Few outside the museum noticed when, this spring, five board members one-fourth of the trustees resigned. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. The boards angry internal interactions give credibility to accusations of a toxic work environment. They dont want to hear. I would hope that they have more skills and resources to deal with conflict than exclusion. Some people are really great at certain functions. Our mission is to encourage young professionals across industries to learn, support, and ultimately invest in diverse and . Something needs to be done now. 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. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. enge Executive Committee actions . The Museum was founded in 1948, and we've had many wonderful years of growth. Were pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. The number of staff that many principals manage far outweighs the art museum staff. Admission is now $15 for two floors of art as the second floor just has a children's hands on art room. 120 College Street. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. 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 museum only has an Associate Curator and an Assistant Curator and does not appear to be looking to refill the lead position at this time. Theyre not hearing. This petition starter stood up and took action. 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. In fact, she is no longer there as a volunteer. Alas, Ms. Weitzman is no longer there as a gadfly. Support the creative future of our region and donate today. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. Bill Durr (Ward & Smith) will serve as president of the board of directors with Beth Lane (McGuire Wood & Bissette) as . Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. Simply give us a . To provide an open, supportive work environment where Staff can thrive. Is there a chance NC electoral votes will be split? You said to me you will not stand down on this. Read more about the new building. Do Pam Myers and the museum have any self-awareness at all? Now that the construction is complete and the Museum has reopened, we invite you into our new space to experience our fresh approaches, additions to the Collection, exhibitions, and educational programs. Does Pam have the museum board over a barrel, given all the board member remarks about all the money she brings in? This story is good work! 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. Open daily 11am6pm. What is happening at art museums? This is what was decided seven years ago, and it is the same today.. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. I would love to see a deep dive into the funding of the museum. 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. Pam Myers is fundamentally ill equipped for her role. 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 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. 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.. for dates. Imperious , high handed acts rarely work well. On view November 18 through March 20! Tickets are non-refundable. Open daily 11am6pm. Youre no longer a volunteer.. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. We hope youll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. Deja vu all over again! What, because I spoke up? she said. The Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. Chloe O'Laughlin, Harris Publishing. A salary of $167,000 of taxpayer funds could be partially allocated to the leadership of our schools. Saenger then polled the trustees. The Power Plant, a leading contemporary art space on Toronto's waterfront, has lost nearly its entire board of directors, with 24 out of 27 of its members resigning en masse earlier this week.The members who resigned have done so due to objections to the institution's management by an affiliated nonprofit organization, the Harbourfront Centre, and have called for the institution to be held . This is no joke. 'I Look at Her as a Hero' The Collection; . Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Staff are not and never have requested that the board acquiesce to a certain set of demands. 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. If her only merit is that of a fundraiser, perhaps additional questions should be asked. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. always works better. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. Rebel/Re-Belle: Exploring Gender, Agency, and Identity | Selections from the Asheville Art Museum and Rubell Museum combines works from two significant collections of contemporary art to explore how artists have innovated, influenced, interrogated, and inspired visual culture in the past 100 years. Richard Napier, Idaho Mountain Trading. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. The Disturbing Details Behind the Bird Flu and Egg Prices. If so, time for a review/investigation to assist the Board in seeing the light? I have also strictest the hell museum off my to do and support list. They garnered support from the city, county, and other government sources for renovation, but tax payer dollars do not have a stake in year to year operations to my knowledge. Our Museum needs us to speak for its health and future, now. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Why are so many who live here in the present so spineless? I am sad that the place I called my sanctuary and loved being at has been so tarnished. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. This. This is no way to run any organization, let alone a supposedly not for profit arts organization. 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. 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 Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability. Open daily 11am6pm. This story was originallypublishedbyAsheville Watchdog, an independent nonprofit news team serving Asheville and surrounding communities. Board members support the ADA's mission to be a leader and advocate for the vitality of downtown Asheville. What, because I spoke up? she said. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. This responsibility overrides all styleand After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. It is a distinct and dangerous part of the problem. What I find to be the most concerning is the salary of the director at approximately $167,000 of taxpayer funds. How could they even try with the firewall built around Pam? 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 . Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. Its an art museum of American art, thats its sole focus. Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. The Museum also offers a broad variety of innovative programs for all ages, including classes and workshops for adults, college students, children, and families; guided and group tours; concerts and performances; volunteer and docent programs; year-round and summer internship programs; film screenings; lectures and panel discussions; school and teacher programs; special events; and much more. My long time experience with organizations tells me that this situation will fester and not go away. Linda Kendall Fields is a resident of Fletcher, North Carolina and has been on the Asheville Music School Board of Directors since it became a non-profit organization in 2012. To be active partners contributing to quality of life and community. Founded Next Up Collectors in an effort to connect the next generation of art collectors to emerging artists, as well as to offer accessible resources and tools related to the art industry. It was just very upsetting to me.. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdog story appeared. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. 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 Asheville Art Museum The newly renovated Asheville Art Museum at night The Asheville Art Museum is a community-based nonprofit visual art organization in Western North Carolina (WNC) and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Pam should not have been in charge of day to day operations in 2015, and it is shocking that she still is. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. January 23, 2020 POSSIBLE REASONS BEHIND STUDENT VISA REJECTION. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. I have heard rumblings about the hostile work environment at AAM for years but I had no idea how bad it was/is. The salary is probably in line with what other people at that level get paid, and Im sure that there are more than enough private donations to cover her salary so that no tax-payer dollars are used. But that is how privilege rolls. 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. 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. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. In one email to Click, the chair of the human resources committee, and then board chair Butch Patrick, Weitzman wrote that fear of being fired has created a large morale deficit compounded by the inability to speak up., She asked for immediate action and wrote that there have been issues and concerns for a long period of time.. Thorough and revealing (and entertaining!). Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. 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 . Not the museum itself, just the board. The Museums expansion and renovation project has consisted of different carefully planned phases: renovation/preservation of the North Wing (1926 Pack Library building); demolition work on the Museums East Wing and core; and the construction of the new building and glass faade. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. 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. There are two sides to every story. I tried to stand in front of Pam. Thats absurd, Krider said. Last week, the letters in the museums sign were altered from Asheville Art Museum to A He ll Art Museum. Asheville Police spokesperson Samantha Booth said Wednesday she could not locate a police report on the vandalism. You said to me you will not stand down on this. A board that shuns this responsibility will lead to the demise of the organization. The entire Board is failing to uphold its responsibility and purpose by not taking the Museum employees and their advocates as their first priority. I recently found out that more than one employee that filed for unemployment during Covid (which the museum accepted) later had lawsuits filed against them by Lindsay and Pam to repay all the money they received because the museum forced everyone to work (many in person in the office) through the beginning of Covid leaving folks with kids, elderly and disabled with no way of earning money. As one of the employees who left in 2015 I can attest to the hostile, dysfunctional and toxic work environment. 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. In the spring of 2021, the board voted on the directors new contract. That Myers has brought in a lot of funding is great. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. You said to me you will not stand down on this. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. Weitzman was the only current trustee who agreed to be interviewed for the Watchdog investigative story and was quoted saying the museum looks really pretty on the outside. Workers are expendable. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. Foundation Directors Warren Stephens, Chair Ben Hussman, Vice-Chair George O'Connor, Treasurer Victoria Ramirez, Secretary John Ed Anthony Terri Erwin Michael Mayton Harriet Stephens It is up to staff and board to assess and address Museum health and not be complacent. I cant tell you how much I appreciate your support. Not hiring an experienced curator sure saves money! 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. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. We need your help to continue serving as a source of knowledge and inspiration during these uncertain times. This is a great example of how privilege protects itself. We need ethical and compassionate leadership from the Executive Director and Board. And AAM gets that money whether or not students go. 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. This is the inevitable -but alas very predictable- retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by the Asheville Watchdog expose. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out of attempts to do so. The KIA is a nonprofit, so the contract is public knowledge, but I am a friend of many of those who have left the museum and have been very supportive of them. As a Member, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits while providing vital support for the Museums engaging education programs and innovative exhibitions. / Photo by Mark-Ellis Bennett Mark-Ellis Bennett David Huff Creative View of the Jackson Building and City Hall from the museum's caf. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. Thanks for publication but from my experience in NYC museums are famous for being toxic. Learn More{{/message}}. Youre no longer a volunteer.. Below is a brief time lapse video of some of the demolition and rebuilding work that occurredat 2 South Pack Square in 2018. We want everyone to have access to our stories. 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