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. But that is how privilege rolls. 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 top-down arrogance (Youre in my house) is appalling and is too typical of what happens when a former backwater city gains some fame, albeit largely through tourism. Admission is charged for non-members. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. This sounds EXACTLY like the art museum I used to work for. The nine-member board manages the endowment's investments, supporting ongoing operations and growth, and oversees art acquisitions and care of the collection. 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. Saenger then polled the trustees. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. Who can clean up the Asheville Art Museum? Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. 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. I am aghast at some of the comments on the recent articles, as well as those from current AAM board members. 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. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. / Photo by Mark-Ellis Bennett Mark-Ellis Bennett David Huff Creative View of the Jackson Building and City Hall from the museum's caf. An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museums board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was ousted from the board Tuesday and removed as a museum volunteer. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. If not, there is the sound of inevitability in this story of potentially escalating to a whole new level, with a lot more attention than the museum or board would appreciate. Thats a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. from the museum in Asheville. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Some art lovers thank their lucky stars for Meyers. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. We need your help to continue serving as a source of knowledge and inspiration during these uncertain times. Pam Myers is fundamentally ill equipped for her role. 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. . Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. 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. Thats not common practice. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. This story is good work! Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Please check the salaries of public school principals in Asheville and Buncombe County for comparison. 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. She was a beloved mother, sister . The first floor had minimal art, just some in the lobby and framed photography. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Theyre not hearing. Rep. Hudson Introduces National Reciprocity of Concealed Carry. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. Do we only care about rectifying injustices from long ago? 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. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. However, I have not taught a workshop nor class there in over a year. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. I would like to also point out that the Museum has not had an official Curator since shortly after reopening in 2019. 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. The entire Board is failing to uphold its responsibility and purpose by not taking the Museum employees and their advocates as their first priority. 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. Commentary This article was originally published in American Thinker Consumers can take a lot, but when you start raisin . Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. 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. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Yes, It Stinks, Information About Holiday Water Failures Is Trickling Out, as Asheville Officials Meet in Private. 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. I hardly said anything. 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.. To create a vibrant environment for the arts and artists. Inappropriate behavior? Certainly should not be punished for it ! Please, check your inbox! Sounds like Myers is very good at acquiring funds. The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability. Do Pam Myers and the museum have any self-awareness at all? Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. The Asheville Symphony Sessions; 2021 Virtual Concert Series; News & Press; ASO Radio; Education. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Youre no longer a volunteer.. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. This is what was decided seven years ago, and it is the same today.. 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. It was just very upsetting to me.. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. 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. 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. 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. 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. For the record, I am canceling my membership. Sherrill Roland November 18, 2022-March 20, 2023 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 That Ms. Myers said Youre in my house while standing in the museum tells you everything you need to know. Do they have any idea how embarrassing their behavior is? I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. Asheville Art Museum. 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? Is there a record of how many employees have quit over the past 3-5 years? The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Wish I had a membership so I could cancel it! The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. Visit our Facebook gallery to see photos of the construction process. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Ste.230, Austin TX 78759 Store Cart ; Toggle search Toggle navigation. Subscribe to our free Asheville Watchdog news alerts. Reports by employees of mistreatment, and authoritarian management should always be regarded and investigated. The building is beautiful. Open daily 11am6pm. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 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. I was active in the discussions during the founding of Pack Place and have been a close observer and frequent critic of the Asheville Art Museum since the Civic Center basement days. 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. It is lazy. Those that dont agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely. 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. Kerry Martin, Community Volunteer. Really good health insurance. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. development, and promotion of craft titles and art gallery books. 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. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. Its all about money. 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. Great coverage, thanks for exposing the toxic environment. A few wine-drunk, middle-aged ladies bickering back and forth is the most hostile situation youve ever been in? All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. To connect with us, please visit our Contact page. 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. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. Having been a consultant to dozens of major medical centers, large and small hospitals; as an active member of various boards; as an active supporter of the Asheville Art Museum for 19 years and a retired AAM board member; and along with my spouse substantial donors of funds and art , I am distressed and appalled over the treatment of Michelle Weitzman ,as revealed in this article. Also, while it may be true that toxicity exists in many museums and nonprofits, it is wholly unacceptable to settle for the status quo. Wonder if the job description for director of finance and operations includes wine glass removal. The space within the building which comprises the Art Museum is leased to it by the City. 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. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. I have heard rumblings about the hostile work environment at AAM for years but I had no idea how bad it was/is. The new director came in Fall of 2014 and since then 31 people have quit. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. And the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing. Why are so many who live here in the present so spineless? To schedule a group tour please contact us at info@blackmountaincollege.org. To be banished from the palace on Park Square seems to be a common pathway. 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. And AAM gets that money whether or not students go. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. We hope you give us a chance and whitelist our website. This is a serious disincentive for talented people to apply for professional positions at AAM. I am a former AAM member, but gave up donating awhile back when the staff turnover showed that the negative work environment was effecting the entire institution. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. We are the only nonprofit visual arts museum serving all 24 counties in Western North Carolina. 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. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. It is a distinct and dangerous part of the problem. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. "It's financially healthy. Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdogstory appeared. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. 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. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. 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/. 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