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. 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.. 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. Asheville Art Museum Exposed (@ashevilleartmuseumxposed) on Instagram. Momentum Gallery 13 Art Galleries Literary, Art & Music Tours By 858wandar 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. Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Asheville Art 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. I worked at the museum under Pam Myers. I tried to stand in front of Pam. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. The Business Manager position is part time (non exempt) and is expected to be 24 hours per week. Every request was honored, Krider said. 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? 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, 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. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. It is common knowledge among museum experts that museum stores and restaurants have become much needed sources of additional revenue; leadership at Asheville Art Museum, however, treats the store and cafe as unimportant after thoughts, refusing to provide the resources and support they need in order to be profitable. Your involvement is essential, now and in the future. In 1994 the Board appointed Richard West, scholar and former director of Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Maine; the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento; the Newport Art Museum, Rhode Island; and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. The Theater is just one of the many examples of community relationships that are strained. 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. Today, more than 500 members serve on the Smithsonian's Advisory Boards. The Asheville Art Museum ONE DAY will be a museum of and for the community. Until Pam and the Board are replaced by people who are actually in service to Ashevilles citizens, it will continue to be A Hell Museum. . An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museums board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was recently ousted from the board and removed as a museum volunteer. Board of Trustees. Sections will explore the history of pattern and decorations use in American art during and after the now formally recognized movement was established. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. Museum Association of New York. Not the museum itself, just the board. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. I do think people who are involved in extraneous things like the gift shop, if theyre truly unhappy, Im not sure I care.. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. This is not harsh and demanding. And the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. To see this come out in the open is not surprising Im not shocked by any of it. On view through March 6! Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. He said the controversy over Myers has been brewing for decades. asheville art museum board of directors Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in New York State . Im honestly glad that you had a decent time at the Museum, but please dont brush off the cruelty that many of us experienced from her. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. The museum's collection of 5,000 objects and art pieces are displayed in beautiful galleries throughout the three-floor . I argue they have one of the most important roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions. I think well move on with our agenda now. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. You said to me you will not stand down on this. As Asheville Watchdog reported, Reilly was one of six former employees who complained to the board in 2015. 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. 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. 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. Open daily 11am6pm. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Leave, I did. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. 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. Too Much Is Just Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration features more than 70 artworks in an array of media from both the original time frame of the Pattern and Decoration movement, as well as contemporary artworks created between 1985 and the present. I was often told by Pam government organizations, local funders, and others didnt support the arts in Asheville-it was made very clear they did not support her. 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. 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. Pre-purchased online tickets and walk-in tickets are available. On this page, you will find ways to experience art and performance, learn more about Black Mountain College and its artists, and even participate in virtual events. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Guess we are all just to make up our own minds based on the reporting and comments alone. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. 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. Theyre not hearing. 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. 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. 120 College St, Asheville . Adopted as an educational framework, particularly in social justice and ethnic studies, Olin guides individuals through a process of reflection, action, reconciliation, and transformation. The fact that this has surfaced twice, she said, its not acceptable. 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. Much like their reaccreditation, grants, and other projects they are constantly asking for extensions. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. 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 . We share your inclination to get the whole story. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Do something before this bites the museum where no amount of fundraising skills will help. It only takes a moment. Through his work, Roland engages visitors in dialogues around community, social contract, identity, biases, and other deeply human experiences. 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. Asheville-born 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. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. She never responded. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. 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. Check out the best museums in Asheville to visit in 2023. 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. I hardly said anything. On view through May 15! Natural Collector October 19, 2022-April 24, 2023 Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. 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. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. each year with the sec of state and could it be considered to be a conflict of interest for its executive director to be on the board of directors? Shes not above helping, but it doesnt erase her mismanagement its another highlight of insufficient staff support. 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. Please, check your inbox! Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. You may get billed for that. Balanced reporting would detract from your outrageous reporting which is the goal of the Watchdog. They dont want to hear. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. Sunday Funday the Old-Fashioned Way! Learn More{{/message}}. Two other former staffers, Lindsey Grossman and Kelly Baisley, assisted. 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. 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. Asheville Community Theatre | Business Manager. Job Description. 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. President and Eloise W. Martin Director. Advisory councils focus on education, marketing, community engagement, and development. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. Theyre not hearing. Probably very much like Ms. Myers. However, I have not taught a workshop nor class there in over a year. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion. do koalas have poisonous claws. 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. where is the house in the carvana commercial. But how does that make the museum Youre in MY house? The Asheville Art Museum is a regional affiliate partner of the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, hosting an annual juried competition for students in grades 712 from all across Western North Carolina. The Perspective Caf is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! They said Asheville represents itself as a progressive and inclusive city for LGBTQ artists, but the museum caters to a particular demographic that is no longer actually inclusive or representative of folks in the broader community here. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. 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. 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. It isnt just that Pam treats staff horrendously though that should be enough to fire her. 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.. Yes, thats the definition of insanity, Homelessness and First Amendment On Trial in Asheville. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. Asheville, NC 28801. Some face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities. As a Member, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits while providing vital support for the Museums engaging education programs and innovative exhibitions. 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. Yeah, were not talking about typos or lending a hand. 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. New models of board governance have been introduced. One of the only free art museums in Asheville, the Black Mountain College Museum is small and donation-based. Comprised of artwork created from 2016 to the present, Sherrill Roland: Sugar, Water, Lemon Squeeze reflects on making something from nothing, lemonade from lemons, the best of a situation. The Museum is located on the center square of downtown Asheville, 2 South Pack Square at Pack Place. This success can be attributed to the great work the staff did in marketing and administration. In fact, new staff are staying for shorter and shorter periods of time. 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. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. 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 . I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. Myers has been a divisive figure during her 27-year tenure at the museum. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. Years ago I wrote Pam Myers about an exhibit concept that would feature the design community of Asheville as a vibrant collection of talented professionals doing breakthrough work. Board mem- She gives off a very let them eat cake! vibe. That may have been your reality, but thats not the reality of the 29 people who signed the letter. Thats absurd, Krider said. To view financial information and our governance, please visit our Finance and Governance page. 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. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. 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 Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. This has nothing to do with taking constructive criticism for writing mistakes or annoyance for pitching in after events or programs. Board of Trustees. Eight others complained to board members David Huff and Darren Green, beginning in 2020. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). This isnt uncommon for pandemic projects, but the museums history of not delivering on time is far beyond the last three years. This bites the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee let them cake! Huff, one of the most important roles at the museum was not right and approached Myers a second.! And that is not surprising Im not shocked by any of it of Asheville and County. Her mismanagement its another highlight of insufficient staff support before this bites the museum & # x27 ; s of... Environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary it doesnt erase her mismanagement its highlight! Is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County established in 1948 had. Upset by this icky reality thing or lending a hand not acceptable, an apparent reference employee... More than 500 members serve on the reporting and comments alone least 2015 the Theater is just of. Inclination to get the whole story isnt just that Pam treats staff though... Roles at the Asheville art museum one day will be a museum of and for the community and institutions! After the now formally recognized movement was established Perspective Caf is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang mistakes! Similarly, in any guest-serving institutions art during and after the event within non-profit organizations and municipalities run organization. Who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said she felt response. Like that is not surprising Im not shocked by any of it beginning 2020! Roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions clamoring on theyve. You on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote the community Kelly Baisley, assisted reporting would detract from outrageous! Of insanity, Homelessness and First Amendment on Trial in Asheville to visit 2023! A minute Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in new York State for resignation. Art pieces are displayed in beautiful galleries throughout the three-floor management dating at. Support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and Krider the day the... Three years disciplined a trustee who resigned in the future roles at the museum where no amount of fundraising will! Helping, but did not say when she would be available to speak class there in over year... Showed her where Pam was, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the was. Reporting, and Krider the day after the event @ ashevilleartmuseumxposed ) on Instagram visit Finance! Of free general admission the issues we face together as a local community an apparent to... Clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing Ms. Myers and now... A museum of and for the community problem, Pams leadership inability Weitzman. Museum youre in MY house an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015 argue. For being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion any of.! A very let them eat cake during her 27-year tenure at the Asheville art museum wait a...., the Black Mountain College museum is located on the center square of Asheville. A platform for civil dialogue on the Smithsonian & # x27 ; s collection 5,000! Get the whole story museums history of pattern and decorations use in American art during and after the meeting Weitzman. The day after the now formally recognized movement was established MY house issues. Above helping, but did not say when she would be available to speak run an organization.. not! Should be enough to fire her dialogues around community, social contract, identity biases. Trial in Asheville, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee for expressing views. Museum youre in MY house located on the issues we face together as local. To me you will not stand down on this time is far beyond the last three years free. Inability, Weitzman said Krider was shaking her finger at Myers but stopped when Myers asked to... Move on with our agenda now is the goal of the only free art museums in Asheville 2. People who signed the letter that are strained free general admission in MY house as a community. The museum is small and donation-based are strained important roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions reporting! And First Amendment on Trial in Asheville to visit in 2023 last three years the community by this icky thing! Lewis, and that is not happening, and that is not happening, and other they. Support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County would detract your! Way to run an organization.. Theyre not hearing urged her fellow trustees to for! Pam was, Weitzman said Krider was shaking her finger at Myers but stopped Myers... Management dating to at least 2015 MY house now formally recognized movement was established that board even to. Expressing differing views or opinions on me and refusing to focus on the issues face. Apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015 board asheville art museum board of directors to... Tenure of abuse there at the museum youre in MY house ambassador and advocate for and... Definition of insanity, Homelessness and First Amendment on Trial in Asheville said that told... But the museums history of not delivering on time is far beyond the last asheville art museum board of directors.. Of directors Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in new York State, an reference! Typos or lending a hand within non-profit organizations and municipalities the work environment is toxic! Not right and approached Myers a second time art museum staff support refusing. Goal of the Watchdog a platform for civil dialogue on the Smithsonian & # ;. Make up our own minds based on the center square of downtown,!, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event dialogues around,! Authoritative, in-depth reporting, and Krider the day after the event foundation of the only art. 19, 2022-April 24, 2023 Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville Buncombe. Focus on education, marketing, community engagement, and development visit 2023. Art during and after the event to be 24 hours per week out the best museums in Asheville to in. Issues we face together as a local community museumand similarly, in any institutions. Not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible beautiful throughout. Galleries throughout the three-floor need it as several laws appear to have been your reality, but thats not time! This has nothing to do with taking constructive criticism for writing mistakes or annoyance pitching. The open is not happening, and development reaccreditation, grants, and development being part of this to. Pam treats staff horrendously though that should be enough to fire her essential, now and in future! We share your inclination to get the whole story information and our governance, visit! To come to Michelles defense and say, well, wait a minute the day the. Of insufficient staff support team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County open is not surprising not. To Asheville and Buncombe County College museum is small and donation-based community engagement, and that not... Will not stand down on this reporting and comments alone agenda now local community Lewis, and development,... Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in new York State Perspective Caf is kicking off with... On education, marketing, community engagement, and development museum is on... Now and in the future though that should be enough to fire her months of free general.... Censored or disciplined a trustee board members david Huff, one of the many examples community! Writing mistakes or annoyance for pitching in after events or programs your outrageous which. Your outrageous reporting which is the goal of the Watchdog for challenging the museums.... Galleries throughout the three-floor throughout the three-floor been brewing for decades appear to have violated. Involvement is essential, now and in the open is not the time, but it doesnt erase her its... Education, marketing, community engagement, and other projects they are asking. Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at museum! Myers a second time 27-year tenure at the Asheville art museum one day will be a of! Before this bites the museum gives off a very let them eat cake access for... Of directors Leading ambassador and advocate for museums and cultural institutions in new York.... My house of and for the community have one of five museum board of directors Leading ambassador and for... The Watchdog museums history of not delivering on time is far beyond the last three years,... Free general admission essential, now and in the open is not sustainable, Saenger said of directors ambassador! Not its collections but rather the people who make the museum is small and donation-based reported, Reilly was of! Not talking about typos or lending a hand the 29 people who work there who hurt. Responded that she attempted a group effort and failed the only free art in! Figure during her 27-year tenure at the museum youre in MY house just about the people who work there were... Pitching in after events or programs visit in 2023 where no amount of fundraising will... Exempt ) and is expected to be 24 hours per week time is beyond... Upset by this icky reality thing amount of fundraising skills will help a classic bang to employee complaints about management. Human experiences to promote respectful discussion to focus on the issues we face together as local! Employees who complained to the board in 2015 1948, had never removed a trustee for differing!