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. As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, the petition had 227 signatures. @ Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library, @ Black Mountain, Leicester, Weaverville Libraries, Governor Cooper Encourages Eligible North Carolinians to Claim Earned Income Tax Credit, North Carolina Newborns Now Screened for Two Additional Disorders to Help Provide Early Diagnosis and Treatment, Recovering North Carolinas Bill of Rights, North Carolina Department of Insurance Negotiates Settlement on Dwelling Rate Request, The NCDOR Opens 2023 Individual Income Tax Season, Employment Agencies, Consultants & Businesses. 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.. As a Member, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits while providing vital support for the Museums engaging education programs and innovative exhibitions. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdog story appeared. 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. 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. The artworks in this exhibition demonstrate the vibrant and varied approaches to pattern and decoration in art. One third of the board's members also serve as trustees for the . Through his work, Roland engages visitors in dialogues around community, social contract, identity, biases, and other deeply human experiences. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. The Asheville Art Museum re-opens with two major exhibitions, Intersections in American Art and Appalachia Now! Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. I cautioned you on direct contact with staff, Saenger wrote. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Come have a drink and experiment with art materials while connecting with your community! Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. Thats absurd, Krider said. Could she have told you in a less harsh way? 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. Leaves me wondering what nerve was touched that sent this reader into such a defensive stance. Eight others complained to board members David Huff and Darren Green, beginning in 2020. 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. I think well move on with our agenda now. Unpopular Opinion but Reality: We invite you to join us! Since 2017, while construction has been ongoing, the museum's educational programs have continued without cessation, serving over 360,000 participants last year through programs on site at . I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. 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. Probably very much like Ms. Myers. Our Vision + Mission: To transform lives through art. President and Eloise W. Martin Director. "We wanted the building to be . David Huff, one of five museum board members who resigned in the spring, said the trustees were doubling down by removing Weitzman. 2023 Officers Jamie Winderbaum FernandezChair Cathy GrantVice Chair Penny VinikVice Chair Tom HochhauslerTreasurer Kenneth PagesSecretary Dianne JacobPast Chair 2023 Board of Trustees Allison Casper Adams Belinda Alexander Pat Carter Sandra [] Is there not something to this? Huff said. Museum Association of New York. It does appear there is a campaign in the community to keep this story alive, so how does remaining silent help? The Asheville Art Museum ONE DAY will be a museum of and for the community. While she knew some of the ex-employees, Bleakney said she was not aware of the scope of the complaints or that staffers had twice gone to the museums board. 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 ( Not the museum itself, just the board. * 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 -. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. Leave, I did. Emailing your doctor? And I am just appalled that a nonprofit could be run this way.. The Asheville Art Museum, glistening through its glass exterior in the downtown heart of Pack Square, earns acclaim for its prized collection of American and Appalachian artwork. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. 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. It only takes a moment. Natural Collector October 19, 2022-April 24, 2023 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. I was responsible for applying for the solicitation license, in my years long career as a grants manager I was never responsible for that. Board mem- The Adult Studio program was popular as all of my classes were filled to overflowing. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. 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. 56 Broadway Street. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. 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. Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. Asheville Watchdog requested comment from Myers, Board Chair Paul Saenger, and past chairs, Butch Patrick and Linda Andrews. From this it is easy to infer the strategy of the organization is simply to say nothing and just hope it all blows over at some point. I believe suing the Asheville Art Museum Board of Trustees for willful and ongoing negligence in regard to their statutory obligations is probably the most expedient avenue forward here. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. Yes, she can be harsh and demanding, but who wants typos and bad grammar on a press release? 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.. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Ive seen her wash the dishes after big events; she expected us to pitch in too. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. 'I Look at Her as a Hero' Were pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. If youre able, please consider supporting the Museum through a donation; by becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership; or by shopping or purchasing a gift card in the Museum Store. Grace is a 2021 participant in the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy Management Accelerator and a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory. 4. Your involvement is essential, now and in the future. Krider, according to Weitzman, continued with her rant about a terrible way to run an organization.. If they are not publicly stating that the situation, as reported, has improved are we to believe that it hasnt, or perhaps gotten worse? The 68,000-square-foot museum features 20th and 21st century American art. Asheville Art Museum 114 Literary, Art & Music Tours Art Museums Downtown Asheville By carriemjax The permanent collection had a broad variety, Jasper Jones to local Appalachian artists. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art. 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. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. 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.. At some point words need to translate into both action and changed behavior, not just more words. But behind the facade, it gets ugly, an Asheville Watchdog investigation found. I argue they have one of the most important roles at the museumand similarly, in any guest-serving institutions. On view through May 15! The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. A majority of the museum's board has remained steadfast to Myers, the museum's director since 1995, despite complaints by former employees in 2015 and again in 2021. The Asheville Art Museum is committed to being an active leader against racism. This is no way to run any organization, let alone a supposedly not for profit arts organization. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. Perhaps the site hasnt been updated. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Asheville Community Theatre | Business Manager. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Theyre not hearing. Women were considered sacred, involved in the decision-making process, and thrived within communities holding a worldview based on equilibrium. If so, I havent seen it. As a friend of the arts and the Museum, your support is more important than ever. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. We need your help to continue serving as a source of knowledge and inspiration during these uncertain times. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. It is not leadership. Until Pam and the Board are replaced by people who are actually in service to Ashevilles citizens, it will continue to be A Hell Museum. Saenger then polled the trustees. Shes also bad at her job i.e. Asheville Art Museum will host Open Studio at Different Wrld on. 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. Youre no longer a volunteer.. Good luck. There are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of a not-for-profit entity. and so it will be with Ms. Myers and her now rapidly unraveling tenure of abuse there at the Asheville Art Museum. 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. Median Annual Salary: More than $86,480 ($41.58/hour) Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $53,780 ($25.86/hour) Bottom 10% Annual Salary: More than $27,190 ($13.07/hour) Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. 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