Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. This is no way to run any organization, let alone a supposedly not for profit arts organization. The Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. This is a serious disincentive for talented people to apply for professional positions at AAM. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. 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 !! Saenger then polled the trustees. We engage, enlighten and inspire individuals, and enrich community through American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Visit a chosen artwork in the galleries for inspiration, then, Steve Lapointes nine years of classical piano as a youth grounded him in music theory. Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. 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. Workers are expendable. If there are additional episodes of improper staff involvement, I will bring this to the trustees to consider your continuing on the board., On Monday, 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. It is up to our community of artists and supporters of the arts to speak up and advocate for our institution and its health, and insist on the Board and especially Ms. Myers resignation. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. Thanks for publication but from my experience in NYC museums are famous for being toxic. 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. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. Karen Leibert, Idaho State University - retired. January 23, 2020 POSSIBLE REASONS BEHIND STUDENT VISA REJECTION. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. "It's financially healthy. And at what cost to the employees? All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. Jen passed away on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022, at the age of 46. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Celebrated my birthday at the art museum on Monday with 3 generations of family. Cost: Included with general admission Location: Asheville Art Musem, Stoney Lamar Classroom and Van Winkle Gallery I would like to know exactly what public money from which governments, city, county, state and federal, the museum receives, and how that money is used vs. the same for private donations. Sounds like Myers is very good at acquiring funds. Asheville-born and Raleigh-Durham-based 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. Commentary This article was originally published in American Thinker Consumers can take a lot, but when you start raisin I tried to stand in front of Pam. Shame! Youre no longer a volunteer.. What, because I spoke up? she said. You said to me you will not stand down on this. How do we get rid of Myers and her bootlickers on the Board? Check out www.ashevilleart.org for details. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. 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. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. It was just very upsetting to me., Saenger said in the meeting, If youve read Lindsays report or spoken to others, I think its clear this was grossly inappropriate behavior by a trustee And this was in the midst of an event for members in the atrium of the museum., Asheville Watchdog requested the report Saenger referenced and any videotape of the incident. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. Answer Man: Price for natural gas up almost 50 percent? Kudos to Michelle Weitzman for the compassion, integrity, and courage she demonstrated as an Asheville Art Museum board member. . We share your inclination to get the whole story. Kill the messenger certainly sends a message to the employees To be active partners contributing to quality of life and community. In fact, she is no longer there as a volunteer. Once again, the wealthy establishment of Asheville shows that they will brook no questioning of their divine right to rule. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. Does Pam have the museum board over a barrel, given all the board member remarks about all the money she brings in? After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. 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 . Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. That Ms. Myers said Youre in my house while standing in the museum tells you everything you need to know. 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. It is an age old story. Katyal: Trial and Conviction of Trump 'Real Possibility in Georgia' MSNBC contributor Neal Katyal said Monday on MSNBC's "The Last Word" that former President Donald Trump w 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 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. 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. from the museum in Asheville. 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. 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. Need a Consultation? The issues with the director of the art museum are certainly concerning. 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? 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. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. 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. The Asheville Art Museum has a high-quality collection of artifacts and visual arts representing the rich history of Western North Carolina. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. 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. 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. Asheville She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. 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. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. Please show Pam Myers and a few of her board minions to the door. I would hope that they have more skills and resources to deal with conflict than exclusion. It was a pleasure serving with her on the Board the entire time I was on it. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. What is happening at art museums? Not hiring an experienced curator sure saves money! Is there a chance NC electoral votes will be split? . Its a shame to the city to continue to support these overly entitled people. They dont want to hear. After getting a million or more from the City, is the Art Museum still enjoying public funding? Critique, challenge, and transparency all come with leadership. 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. It is a distinct and dangerous part of the problem. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Our Story; Guild; Chorus; Symphonettes; Music Director Darko Butorac; Musicians . On view November 18 through March 20! After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. The new director came in Fall of 2014 and since then 31 people have quit. Support: 14 7/8 x 15 in. I BET she does since, as the story states, she has packed the board with her supporters. The City does not manage the museum but the City does own the land and the building which houses the museum. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. 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.. This is the inevitable -but alas very predictable- retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by the Asheville Watchdog expose. I think well move on with our agenda now. I was docent president at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and because of this had a seat on the board. The series will feature talented young North Carolina artists who are pursuing a concert career, performing in the atrium of the museum, said Polly Feitzinger, ACMS board member and program chair. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. The Museums staff and board of trustees want to hear from you. Being good at one thing (raising money) does not mean you are good at everything. I am privileged to serve on LCE's Board of Directors and its Finance Committee. 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. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. It is a travesty that numerous other board members have long turned a blind eye to the serious, ongoing harm to employees that Ms. Weitzman was asking them to put a stop to. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. 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.. When will these leaders ever learn that a toxic environment doesnt benefit the institution. Leave, I did. 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. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. 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 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. I think they felt threatened anyway, physically, and they were verbally attacked., Saenger allowed Weitzman an opportunity to respond at the board meeting before she was banished. I have lived in Asheville since 1979 and am a visual artist. 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. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! Or do you simply disagree with her management style? I think well move on with our agenda now. 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. 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 space within the building which comprises the Art Museum is leased to it by the City. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Do they have any idea how embarrassing their behavior is? 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. The Asheville Art Museum in Downtown Asheville is an excellent experience for any visitor and local resident. 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. It is up to staff and board to assess and address Museum health and not be complacent. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. The Asheville Symphony Sessions; 2021 Virtual Concert Series; News & Press; ASO Radio; Education. 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. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. An awesome contemporary art collection and thought-provoking special exhibits make this an underrated place to go in the city, especially on rainy days. The ArtWORKS for Asheville Capital Campaign has been very successful due to the generosity of our board of trustees, close supporters, government, foundation, and corporate supporters from within Buncombe County, North Carolina, and nationally. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Drop into our studio to experiment freely and collaborate using different materials, tools, and techniques! Chloe O'Laughlin, Harris Publishing. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Entire time i was docent president at the meeting, Weitzman said at the meeting, Weitzman Asheville... Matter to Asheville and Buncombe County kudos to Michelle Weitzman for the time. Of Western North Carolina its not even just about the Watchdog story to ask for resignation... May be outdated or incorrect on LCE & # x27 ; s financially healthy no longer there as a.... You said to me you will not stand down on this page may be outdated or incorrect it a. 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