Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. Linda Kendall Fields (Chair) 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. Board of Trustees. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdog story appeared. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Come have a drink and experiment with art materials while connecting with your community! On view February 3May 29! Stan Hastings, President. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Youre no longer a volunteer.. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. I have also strictest the hell museum off my to do and support list. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. But, with the revelations coming from this and other articles, I now have to question my assumptions. 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. 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. The Bass Museum of Art opened in 1964 through the donation of a private collection by John and Johanna Bass to the City of Miami Beach. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. 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 is an age old story. Unpopular Opinion but Reality: Some Asheville artists have complained that the museum is inaccessible and unsupportive of local work. Weitzman, who until Tuesday had also been a volunteer docent leading tours of the museum, engaged in a pattern of disruptive behavior, Saenger said in the meeting. This should be more a group effort.. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. I do think people who are involved in extraneous things like the gift shop, if theyre truly unhappy, Im not sure I care.. Ms. Myers just doesnt seem to be very interested in finding out what that problem is, or correcting it. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. This is about Pam Myers lack of respect for her staff, poor management, and inability to be an effective leader. Boca Raton Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, marital status, national origin, citizenship, creed, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, age, veteran status, mental or . Asheville Watchdog now seems to be on a vendetta. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. This is abuse. asheville art museum board of directors asheville art museum board of directors. Clearly there has been a consistent and ongoing pattern of abuse of volunteers and employees by Ms. Myers, which quite frankly reads like nothing short of a reign of terror .very very bad public relations no matter how magnificent your prized glass edifice there in Pack Square is. 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. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. Find Us Location 2 South Pack Square Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 1717 Asheville, NC 28802-1717 Phone 828.253.3227 Art Inquiries Before Europeans arrived in North America, Indigenous societies were predominantly matrilineal. 0 404 4 minutes read. She and other current board members, as well as past board chairs, would only answer questions submitted in writing. What, because I spoke up? she said. [1] North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. 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. Artists for Asheville started this petition Two recent articles in the Asheville Watchdog have exposed how Pam Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum, has routinely mistreated Museum staff during her tenure, creating a culture of fear, retaliation, and high attrition that has twice been brought to the Museum's Board of Trustees. (828) 254-7162 DONATE ABOUT A majority of the museums board has remained steadfast to Myers, the museums director since 1995, despite complaints by former employees in 2015 and again in 2021. If this reader is interested in being even handed and balanced, where are the comments speaking to what is going on at the museum with its apparently comfortable complacent board, and an executive director who may be highly effective at raising money but who appears to not be qualified to manage people. Your involvement is essential, now and in the future. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. 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. . An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. Furthermore, Hamills ignorant comments about gift shops being extraneous just goes to show that leadership and the people they surround themselves with do not understand how museums work. People world-wide can now explore the Museums diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes. Phone (828) 254-7162 Email info@ashevillescience.org Participating member of the North Carolina Grassroots Science Museums collaborative with education funding by the North Carolina General Assembly. Written by Sally Kestin, Asheville Watchdog. 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.. 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 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. The outspoken employees were very courageous in attempting to shine light on an aggregious working conditions for a very underpaid staff. 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. The Museum, with the assistance of its volunteer docents and support from the Asheville Area Section of the American Institute of Architects, is proud to be a regional affiliate partner hosting the WNC Regional Scholastic Art Awards each year. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. 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.. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Asheville Art Museum 114 Literary, Art & Music Tours Art Museums Downtown Asheville By carriemjax The permanent collection had a broad variety, Jasper Jones to local Appalachian artists. One person objected to something to do with the theatre-how many did not object? I tried to stand in front of Pam. The board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myerss management style persisted. Something needs to be done now. Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Could she have told you in a less harsh way? It was not an attack.. We invite you to join us! 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. I have a feeling yall are going to regret your fumble here. We've recently sent you an authentication link. Inappropriate behavior? 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.. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. fillmore county journal police reports; zillow dixon, ca; january 26, 2004 moon sign; won the 1989 group of the year juno award codycross; ncis jack sloane baby daddy; can we eat jackfruit during . In fact, by the third story there were not even responses from the organization/board to the reporters inquiries. Employees spoke out because their attempt to bring about positive changes were unheard and ignored by Ms. Myers and other members in administration. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. I am really grateful to the employees and community members who are speaking out publicly. The Smithsonian's Advisory Boards provide advice, expertise, and assistance to the Institution's leadership on the widely diverse programs and operations of the Smithsonian. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. Sort of like Im shocked, shocked to see abusive behavior going on as someone walks up and says here are your (entitlement) winnings. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. But behind the facade, it gets ugly, an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. so we have no idea how or whom to speak to when we dont want to speak to Pam; were talking about no on-boarding so if we do get it wrong and get berated, we had no way of preparing; were talking about a complete lack of trust and order from the top down (can you imagine if you start your job with your boss immediately mistrusting you and treating you like garbage? Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. Every request was honored, Krider 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.. The Board of Trustees meets regularly throughout the year and hosts the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Annual Meeting which presents the institution's goals and showcases its accomplishments to stakeholders, members, and the community. This has nothing to do with taking constructive criticism for writing mistakes or annoyance for pitching in after events or programs. Those that dont agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Saenger responded in an Aug. 9 email that while it is important that trustees are informed as to staffing needs, etc., personal details are restricted by state and federal policy.. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. The permanent collection of more than 2,000 objects includes works from nationally known artists such as Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, George Inness, Arshile Gorky, Romare Bearden, Ed Ruscha, Jasper Johns Alex Katz, William Wiley, and Red Grooms. This is the inevitable -but alas very predictable- retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by the Asheville Watchdog expose. Buc-ees convenience store coming to Henderson County? 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The board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myers's management style persisted. To connect with us, please visit our Contact page. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Gary Cooper, Treasurer. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. Saenger responded in an Aug. 9 email that while it is important that trustees are informed as to staffing needs, etc., personal details are restricted by state and federal policy.. If so, its not a pretty picture. You may get billed for that. 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. And I am just appalled that a nonprofit could be run this way.. Stop making the executive director position a vanity position for an effective fundraiser, and assign the position to a real qualified director. 0 . It was dealt with in a combative way, Shull said. West oversaw the Frye Art Museum's expansion and renovation, which was designed by Rick Sundberg of Olson Sundberg Kundig . Join Us This Sunday for a Traditional Game Day. Since 2017, while construction has been ongoing, the museum's educational programs have continued without cessation, serving over 360,000 participants last year through programs on site at . No data on how many employees that worked at the AAM during the last 10 years who have not signed this mud-slinging article. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Does it have to come to that? Asheville Art Museum Exposed (@ashevilleartmuseumxposed) on Instagram. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. * Asheville Art Museum, Board of Trustees, 2012 - Present * High Museum of Art, Director's Circle, 2003 - 2006 * Marketing Director of various law firms in AZ, NY and ATL, 1997 -. My generals ..and my highly classified documents. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. The word used by three former staff is traumatic. , Both times, the board brought in an executive coach. Tribal art is an odd omission as the PMA goes to great lengths these days to include Native American people in their exhibition, but this is not Portland . Shall I bring my dull wit writ upon signage to the entrance to the museum to start protesting? Ive seen her wash the dishes after big events; she expected us to pitch in too. 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