is probably the most expedient avenue forward here. The old powers get nervous and forget decency, all in the name of saving the good work weve done when its actually their own egos theyre defending and their positions of prestige and public notice theyre clinging to. The boards angry internal interactions give credibility to accusations of a toxic work environment. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. asheville art museum board of directors. Having worked in a variety of jobs for a variety of cultural institutions, I have observed how success attributed to a single individual can have unanticipated consequences. Ousted Trustee Describes Culture of Fear at Asheville Art Museum, Hyperallergic, 11/18/22, https://hyperallergic.com/781084/ousted-trustee-describes-culture-of-fear-at-asheville-art-museum/, Trustee Who Criticized Director Is Ousted from Art Museum Board, Asheville Watchdog, 11/17/22, https://avlwatchdog.org/trustee-ousted-from-museum-board/, Not A Pretty Picture at the Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Watchdog, 11/9/22, https://avlwatchdog.org/not-a-pretty-picture-at-the-asheville-art-museum/. for dates. Hours + Location. 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. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. Not only the board of the art museum, but many other institutions do not have the least consideration of the rest of the population, and refuse to hear any input, particularly if its negative to their established order. Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 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. Kill the messenger certainly sends a message to the employees A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass. from the museum in Asheville. I am aghast at some of the comments on the recent articles, as well as those from current AAM board members. 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