Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. Hamill said she was unmoved by the employee complaints detailed by Asheville Watchdog. Was an intern at the museum a few years back, the toxic work culture permeates all the way down. But behind the facade, it gets ugly, an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. And I am just appalled that a nonprofit could be run this way.. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. Myers has been a divisive figure during her 27-year tenure at the museum. 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. Asheville Community Theatre | Business Manager. Through his work, Roland engages visitors in dialogues around community, social contract, identity, biases, and other deeply human experiences. That may have been your reality, but thats not the reality of the 29 people who signed the letter. 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. Probably very much like Ms. Myers. Advisory councils focus on education, marketing, community engagement, and development. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Monica Krider, a real estate agent, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a real estate agent and a museum member. You may get billed for that. The Theater is just one of the many examples of community relationships that are strained. Buc-ees convenience store coming to Henderson County? Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. West oversaw the Frye Art Museum's expansion and renovation, which was designed by Rick Sundberg of Olson Sundberg Kundig . 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 board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myerss management style persisted. Subscribe to our free Asheville Watchdog news alerts. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut . Guess we are all just to make up our own minds based on the reporting and comments alone. 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 Museum is located on the center square of downtown Asheville, 2 South Pack Square at Pack Place. In that time has there been any kind of official response from the organization, its board or director? No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. The fact that this has surfaced twice, she said, its not acceptable. I look at her as a hero, said Judy Hamill, a museum donor. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. I did not sign the letter or go on record with Watchdog because I am afraid of retaliation from Pam and the board members who are in active leadership roles in this community. Eight others complained to board members David Huff and Darren Green, beginning in 2020. Enrich your involvement with the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members. 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. 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. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. Heres a woman whos done a tremendous amount for the community, has actually put Asheville on the map.. [1] 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. 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 Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Board of Trustees. 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. I worked at the museum under Pam Myers. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. I argue they have one of the most important roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions. Yeah, were not talking about typos or lending a hand. I know its not very politically correct, Hamill said. David Menconi. MICHELLE CROUCH, North Carolina Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. The Business Manager manages all tracking of financial data; provides financial and administrative support to the Managing Director. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. It is time for us, artists and arts professionals of Asheville and surrounding regions, to do what the Board of Trustees has been unable to accomplish as a body: collectively and publicly voice our care for the Museum staff, advocate for them and the Museums future, and call for the removal of Pam Myers as Executive Director.. Who can clean up the Asheville Art Museum? Revelate builds upon Hills investigation of pre-contact cultures. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Shall I bring my dull wit writ upon signage to the entrance to the museum to start protesting? 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. Will the Board continue to sit on their hands while this environment is allowed to fester? 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. 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. We want everyone to have access to our stories. The most recent dates shown on the N.C. Sec of State site is 2020. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! Boca Raton Museum of Art prides itself on our excellent, diverse, staff of talented professionals. 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. Theyre so thin-skinned.. 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.. Ms. Myers just doesnt seem to be very interested in finding out what that problem is, or correcting it. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. Asheville Watchdog requested comment from Myers, Board Chair Paul Saenger, and past chairs, Butch Patrick and Linda Andrews. The museum, Hamill pointed out, is a nonprofit institution accountable to the Board of Trustees. (251) 208-7508, 111 South Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602 Mobile Museum of Art (251)208-5200, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile, AL Troy Pioneer Museum of Alabama (334)566-3597, 248 Highway 231 N, Troy, AL Tuscaloosa Children's Hands-On Museum (205)349-4239, 2213 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL Paul W. Bryant Museum 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. The Best of Asheville: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour By Travel Curious - Asheville City Tours 2-3 hours Experience all that Asheville has to offer with a private 2.5-hour highlights tour led by an experienced local guide who Free cancellation from $170.00 per adult Reserve Travelers talk about " permanent collection " (10 reviews) " black mountain 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. How out of touch & elitist. 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. 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 She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Its just like, Wow, finally., Shull said he would like to see Myers retire and be celebrated for all that shes done and have a clean slate for the community to attract a really good director with significant talent that reflects the values that Asheville projects.. 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. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass. To be balanced, the reporter quoted two museum donors, one who defended the museum and gave her reasons, and one who stopped supporting the museum and gave his reasons. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. 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. One of the only free art museums in Asheville, the Black Mountain College Museum is small and donation-based. Every request was honored, Krider said. Capes constructed of mylar burst with energy and rustle with subtle sound, the shining material a signifier of care, awareness, displacement, and presence. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. 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. Pre-purchased online tickets and walk-in tickets are available. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. 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. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. This is abuse. In fact, new staff are staying for shorter and shorter periods of time. 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. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. 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. 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. Leaves me wondering what nerve was touched that sent this reader into such a defensive stance. 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 Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. So California Woke values complainer got the boot for causing problems. Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out, the petition said. Asheville Art Museum. You said to me you will not stand down on this. 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. There were absurd breaches of my personal and professional boundaries. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. 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. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. It was not an attack.. This isnt uncommon for pandemic projects, but the museums history of not delivering on time is far beyond the last three years. They dont want to hear. 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. Advisory Board members help ensure the success of the individual museums and centers. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Something needs to be done now. 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 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. On view through March 20! 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 Asheville Art Museum is committed to being an active leader against racism. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. 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.. 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. Aug 2016 - Present6 years 7 months. 990 statements can be interesting. Sunday Funday the Old-Fashioned Way! I chalk it up to there being better opportunities for staff elsewhere. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. This is what was decided seven years ago, and it is the same today.. Tickets are non-refundable. 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 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 board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myers's management style persisted. His reason had something to with the theater it could have been anything. We hope you give us a chance and whitelist our website. 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. 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.. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. 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. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. 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. 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