He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. 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. This is one octogenarian who maybe shouldnt have access to a computer, or at the very least remember to click next when reviewing the states list of documents. If youre able, please consider supporting the Museum through a donation; by becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership; or by shopping or purchasing a gift card in the Museum Store. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. * 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 -. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Something needs to be done now. Christine Del Re seems to be taking a rather defensive posture, and an unbalanced one at that, while distracting from the problems at the museum. Ive kind of found myself in a situation of traveling and taking my work outside of the city to be able to make a living with it, and that is with the privilege of a university degree and a local culture that already privileges white artists., Maurer, 23, said UNCA trains students for a museum-centered career, but the museum caters to artists that are not based in Asheville and then takes that work and redirects it towards tourists., The museum was founded in 1948 by local artists. 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. More than two dozen former employees of the Asheville Art Museum have signed a letter calling for the removal of the longtime executive director and an end to what they describe as a culture of fear and toxic leadership., The letter, signed by 29 ex-staffers, said mistreatment of staff as reported by Asheville Watchdog requires the museums board to do their duty and remove Pam Myers immediately in order to protect the current and future health and viability of the Institution., An online petition also went up Tuesday morning, calling on artists to support the museum staff and Myerss removal, and start the process of reestablishing trust and transparency with our entire community.. 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 all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Is there not something to this? Huff said. If there are additional episodes of improper staff involvement, I will bring this to the trustees to consider your continuing on the board., On 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. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. Sort of like Im shocked, shocked to see abusive behavior going on as someone walks up and says here are your (entitlement) winnings. Eight others complained to board members David Huff and Darren Green, beginning in 2020. The governing body for both the museum and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this group of highly dedicated individuals bring their wide-ranging expertise to ensure the institution as a whole remains responsible and vital to those it serves. 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. How tone deaf to use the term Cancel Culture here, in Asheville! Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. Where is that information and why not presented here? You question balance in the reporting and note, One person objected to something to do with the theatre-how many did not object? I believe you miss the point or the reporters intent. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Ive seen her wash the dishes after big events; she expected us to pitch in too. The selection of objects displayed illustrates how Breslers eye for collecting craft not only draws attention to nature and artists interest in it, but also accentuates her role as a natural collector with an intuitive ability to identify themes and ideas that speak to one another. 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. Do something before this bites the museum where no amount of fundraising skills will help. In that time has there been any kind of official response from the organization, its board or director? Posted on 26 Feb in delores winans grandchildren. The Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. 0 404 4 minutes read. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. (828) 258-1262. moogseum.org. In fact, new staff are staying for shorter and shorter periods of time. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out, the petition said. Theyre not hearing. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in New York State . Much like their reaccreditation, grants, and other projects they are constantly asking for extensions. Randy Shull, a prominent Asheville artist who served on the museums board for about 10 years, said he and his wife stopped donating to the museum over Myerss handling of a dispute around 2014 with the Diana Wortham Theater over space the two organizations shared in a cultural center called Pack Place. This is not harsh and demanding. Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization Introduction Museum boards are facing increased concern about accountability. Thats absurd, Krider said. Nonprofit journalism in the public interest. 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. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. Some Asheville artists have complained that the museum is inaccessible and unsupportive of local work. Advisory Board members help ensure the success of the individual museums and centers. Never had any direct interaction with her but this article helps make more sense of why it seemed like such an unhappy place. Christina Carr, an AAM member, serves on the board of the Museum Trustee Association and co-chairs the fundraising advisory board at the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. The fact that this has surfaced twice, she said, its not acceptable. I think well move on with our agenda now. Do we only care about rectifying injustices from long ago? The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdogstory appeared. The first story about the Art Museum, its board, and its director appeared more than a month ago. Learn More{{/message}}. 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. 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. 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. For what it is worth, my observation is that departmental staff come and go frequently. Could she have told you in a less harsh way? This success can be attributed to the great work the staff did in marketing and administration. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. I love when TheRump ends with that you always know more bad news is inevitably on the way. 2023 Officers Jamie Winderbaum FernandezChair Cathy GrantVice Chair Penny VinikVice Chair Tom HochhauslerTreasurer Kenneth PagesSecretary Dianne JacobPast Chair 2023 Board of Trustees Allison Casper Adams Belinda Alexander Pat Carter Sandra [] Press tab to enter the menus and then use your arrow keys, enter, and escape to use the menus. Its an embarrassment. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director Executive Committee Paul Lentz Saenger, Chair Kevin Click, Vice Chair Butch Patrick, Immediate Past Chair Julia Peterson, Secretary Karen Praytor, Treasurer Staff Directory and Contact Board of Trustees Tami Bebber Robert Benites Courtney Blossman Chris Cavanaugh Carolyn Coward Betsy Cunagin Paula Dawkins Lei Han I worked at the museum under Pam Myers. The Theater is just one of the many examples of community relationships that are strained. Contact - Asheville Art Museum Home > Contact Contact Use the form below for general questions, or scroll down to connect with us for more specific inquiries. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. 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. Given these extreme circumstances and the weight of whats happening inside that museum, it is clear they are continuing to choose one person over the health of the institution, Reilly said. We've recently sent you an authentication link. We hope youll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. Through his work, Roland engages visitors in dialogues around community, social contract, identity, biases, and other deeply human experiences. That Myers has brought in a lot of funding is great. [1] This week, we caught up with Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. 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. A total of at least 60 employees left during that time, said Candace Reilly, an ex-employee who organized the letter and gathered signatures. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. The Perspective Caf is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! . Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. 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.. Xpress needs help, too. 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? Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. Median Annual Salary: More than $86,480 ($41.58/hour) Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $53,780 ($25.86/hour) Bottom 10% Annual Salary: More than $27,190 ($13.07/hour) Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017. The Asheville Art Museum is committed to being an active leader against racism. None responded by our deadline Tuesday. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. Perhaps the site hasnt been updated. Roger McCredie January 8, 2015. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. At the Asheville Art Museum, the gift shop and the Front Desk were one and the same, meaning that those employees were front-facing and interacted with guests and served as the first impression to the Museum. His reason had something to with the theater it could have been anything. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. asheville art museum board of directors Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. 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 ( The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. 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. Why some people in the public would do this, she said, I think they have no standing. Glass works and mix media. I have also strictest the hell museum off my to do and support list. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. Shes also bad at her job i.e. 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. Asheville Art Museum Art Exhibit: RAUSCHENBERG: A Gift in Your Pocket Mar 1 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center Asheville Gallery of Art "Awakenings" Group Show Mar 1 @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Asheville Gallery of Art Luzene Hill: Revelate Mar 1 @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Asheville Art Museum Advisory councils focus on education, marketing, community engagement, and development. 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. 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. Board of Directors - American Alliance of Museums Skip to content The following menu has 3 levels. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. . Some face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities. Job Description. Trustees, who serve voluntarily, are passionate advocates for the mission and vision of the Frist Art Museum. becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership. Not the museum itself, just the board. 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.. 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. Apologies! Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. Time for an even closer look at this situation. It is compliance and should fall to the CFO or COOin this case the same individualthe museum was under an extension when I arrived and remained so when I left. This is no joke. Momentum Gallery 13 Art Galleries Literary, Art & Music Tours By 858wandar 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 !! I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. This is abuse. Two other former staffers, Lindsey Grossman and Kelly Baisley, assisted. The Asheville Art Museum ONE DAY will be a museum of and for the community. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Home / Uncategorized / asheville art museum board of directors. Oh, and I love the quote.. Youre in my house. .reminds me of another psychopath were all unfortunately all too familiar with. // Photo credit: Lindsey Grossman. Supporters credit Myers with taking the museum from the basement of the Asheville Civic Center to the glistening anchor of downtown that it is today, and with overseeing a capital campaign that raised more than $30 million. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. You said to me you will not stand down on this. As has been echoed again and again, there is a fierce and ugly disconnect between Pam and her supporters and the community. Inappropriate behavior? 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. Pottery by Eugene Since 1986 ceramic artists Rosa and Winton Eugene have created fine and functional pottery that often addresses important topics such as race. I tried to stand in front of Pam. It was dealt with in a combative way, Shull said. 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. Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct a sources error in a quote about the museum where Myers worked before Asheville. MICHELLE CROUCH, North Carolina Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 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. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut . Asheville Community Theatre | Business Manager. What, because I spoke up? she said. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Gary Cooper, Treasurer. 1,000+ Events. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. "We wanted the building to be . 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