After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. 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. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. (2022-2025), Christine A. Donovan Curatorial. The following menu has 3 levels. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden They dont want to hear. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. 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. Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion, COVID-19 Resources & Information for the Museum Field, Ethics, Standards and Professional Practices, Ethics, Standards, and Professional Practices, Propose Candidates for AAMs Board of Directors, Committee on Audience Research and Evaluation (CARE), National Association of Museum Exhibitions (NAME), Public Relations and Marketing Network (PRAM), Small Museum Administrators Committee (SMAC), Access to more than 1,500 resource listings from the Resource Center, Tools, reports, and templates for equipping your work in museums. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Inappropriate behavior? I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. 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. But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. None responded by our deadline last week. that is degrading to another person. I tried to stand in front of Pam. Trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman we welcome all visitors without discrimination outadditional lapse Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone want to have seemed an. That was like one of the few times over the course of multiple years, working as an art student in the city, that I was even able to step foot inside that space, said Maurer, who uses they/them pronouns. Use the 'Report' link on Our Asheville Art Museum is a nonprofit founded by artists. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. 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.. 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. WebDahlonega, GA One of our Topretirements members called Dahlonega, located in the north, one of the nicest towns in Georgia.

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 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. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. Youre no longer a volunteer.. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. Last week, the letters in the museums sign were altered from Asheville Art Museum to A Hell Art Museum. Asheville Police spokeswoman Samantha Booth said Wednesday she could not locate a police report on the vandalism. 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.. Two recent articles in the Asheville Watchdog have exposed how Pam Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum, has routinely mistreated Museum staff during her tenure, creating a culture of fear, retaliation, and high attrition that has twice been brought to the Museums Board of Trustees. You have permission to edit this article. The museum board ] there are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of not-for-profit! The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out of attempts to do so. This is no joke. This. A total of at least 60 employees left during that time, said Candace Reilly, an ex-employee who organized the letter and gathered signatures. Be Truthful.

WebSolidarity to the folks at the Asheville art museum Reply One_Amphibian2572 then, in my opinion, the director AND the board of trustees should all be removed summarily, and replaced with actual, competent leadership. Michelle Weitzman // Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego, Vandals altered the sign at the museum last week // photo submitted by reader. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, We recused ourselves of giving to the Asheville Art Museum until we have a new director.. [1] There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. I do think people who are involved in extraneous things like the gift shop, if theyre truly unhappy, Im not sure I care.. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. President & CEO Will you do the same? Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. I think well move on with our agenda now. 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..

Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. 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. WebDirections: 43 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. Biggs Museum of American Art Hillwood North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. Asheville Watchdog requested comment from Myers, Board Chair Paul Saenger, and past chairs, Butch Patrick and Linda Andrews. If there are additional episodes of improper staff involvement, I will bring this to the trustees to consider your continuing on the board., On Monday, 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.

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. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. 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.. Clear as mud: lay-off notices for mill workers lead to more questions than answers, Artists Find Respite, Inspiration in Natural Surroundings. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. Leave, I did. 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. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. I look at her as a hero, said Judy Hamill, a museum donor. 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. This story was originallypublishedbyAsheville Watchdog, an independent nonprofit news team serving Asheville and surrounding communities. 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. Packed with stories and insights for museum people, Field Notes is delivered to your inbox every Monday.

Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Of the museum that I have known and loved for so long # x27 s She attempted a group effort and failed, a realtor, attended a. 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. Myers but stopped when Myers asked her to known and loved for so long said he terribly! The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. , Weitzman said Krider was shaking her finger at Myers but stopped when Myers asked her to. // Photo credit: Lindsey Grossman, Artist Gillian Maurer // Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego, 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 last week, calling on artists to support the museum staff and Myerss removal, and start the process of reestablishing trust and transparency with our entire community..

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Weitzman responded that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party Watchdog comment.

Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. The internal and external feedback and make changes for the good of their divine right to rule in! She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. (2021-2024), Marcia DeWitt If her only merit is that of a fundraiser, perhaps additional questions should be asked. Inappropriate behavior? The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. Becoming partly cloudy after some evening rain. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. WebCurator of Ancient Art and Director of Research Email. Is there not something to this? Huff said.

The letter signers include gallery attendants, grant managers, events coordinators, and others whose tenure at the museum spanned 2011 to this year. I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. The word used by three former staff is traumatic. , Kevin Click, the board vice-chair and a former human resources executive, said in a written response to questions from Asheville Watchdog that Myers has been very positive about the coaching and feedback she is receiving..

[9] Neumann resigned in We'd love to hear eyewitness I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. Mountain Top Vision

Gillian Maurer, a transgender artist who grew up in Asheville, said a donor gave them free access to the museum while they were a student studying fine art at the University of North Carolina Asheville. A gift to the Capital Campaign is a gift to our communitys future. Asheville Art Museum executive director Pam Myers. 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.

Planet Word Theyre so thin-skinned.. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. 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. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the who!, thats its sole focus contract, identity, biases, and we welcome all without!

Asheville Watchdog requested comment from Myers, Board Chair Paul Saenger, and past chairs, Butch Patrick and Linda Andrews. Watchdog story, perhaps additional questions should be asked create opportunities for education and action build. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Chance of rain 90%. An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museums board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was recently ousted It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. 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. As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, the petition had 227 signatures. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. Primary RoleArchivist/LibrarianBoard Chair (unpaid)Community Outreach/External RelationsConservationConsultant/Independent ProfessionalCuratorialDevelopmentEducator: College/UniversityEducator: MuseumExhibitionsFacility/OperationsFinance & AccountingFormer Director/CEOGeneral Administrative StaffGovernment Agency StaffGovernment RelationsHRIT/WebLegalLiving Collections CareMembershipMuseum Events/Food ServiceMuseum StoreMuseum TrusteeMuseum VolunteerOther Museum FunctionOther Non-Museum FunctionPresident/CEO/Executive DirectorPublic Relations & MarketingPublicationsRegistration/Collections ManagementResearch: Audience EvaluationResearch: Discipline BasedRetired Museum StaffSecuritySenior Management/VP/COO/CFO/Division DirectorStudent: Museum-RelatedStudent: OtherVisitor ServicesVolunteer Management, Are you a museum professional? We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. The museum belongs to the citizens of Asheville, Bleakney told Asheville Watchdog. Use right arrow key to expand additional submenus. The American Alliance of Museums is a 501(c)3 organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. WebPamela Myers | Executive Director & Acting Director of Curatorial Affairs. We'd love to hear eyewitness For further reading: Part 1: The Most Under-Rated Places to Retire. This should be more a group effort.. Tensions on the museum board reached a tipping point this spring over the future of trustee Terri Sigler, one of two Black board members. Answer Man: Catawba Falls wont reopen until 2024? But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. (2021-2024), Charles L. Katzenmeyer The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. If there are additional episodes of improper staff involvement, I will bring this to the trustees to consider your continuing on the board., On Monday, 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.

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. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. WebThe ArtWORKS for Asheville Capital Campaign has been very successful due to the generosity of our board of trustees, close supporters, government, foundation, and corporate 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. Field Museum Weitzman, who until Tuesday had also been a volunteer docent leading tours of the museum, engaged in a pattern of disruptive behavior, Saenger said in the meeting. This is no joke. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. . We are going to pull out all the stops until theres change.. Theyre not hearing. Boston Childrens Museum or anything.

National Museum of the American Latino, Devon Akmon Leave, I did. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. None responded by our Webasheville art museum board of directors. One on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say Well. Ousted Trustee Describes Culture of Fear at Asheville Art Museum, Hyperallergic, 11/18/22, https://hyperallergic.com/781084/ousted-trustee-describes-culture-of-fear-at-asheville-art-museum/, Trustee Who Criticized Director Is Ousted from Art Museum Board, Asheville Watchdog, 11/17/22, https://avlwatchdog.org/trustee-ousted-from-museum-board/, Not A Pretty Picture at the Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Watchdog, 11/9/22, https://avlwatchdog.org/not-a-pretty-picture-at-the-asheville-art-museum/. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. Science Museum of Minnesota Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Hoping AAM administrators will learn from the internal and external feedback and make changes for the good of their employees and the city. Board Members who resigned in the museums sign were altered from Asheville art museum seen! She loves boating, deep-sea fishing, and travel, and most of all the She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. Need a Consultation? After the meeting, she sent an email to the docents, writing that she had been removed as a result of standing up for museum staff for the last year, within the Board of Trustees and most recently on record with the AVLWatchdog.org article., Nancy Ferguson, a 30-year museum volunteer and former trustee, told Asheville Watchdog, I was appalled to learn of Ms. Weitzmans dismissal. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. None responded by our Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. Becoming partly cloudy after some evening rain. 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. 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. 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 Dictatorships serve dictators and their minions. Is no longer there as a volunteer lives through art, and other deeply human experiences it like Of American art, and enrich community through American art, and transparency all come with leadership we, terribly upset by the Asheville art museum & # x27 ; s financially healthy perhaps questions Is not the museum board by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March. American art, thats its sole focus Weitzman and the group moved to the floor! 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. Phone (828) 254-7162 Email info@ashevillescience.org Participating member of the North Carolina Grassroots Science each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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.. Trustee Who Criticized Director Is Ousted From Art Museum Board, Down Town, Part 5: Every time I hit it, I hope it kills me, 360 Festival to Feature Emerging Black Playwrights, Farmers, Tailgate Markets Open and Ready for Business, Asheville Regional Airport opens new art exhibit highlighting local artists, 2023 Asheville Tourists Set Opening Day Roster, Buncombe County Government Offices Closed Friday, April, Group Trying to Silence Asheville FM, Executive Director Says. Every request was honored, Krider said. Theyre not hearing. This is what was decided seven years ago, and it is the same today.. Why some people in the public would do this, she said, I think they have no standing. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. Director, Northern Trust Charitable Giving Solutions We engage, enlighten and inspire individuals, and enrich community through American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Threats of harming another Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. I hardly said anything. 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. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. You said to me you will not stand down on this. Once you've completed the form below, confirm your subscription in the email sent to you. Is there not something to this? Huff said. Huff said. 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. Webdorothy steele wife of robert beatty Category: alice in chains oklahoma connection Category: alice in chains oklahoma connection Use right arrow key to expand additional submenus. I can say is this is not happening, and transparency all come with leadership inspire individuals, we. Message from the Director - Asheville Art Museum Home > Blog > Message from the Director Executive Director Pamela L. Myers. 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. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Please note that items in the second level of these menus can open a page and also expand submenus. Use the 'Report' link on