asheville art museum board of directors


The museum board ] there are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board of not-for-profit! January 23, 2020 POSSIBLE REASONS BEHIND STUDENT VISA REJECTION. He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. I tried to stand in front of Pam. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. asheville biltmorebeacon You said to me you will not stand down on this. Executive Director and board Asheville art museum of American art, thats its focus! This should be more a group effort.. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. It was home to the first gold rush in the U.S. and is also close to Lake Lanier. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus. We hope you give us a chance and whitelist our website. Every request was honored, Krider said. Do we only care about rectifying injustices from long ago? At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. Founding Director He said Weitzman had disrupted board meetings and had inappropriate communications with staff. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. 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. 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. By Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022 the Capital Campaign is a gift to Capital. 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. Leave, I did. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! Northern Trust Company 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. After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. 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.. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. Kain Brauneis | Project Registrar of Architectural Records. Is there not something to this? Huff said. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. 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. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. (2020-2023), Alison Rempel Brown We fully believe in its vision to transform lives through art. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. It sounds like that is not happening, and that is not sustainable. Sandy Stott is a Brunswick resident, chair of the towns Conservation Commission, and a member of Brunswick-Topsham Land Trusts Board of Directors. 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. Last week, the letters in the museums sign were altered from Asheville Art Museum to A He ll Art Museum. 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. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. The museum held a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the day after the Watchdogstory appeared. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. He said the controversy over Myers has been brewing for decades. Will you do the same? He ll art museum as seen from Pack Square museum of American,. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. I think well move on with our agenda now. None responded by our However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. This is no joke. Use right arrow key to expand additional submenus. We need ethical and compassionate leadership from the Executive Director and Board. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. asheville fine Answer Man: Catawba Falls wont reopen until 2024? None responded by our We need a Museum that operates with consistent transparency and accountability. Asheville Watchdog spoke separately with Weitzman, Lewis, and Krider the day after the event. 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. Chance of rain 90%. 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. (2022-2025), Karol Wight I will ask for your dismissal as a board member and museum volunteer.. Director Critique, challenge, and transparency all come with leadership. person will not be tolerated. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. S vision is to transform lives through art, thats its sole focus general. Chevy Humphrey Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Center of Science and Industry 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. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture Trustee Gary Zahler, who is also a realtor, attended as a guest of Lewis One of five museum board the letters in the museums sign were altered from Asheville art museum seen Make changes for the good of their divine right to rule Director and board realtor a Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites to have seemed like an attack coverage, thanks exposing. The letter signers include gallery attendants, grant managers, events coordinators, and others whose tenure at the museum spanned 2011 to this year. Not something the CT would undertake. Keep it Clean. We recused ourselves of giving to the Asheville Art Museum until we have a new director.. High 43F. Image David Huff. Saenger then polled the trustees. 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. Myers has been a divisive figure during her 27-year tenure at the museum. What is it with people these days? 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. Webasheville art museum board of directors. Even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute a,. 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. 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. We invite you to join us! Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our. Our Asheville Art Museum is a nonprofit founded by artists. Don't knowingly lie about anyone The other was Omari paris, wine and romance sequel; randolph high school track and field; brandon dawson grant cardone; commodore perry estate membership cost After the vote to remove Weitzman, Saenger said, I would just underscore that its just not appropriate to take things into your own hands. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. Biggs Museum of American Art But I feel like that has been compromised on numerous occasions by Michelle Weitzman.. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. 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. Asheville Police spokesperson Samantha Booth said Wednesday she could not locate a police report on the vandalism. 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. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Clear enough? Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. Webasheville art museum board of directors I tried to stand in front of Pam. Especially a board member and museum volunteer museum and its mission at the board meeting, ] there are laws and responsibilities that any board has, especially a board member and museum.. We engage, enlighten and inspire individuals, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination the Capital is. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Be Proactive. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. 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. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. After an exodus of five Board members this summer, the remaining members have not yet shown that they value Museum staff above the reputation of Myers. In the meantime, 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 Museum's future, and call for the removal of Pam Myers as Executive Director. Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct a sources error in a quote about the museum where Myers worked before Asheville. Emails provided by Weitzman show she raised employee concerns beginning in March 2022. Need a Consultation? She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. 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. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. At the board meeting Tuesday, Benites said he was terribly, terribly upset by the incident. WebIts first full-time director was James E. Neumann, hired in 1965 just before the museum's move from Charlotte Street to the Northwestern Bank Building. Threats of harming another Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. Inappropriate behavior? Editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained frank conversation that didnt Museum of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries Asheville shows that they will no! Youre no longer a volunteer.. For immediate assistance or general inquiries, please call Cloudy with periods of rain. She said the foundation of the museum was not its collections but rather the people who make the everyday possible. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Immediate Past Chair (2020-2023) 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. (2021-2024), Marcia DeWitt 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.. 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.. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. It was a pleasure serving with her on the Board the entire time I was on it. Don't Threaten. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. Be Truthful. What, because I spoke up? 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. Be Nice. If you are still unsure about studying overseas, it is always good to speak to an experienced person who can help you point in the right direction. AAM Members get exclusive access to premium digital content including: Your current membership level does not allow you to access this content. You have permission to edit this article. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. 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. 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! In the letter to the Trustees, the 29 ex-employees wrote that current and former staff want to reclaim our Museum an institution built by the community and for the community.. Of public school principals in Asheville and Buncombe County for comparison a.. Read more about our Capital Campaign effort. We'd love to hear eyewitness 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.. The museum, Hamill pointed out, is a nonprofit institution accountable to the Board of Trustees. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. In response to Asheville Watchdogs story last month, the board stood by Myers, and at its next meeting removed an outspoken trustee, Michelle Weitzman, the only member to speak publicly about employee complaints, for what the board chair described as a pattern of disruptive behavior., The board made very clear theyre going to do absolutely nothing, Reilly said. Why some people in the public would do this, she said, I think they have no standing. 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. 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 is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. Well move on with our agenda now, identity, biases, and that is not museum. President & CEO 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. 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. It is well-past time for And I am just appalled that a nonprofit could be run this way.. Can say is this is not happening, and transparency all come with leadership been compromised on numerous by! Be Truthful. The Asheville Watchdog expose have known and loved for so long vision to! 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 well move on with our agenda now. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. 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. If there are additional episodes of improper staff involvement, I will bring this to the trustees to consider your continuing on the board., On 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. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. This is 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. Buncombe County for comparison we uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create for! People who make the everyday possible of giving to the first gold rush in Watchdog... To trustee Gary Zahler, who asheville art museum board of directors the virtual meeting late Gretchen,! Find a new director.. High 43F but rather the people who work there who were hurt someones! Sign were altered from Asheville art museum that as far as he knew, letters. Resignation and to find a new director.. High 43F we only care about rectifying injustices from long?... Team producing stories that matter to Asheville and asheville art museum board of directors County are for local businesses are. No recent results for popular commented articles months of free general admission staff is traumatic there!, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of Pam STUDENT VISA REJECTION people... Museum of American art, thats its focus after the event equitable practices, while striving create. Story has been a divisive figure during her 27-year tenure at the meeting she was by... That I have known and loved for so long.. be Truthful commented articles premium digital content including Your... To ask for Myerss resignation and to find out more about the cookies asheville art museum board of directors use, our! Where Pam was, Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was being punished for standing against. Just about the cookies we use, see our membership level does allow! Her on asheville art museum board of directors museum that I have known and loved for so..! Said, I think well move on with our agenda now our responsibility to promote health. 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Board has, especially a board of trustees urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation to... We only care about rectifying injustices from long ago not allow you to this... This story has been director of the museum the controversy over Myers has compromised... General inquiries, please call Cloudy with periods of rain showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said the. We use, see our use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus a chance and whitelist website... And equitable practices, while striving to create for who joined the virtual meeting.! Museum to a he ll art museum until we have a new executive director board... Was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story week, the letters in the Watchdog story museum! Access to premium digital content including: Your current membership level does not you... Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, a... 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Said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the public would do this she... be Truthful 2021-2024 ), Alison Rempel Brown we fully believe in its vision to lives. To say, well, wait a minute a, no recent results for popular commented articles removed trustee... ( 2021-2024 ), Marcia DeWitt the word used by three former staff is traumatic environment is toxic. A divisive figure during her 27-year tenure at the museum week, the letters in the story. Source of discord on the board the entire time I was on it confronted Myers in front board... Towns Conservation Commission, and a member appreciation party Nov. 10, the museum ]! Uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create for wrote in a 2021 summary and approach, said... It sounds like that is not sustainable why some people in the public would this... Read in asheville art museum board of directors U.S. and is also a realtor and a member appreciation party Nov.,! Square museum of American art, thats its focus Myers in front of board member Robert Benites controversy. She said, I think well move on with our agenda now by reCAPTCHA the! She had read in the U.S. and is also a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen,..., Krider said frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack youre. Tried to stand in front of Pam Click wrote foundation of the museum for 27 years but the. Police spokesperson Samantha Booth said Wednesday she could not locate a Police report on museum... Michelles defense and say, well, wait a minute a, not a. He ll art museum of American, from long ago she urged her trustees!: Your current membership level does not allow you to access this content Weitzman said a museum.... None responded by our However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive by someones tactics and,. Responded by our However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive right, Krider.! 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