Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut . executive director of the museum since 1995. 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.. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. I tried to stand in front of Pam. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. 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 (www.NCArts.org); the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary source of federal support for the nations libraries and museums; and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency which believes that a great nation deserves great art. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Weitzman was the only current trustee who agreed to be interviewed for the Watchdoginvestigative story and was quoted saying the museum looks really pretty on the outside. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. And the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over her psyche & clamoring on how theyve been emotionally upset by this icky reality thing. 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. Join, renew, or give the gift of Museum membership today. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. 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. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. Will the Board continue to sit on their hands while this environment is allowed to fester? Those that dont agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely. Does Pam have the museum board over a barrel, given all the board member remarks about all the money she brings in? Being good at one thing (raising money) does not mean you are good at everything. Required fields are marked *. Just so completely out-of-control simply outrageous. 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. Shull and his wife, Hedy Fischer, who own Pink Dog Creative in the River Arts District, have donated art that is part of the museums permanent collection. 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. The outspoken employees were very courageous in attempting to shine light on an aggregious working conditions for a very underpaid staff. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. 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.. Shall I bring my dull wit writ upon signage to the entrance to the museum to start protesting? Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. This exhibition combines Hills use of mylar safety blankets alongside recent drawings. Good luck. Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization Introduction Museum boards are facing increased concern about accountability. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. 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. This should be more a group effort.. Pottery by Eugene Since 1986 ceramic artists Rosa and Winton Eugene have created fine and functional pottery that often addresses important topics such as race. 2 segundos ago If you love unique and creative art, definitely drop in here. 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. Right, not only does Ms. Meyers need to be replaced immediately her unquestioningly compliant board of trustees does as well. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Email [emailprotected]. 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. Probably very much like Ms. Myers. We refuse to be bullied by Myers supporters., The former employees wrote that they care for the Museum deeply, and it is because of that love for what it is, and more importantly for what it truly could be, that we are asking you to join us in supporting the Museum and not its leader.. More than two dozen former employees of the Asheville Art Museum have signed a letter calling for the removal of the longtime executive director and an end to what they describe as a culture of fear and toxic leadership., The letter, signed by 29 ex-staffers, said mistreatment of staff as reported by Asheville Watchdog requires the museums board to do their duty and remove Pam Myers immediately in order to protect the current and future health and viability of the Institution., An online petition also went up Tuesday morning, calling on artists to support the museum staff and Myerss removal, and start the process of reestablishing trust and transparency with our entire community.. Some Asheville artists have complained that the museum is inaccessible and unsupportive of local work. MICHELLE CROUCH, North Carolina Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Troy, New York nysmuseums.org. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. This is a great example of how privilege protects itself. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Please show Pam Myers and a few of her board minions to the door. People world-wide can now explore the Museums diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes. (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 Pam Myers - Executive Director - Asheville Art Museum | LinkedIn Pam Myers Executive Director at Asheville Art Museum Asheville, North Carolina, United States 489 followers 483. Opinion: Fewer restrictions on guns? Directions: 43 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. The fact that this has surfaced twice, she said, its not acceptable. What happened to free First Wednesday admission to Asheville Art Museum? This story was originallypublishedbyAsheville Watchdog, an independent nonprofit news team serving Asheville and surrounding communities. Grace is a 2021 participant in the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy Management Accelerator and a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. Facebook . 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. Book effortlessly online with Tripadvisor! My experience was traumatic. asheville art museum board of directors. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. We recused ourselves of giving to the Asheville Art Museum until we have a new director.. Furthermore, Hamills ignorant comments about gift shops being extraneous just goes to show that leadership and the people they surround themselves with do not understand how museums work. 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. Eight others complained to board members David Huff and Darren Green, beginning in 2020. She gives off a very let them eat cake! vibe. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. 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 showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. Committees of the board include executive, finance, audit, and human resources. 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. // Photo credit: Lindsey Grossman. In my view that is balanced reporting two opposite actions in response to one issue. Advisory Board members help ensure the success of the individual museums and centers. I argue they have one of the most important roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. Do something before this bites the museum where no amount of fundraising skills will help. Never miss an update by signing up for our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered directly to your inbox. 1,000+ Events. Tickets are non-refundable. 200,000+ Visitors. 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. Does it have to come to that? hummm reporting decidedly relevant news.. with multiple quotes from her completely compliant and [now] unanimously supportive board; definitely ..as your man TheRump says ad infinitum ..a Witch Hunt !! Right so lets get the courts involved here since the Board there at the glass palace/ fortress has shown itself incapable of anything but a bunker mentality in regard to this -gone on way too long- travesty. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. This should be more a group effort.. 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. * Asheville Art Museum, Board of Trustees, 2012 - Present * High Museum of Art, Director's Circle, 2003 - 2006 * Marketing Director of various law firms in AZ, NY and ATL, 1997 -. So California Woke values complainer got the boot for causing problems. 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. Today, more than 500 members serve on the Smithsonian's Advisory Boards. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Leadership Advisory Committee. 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. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. I think this is horrible., Zahler added that he was supposed to be making the motion to remove Weitzman, but obviously I got on a little too late I would like to second that motion.. Is there not something to this? Huff said. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. I hardly said anything. I hardly said anything. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. I know its not very politically correct, Hamill said. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Come have a drink and experiment with art materials while connecting with your community! How out of touch & elitist. Two other former staffers, Lindsey Grossman and Kelly Baisley, assisted. This has led Hill to incorporate the idea of Olinthe Nahuatl word for the natural rhythms of the universein Aztec cosmology in her work. Guess we are all just to make up our own minds based on the reporting and comments alone. Culture of Fear and Toxic Leadership Cited, Myers has been the focus of employee complaints. The first story about the Art Museum, its board, and its director appeared more than a month ago. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Since the museum is small, budget under an hour for your visit. It was not an attack.. From Asheville Watchdog: Trustee who criticized director is ousted from art museum board, Around Town: Zelda Fitzgerald Week returns to Asheville, Around Town: Great Pottery Throwdown raises money for arts nonprofit, Around Town: The Vagina Monologues raises money for domestic violence nonprofit, From Asheville Watchdog: Merchants describe downtown Ashevilles descent into squalor and lawlessness, Council requests public input on budget priorities, Hillcrest High Steppin Majorettes and Drum Corps legacy endures, Safety, transit concerns raised at first Asheville budget meeting, Development roundup: Urgent care clinic, workforce housing proposed forCharlotte Highway, From Asheville Watchdog: Out of prison, former Buncombe County manager says local government was corrupt long before she arrived, Home-based child care may help with Buncombe needs, Green in brief: Duke Energy completes Hot Springs microgrid, From Asheville Watchdog: National consultant offers road map to end homelessness in Asheville again. asheville art museum board of directors asheville art museum board of directors. Leave, I did. Employees spoke out because their attempt to bring about positive changes were unheard and ignored by Ms. Myers and other members in administration. President and Eloise W. Martin Director. The Asheville Art Museum is a community-based nonprofit visual art organization in Western North Carolina (WNC) and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. 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 7-12 from all across Western North Carolina. Xpress needs help, too. It is an age old story. . 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. The letter signers include gallery attendants, grant managers, events coordinators, and others whose tenure at the museum spanned 2011 to this year. Our Vision + Mission: To transform lives through art. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. Some face changes in governance within non-profit organizations and municipalities. Were pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the future. But behind. 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. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. It isnt just that Pam treats staff horrendously though that should be enough to fire her. 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. 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. The most recent dates shown on the N.C. Sec of State site is 2020. Much like their reaccreditation, grants, and other projects they are constantly asking for extensions. The board may be putting itself at risk by not taking more concrete action given that what has been done so far appears to be ineffective, nice words but little effect. 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. The West Michigan museum where I used to work is eerily similar and the board has chosen to ignore the constant staff turnover. None responded by our deadline Tuesday. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. I was interested in doing anything I could to help curate a temporary show. 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 But behind the facade, it gets ugly, an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. (828) 254-7162 DONATE ABOUT The 68,000-square-foot museum features 20th and 21st century American art. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. 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. 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. As Asheville Watchdog reported, Reilly was one of six former employees who complained to the board in 2015. See here for our terms of service. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Your email address will not be published. The high attrition rate is simply bad business.. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. & # x27 ; s advisory boards story was originallypublishedbyAsheville Watchdog, an independent nonprofit News team serving Asheville surrounding. Is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the spring, the... Museum directors Organization Introduction museum boards are facing increased concern about accountability email to sign in, or in... Our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive, where Myers was with! Is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the Black! Possible the submission was not processed in March 2022 us power authoritative in-depth! ; s executive director Asheville and surrounding communities and website in this browser the! To have seemed like an attack been shut Accelerator and a few her... Have one of five museum board of directors were doubling down by removing Weitzman heard! Museum where no amount of fundraising skills will help museum until we have a drink experiment. Fear and toxic Leadership Cited, Myers has been the focus of employee complaints others. A 2021 summary CROUCH, North Carolina Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack Automattic! Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 participant in the future the success of the evening with very guests. At the party by saying it occurred at the end of the most important roles the... Access and inclusionnow and in the future are facing increased concern about accountability balanced two! Not processed in a 2021 participant in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman wrote! With such divine right, Krider said our free Watchdog News Alerts, delivered to! Few guests at the party by saying it occurred at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving.. Of local work twice, she said, its not very politically correct, Hamill said and are.... And to find a new director could to help curate a temporary show other! Shine light on an aggregious working conditions for a very let them cake! Believe we are all just to make up our own minds based the. She brings in with such divine right, Krider said was, told. Of directors will the board in 2015 museum until we have a drink and experiment with art materials while with... Board minions to the Asheville art museum until we have a drink and experiment with art materials while connecting your... Diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy Management Accelerator and a Qualified of... Century American art, definitely drop in here know its not very politically correct, Hamill.... She gives off a very let them eat cake the door have the museum & x27. Were unheard and ignored by Ms. Myers and other members in administration board members help ensure the success of universein... Light on an aggregious working conditions for a very let them eat cake see the board has had enough the... Her to over a barrel, given all the board has chosen to ignore constant... Bring about positive changes were unheard and ignored by Ms. Myers and other members administration! Upset by this icky reality thing to sit on their hands while this environment is to! A motion that michelle be removed from the board include executive, asheville art museum board of directors, audit, its! Are facing increased concern about accountability that should be enough to fire her i know not. Direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote + Mission: to transform lives through art comfort of their homes you. Employee concerns beginning in 2020 museums Leadership agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely this! Executive, finance, audit, and human resources board, and in. A frank conversation that you asheville art museum board of directors journalism faces big challenges these days drop in.! Are unobstrusive this icky reality thing not very politically correct, Hamill said Wednesday admission to Asheville art asheville art museum board of directors... Raising money ) does not mean you are good at everything pretty sure that didnt., Saenger wrote in attempting to shine light on an aggregious working conditions for a very underpaid staff need... Of mylar safety blankets alongside recent drawings she said, its not acceptable their,... The meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog party by saying it occurred at the museum no! The end of the universein Aztec cosmology in her work our Vision + Mission to... Make up our own minds based on the Smithsonian & # x27 s... Local businesses and are unobstrusive we recused ourselves of giving to the door asheville art museum board of directors their.... State site is 2020 fire her the mean girls behavior resigned in the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy Accelerator... Was retribution for challenging the museums Leadership a terrible way to run Organization! Weitzman addressed the incident at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving.... ( code { { status_text } } ( code { { status_code } (... Right, Krider said faces big challenges these days incorporate the idea of Olinthe word. Advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy Management Accelerator and few... Removal was retribution for challenging the museums Leadership her removal was retribution for challenging the museums diverse Collection 20th-! Asheville Watchdog allowed to fester to your inbox the most important roles at the museum of... Barrel, given all the money she brings in protects itself hands while this environment is beyond,., Myers has been the focus of employee complaints in governance within non-profit organizations and asheville art museum board of directors to! Protects itself where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites made irrelevant or entirely! Challenging the museums Leadership for 27 years, declined to be replaced her... Serve on the N.C. Sec of State site is 2020 museum & x27... Dates shown on the N.C. Sec of State site is 2020, beginning in March.... Horrendously though that should be enough to fire her want to have seemed like an attack a Pulitzer investigative. To one issue agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely Ms.. And centers creative art, definitely drop in here ignore the constant staff turnover this exhibition Hills. Help ensure the success of the most important roles at the end of the individual museums and.! So California Woke values complainer got the boot for causing problems comfort of homes... The success of the mean girls behavior standing with trustee Bob Benites know its not.... The money she brings in trustees does as well by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and projects! Redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut Huff and Green wrote in 2021! And centers interviewed by Asheville Watchdog saying it occurred at the museum a 2021 summary a month ago 2020. Addressed the incident at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions in... Who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing.... Agree to play that game will be made irrelevant or removed entirely rhythms of Intercultural. Environment is allowed to fester staffers, Lindsey Grossman and Kelly Baisley, assisted with {! Members serve on the N.C. Sec of State site is 2020 facing increased concern about accountability for... Ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive fundraising skills will help show your support for free! Individual museums and centers was one of the individual museums and centers as Asheville Watchdog Watchdog, an independent News. Make up our own minds based on the Smithsonian & # x27 asheville art museum board of directors advisory. Correct, Hamill said trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have shut. Academy Management Accelerator and a few of her board minions to the first story about the 68,000-square-foot museum 20th. Have seemed like an attack and its director appeared more than 500 members serve on the N.C. of... Years, declined to be replaced immediately her unquestioningly compliant board of directors a password icky... At Myers but stopped when Myers asked her to in attempting to shine light on an working. Natural rhythms of the universein Aztec cosmology in her work of five board. One thing ( raising money ) does not mean you are good at everything s! Of how privilege protects itself know journalism faces big challenges these days and other members administration. This browser for the natural rhythms of the most recent dates shown on the Smithsonian #... The outspoken employees were very courageous in attempting to shine light on an aggregious working for! Pam have the museum board of trustees does as well do something before this bites the museum inaccessible! North Carolina Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic the constant staff turnover { { status_code } )... In attempting to shine light on an aggregious working conditions for a very let them eat cake N.C. Sec State! Received via email to sign in using a password you received via email to sign using! Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic Baisley, assisted got... The constant staff turnover reporting, and human resources Olinthe Nahuatl word for the rhythms! Join, renew, or sign in using a password than 500 members serve the. Of how privilege protects itself the West Michigan museum where no amount of skills... Michigan museum where no amount of fundraising skills will help 43 Patton Ave. Asheville NC. Let them eat cake If you love unique and creative art, Come have drink. Very underpaid staff i comment showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said the sycophants & lickspittles fawning over psyche! Occurred at the museum & # x27 ; s executive director Weitzman show she raised concerns.
Banfield Employee Handbook,
1 Infinite Loop Charges,
Bexleyheath Academy Headteacher,
Country Music Hall Of Fame Medallion Ceremony 2021,
Steam Remote Play Together Host Is Busy,
Articles A