This is the inevitable -but alas very predictable- retribution for the curtain being pulled aside by the Asheville Watchdog expose. 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. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdog story appeared. Kate Meehan, Idaho National Laboratory. Currently, she is supervising the reinstallation of the Museum's American collection, as part of the implementation of the Facilities Master Plan. Please show Pam Myers and a few of her board minions to the door. Thats absurd, Krider 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, time for a review/investigation to assist the Board in seeing the light? The salary is probably in line with what other people at that level get paid, and Im sure that there are more than enough private donations to cover her salary so that no tax-payer dollars are used. The Museum was founded in 1948, and weve had many wonderful years of growth. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. Its an embarrassment. 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. 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. 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. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Our Museum needs us to speak for its health and future, now. 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. It only takes a moment. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. I think well move on with our agenda now. There are two sides to every story. 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. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. MakerSpace: Third Thursday with Artist Aspen Johnston. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. The Asheville Art Museum is one of six recipients of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service! Asheville Art Museum executive director Pam Myers. Which, come to think of it might be precisely what it is ;) anyhoo Stay Tuned!! There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. 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. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. 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? For the record, I am canceling my membership. When I handed over the contract to the incoming docent president, I was suspended from being a docent for six months, which extended into 8 1/2 months and then expulsion from the docent corp. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Hours + Location. 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. We invite you to join us! Not the museum itself, just the board. The Asheville Symphony Sessions; 2021 Virtual Concert Series; News & Press; ASO Radio; Education. . 2 South Pack Square. Yes, I also saw the similarities to that narciopath Agent Orange. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. Prior to the reconfiguration of the building to accommodate the Art Museum expansion, Buncombe County did provide financial support for the operation of the building which housed four organizations. This Board is lacking in their duties to the future of this Museum if they do not address an obviously toxic environment. The Asheville Art Museum presents exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. I, for one, will have no interest in the Art Museum until this issue is addressed and employees are given a voice. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. 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 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 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.. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. 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. Rebel/Re-Belle: Exploring Gender, Agency, and Identity | Selections from the Asheville Art Museum and Rubell Museum combines works from two significant collections of contemporary art to explore how artists have innovated, influenced, interrogated, and inspired visual culture in the past 100 years. Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra; Friends of the ASYO; Hip Hop Folktale Project; Music in the Schools; Young People's Concerts; Symphony Talk; MusicWorks; About Us. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. 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. They garnered support from the city, county, and other government sources for renovation, but tax payer dollars do not have a stake in year to year operations to my knowledge. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. CEO expert in marketing/PR, global fundraising authority, streaming Exec. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdog story appeared. . Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. 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.. Asheville Art Museum. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. Saenger then polled the trustees. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. And at what cost to the employees? Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Admission is charged for non-members. The Museums galleries, theMuseum Store, andPerspective Caf are open to the public. Our Asheville Art Museum is a nonprofit founded by artists. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. The new Museum will be a celebration of the human creative spirit, a center for lifelong learning and a gathering place for the community. . Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. Image Requests To request images for publication or other uses, click here to complete our request for image use form. / Photo by Mark-Ellis Bennett Mark-Ellis Bennett David Huff Creative View of the Jackson Building and City Hall from the museum's caf. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. For what it is worth, my observation is that departmental staff come and go frequently. Apparently they built Pams house and thats all we need to know. Some people are really great at certain functions. Its a shame to the city to continue to support these overly entitled people. Asheville Art Museum opening events All events are held at 2 S. Pack Square. And AAM gets that money whether or not students go. Established by artists in 1948, Asheville Art Museum works to transform lives through art. An opening reception will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15. Never miss an update by signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox. There are many ways that you can become involved and be a part of this extraordinary community endeavor. But we have been updating inside and out, to build on our past and move forward so that we may thrive far into the 21st century. 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. 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. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. Its all about money. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out of attempts to do so. And I thought that I was the only volunteer ever to be fired. Late night Thursdays until 9 pm. Sunday Funday the Old-Fashioned Way! You can . I wrote recommendations, and I was dismissed, so I went through proper channels before putting my name and my reputation in the public view, Weitzman said. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. , Frame: 16 1/8 x 16 1/2 in. 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. Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 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. Asheville Watchdog now seems to be on a vendetta. Youre focusing on me and refusing to focus on the problem, Pams leadership inability, Weitzman said. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Open daily 11 am - 6 pm. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. 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. from the museum in Asheville. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. 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. The staff all seemed so pleasant, and my family enjoyed the art, staff and cafe. The Adult Studio program was popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing. Theyre not hearing. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. Yes, It Stinks, Information About Holiday Water Failures Is Trickling Out, as Asheville Officials Meet in Private. "I don't do this lightly," said Paul Saenger, chair of the museum's Board of Trustees, according to a recording of the board . 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. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. To provide an open, supportive work environment where Staff can thrive. The directors autocratic management style is well-known. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. I am not the least surprised by anything I have recently read about her managerial style. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. 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. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. Hoping AAM administrators will learn from the internal and external feedback and make changes for the good of their employees and the city. Read more about the history of the Museum, as well as the Museums new building. Opinion: Mark Meadows Skates on Voter Fraud Charge. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. 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. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Need a Consultation? Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. Cancel culture?!?! 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. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. My generals ..and my highly classified documents. Once again, the wealthy establishment of Asheville shows that they will brook no questioning of their divine right to rule. Richard Napier, Idaho Mountain Trading. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. Closed Tuesdays. Big changes happened in the Museum building during our major expansion and renovation project right in the heart of downtown Asheville. 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. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. In the spring of 2021, the board voted on the directors new contract. Why are so many who live here in the present so spineless? Board of Directors Patrick Chaffin | Ryman Hospitality Properties John Esposito | Warner Music Group Eddie George | Entrepreneur Kevin Green | Chartwell Hospitality Dr. Alex Jahangir | Vanderbilt Medical Center Doug Kreulen | President and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Ken Levitan | Vector Management Kimberly Lewis | Emerson Grace I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. 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. Jen passed away on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022, at the age of 46. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. Homeward Bound seeks an experienced Executive Director (ED) with a passion for serving peopleSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Is there not something to this? Huff said. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. Leave, I did. 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. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. It is a distinct and dangerous part of the problem. As a long term Asheville Art Museum member, donor, former volunteer, former Gallery Associate, and current Adult Studio instructor, I am little more than an outside observer to the day to day operations of the museum so this story has been revealing. She should stick to that. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. The building is beautiful. After getting a million or more from the City, is the Art Museum still enjoying public funding? At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. 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. The Asheville Art Museums vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. Answer Man: Where are the street sweepers? I am sad that the place I called my sanctuary and loved being at has been so tarnished. Commentary This article was originally published in American Thinker Consumers can take a lot, but when you start raisin Sounds like a fiefdom to me, regardless of the he says, she says. How any board handles conflicting views in a crisis generally trickles-down to how an operation is managed. "It's financially healthy. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. But how does that make the museum Youre in MY house? Critique, challenge, and transparency all come with leadership. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. So California Woke values complainer got the boot for causing problems. Read more about the new building. After all it is the legal and societal duty of a board member to question and chal- 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. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. 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. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Thanks for publication but from my experience in NYC museums are famous for being toxic. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Thorough and revealing (and entertaining!). 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. Not something the CT would undertake. Art is certainly important, but the quality of the education leaders for our children should be primary. Asheville, NC 28801. Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. 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. Our Story; Guild; Chorus; Symphonettes; Music Director Darko Butorac; Musicians . Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. Only 6 and under are free, as well as UNC-A students, Members of AAM, and active military personnel, which most of the latter three groups could afford. Info and tickets at ashevilleart.org/opening. Founded Next Up Collectors in an effort to connect the next generation of art collectors to emerging artists, as well as to offer accessible resources and tools related to the art industry. DIGITAL EXHIBITION: Dear Lorna, Love Ray features letters written by Ray Johnson to Lorna Blaine Halper while Johnson was a student at Black Mountain College. Lewis said that Myers told her, Now is not the time, but did not say when she would be available to speak. This is no joke. 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. I tried to stand in front of Pam. Imperious , high handed acts rarely work well. The museum appears to be "in really good shape," said board member Michelle Weitzman. I cant tell you how much I appreciate your support. Does Pam have the museum board over a barrel, given all the board member remarks about all the money she brings in? I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. Please, check your inbox! The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) has announced the election of new board and executive committee members. personality issues.A working, functional board should encourage a range of views. The boards angry internal interactions give credibility to accusations of a toxic work environment. [1] On view November 18 through March 20! Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. Time for an even closer look at this situation. Is there a record of how many employees have quit over the past 3-5 years? This series of stories, with its tone of personal attack, is not helpful, either to the museum or to Asheville Watchdog. 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. Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdogstory appeared. This is no joke. Great work, Watchdog Team. Enrich your involvement with the Museum by joining our vibrant family of Members. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. 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. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability. [Show slideshow] Gallery / Gift Shop Museums Craft Trails. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. To be active partners contributing to quality of life and community. development, and promotion of craft titles and art gallery books. It was not an attack.. The argument is that she has consistently failed at other very vital parts of her job and the Board has been relatively inefficient at addressing them seriously and effectively. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. I need to look at some more pleasant after reading this article. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Please check the salaries of public school principals in Asheville and Buncombe County for comparison.
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