Open daily 11am6pm. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. 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 . 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. What art museum does not have a lead curator? Thats absurd, Krider said. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. 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. What, because I spoke up? she said. We should all be grateful for what she has done? We need a Museum that honors art handlers, curators, communications staff, docents, program leaders, and community builders alike. As Peter Drucker once famously said, Culture eats strategy for breakfast and it seems that the culture of this institution is in need of repair. Kate Meehan, Idaho National Laboratory. For the record, I am canceling my membership. Theyre not hearing. The Disturbing Details Behind the Bird Flu and Egg Prices. Does BeLoved Asheville clean up after homeless people? 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!. The Asheville Art Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums that 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 that believes that a great nation deserves great art. Sounds like Myers is very good at acquiring funds. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Join Us This Sunday for a Traditional Game Day. Inappropriate behavior? It was not an attack.. To connect with us, please visit our Contact page. You said to me you will not stand down on this. 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. 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. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. I am aware of at least 15 full time staff that have quit just this year. It was a pleasure serving with her on the Board the entire time I was on it. Also, while it may be true that toxicity exists in many museums and nonprofits, it is wholly unacceptable to settle for the status quo. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. Grand Opening Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 9, 6-10 p.m., $225 . The Asheville Art Museum has been remodeled since my last visit. Asheville Art Museum. Got it. Martin CJ Mongiello, MBA, MA, MCFE Chair of the Board @ foundation, museum, inn, & school. Which, come to think of it might be precisely what it is ;) anyhoo Stay Tuned!! We want everyone to have access to our stories. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. The Asheville Art Museum is committed to being an active leader against racism. Is there a chance NC electoral votes will be split? Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. 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.. becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership. 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.. 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. Richard Napier, Idaho Mountain Trading. Kathleen A. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. 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. 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. Nonprofit journalism in the public interest. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. We hope youll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. She imperiously, very rudely and with great toxicity showed me the door. Its clear that Ms. Myers has the support of the museums board. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. 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. 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. What, because I spoke up? she said. Sounds like a fiefdom to me, regardless of the he says, she says. How any board handles conflicting views in a crisis generally trickles-down to how an operation is managed. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Thorough and revealing (and entertaining!). whichhe continued to create over the course of his career as an art director and into his personal work after retirement. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. They dont want to hear. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Asheville Watchdog now seems to be on a vendetta. A salary of $167,000 of taxpayer funds could be partially allocated to the leadership of our schools. Imperious , high handed acts rarely work well. 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. 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. 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 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. I hardly said anything. Closed Tuesdays. 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. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. 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. Asheville loves art, of course, but they also despise bullies. Such a shame. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. The high handed kicking her off of the board and a docent and as the representative of the docents sets in motion disastrous community relations problems. 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. Board of Directors. Asheville Art Museum opening events All events are held at 2 S. Pack Square. To engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Ste.230, Austin TX 78759 Store Cart ; Toggle search Toggle navigation. I tried to stand in front of Pam. Great work, Watchdog Team. Is there not something to this? Huff said. Utilizing the current building footprint of the Museum, this environmentally friendly project includes the historic preservation of the Museums current North Wing (the 1926 Pack Library building), renovation of prior Museum spaces, and new construction to transform current disparate spaces into a cohesive, coherent, and inviting Museum. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. 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. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. Its a shame to the city to continue to support these overly entitled people. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. Its an art museum of American art, thats its sole focus. The argument is that she has consistently failed at other very vital parts of her job and the Board has been relatively inefficient at addressing them seriously and effectively. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. And for the museum, it was a great place to start a conversation about how the next century of artists from the mountains of North Carolina might continue to shape creative expression in America. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. I think well move on with our agenda now. Michelle Weitzman // Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego. Support the creative future of our region and donate today. Theyre not hearing. I hardly said anything. 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 have never experienced someone with so little emotional intelligence and managerial ability. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. 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. By the way, not only was my seat removed from the board, but also the seat of the other person who voted against the contract. Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra; Friends of the ASYO; Hip Hop Folktale Project; Music in the Schools; Young People's Concerts; Symphony Talk; MusicWorks; About Us. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. If so, time for a review/investigation to assist the Board in seeing the light? The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. 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. 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. . Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Critique, challenge, and transparency all come with leadership. And at what cost to the employees? In the spring of 2021, the board voted on the directors new contract. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. The museum appears to be "in really good shape," said board member Michelle Weitzman. Our Asheville Art Museum is a nonprofit founded by artists. Do Pam Myers and the museum have any self-awareness at all? Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. 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. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Homeward Bound seeks an experienced Executive Director (ED) with a passion for serving peopleSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. I, and another board member, opposed the contract because of the directors extreme salary and benefits while maintaining a toxic working environment ($242K this year with a $35K bonus if shes still here next month). We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. Prior to the reconfiguration of the building to accommodate the Art Museum expansion, Buncombe County did provide financial support for the operation of the building which housed four organizations. With the Museums major renovation and expansion project comes even greater opportunities to transform lives through art. Read more about the new building. Exhibition Title: Asheville Art . She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Who did they support?
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