I spoke to current board members when I left, but clearly no action was take. Saenger told Asheville Watchdog that as far as he knew, the museum, established in 1948, had never removed a trustee. 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. 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. Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. 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. Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. I am aware of at least 15 full time staff that have quit just this year. This is a great example of how privilege protects itself. An Asheville Museum of Artwork board member and volunteer docent who spoke publicly about allegations of worker mistreatment at the museum has been ousted from her submit, the Asheville Watchdog claimed. Rep. Hudson Introduces National Reciprocity of Concealed Carry. We need your help to continue serving as a source of knowledge and inspiration during these uncertain times. Glad to see the board has had enough of the mean girls behavior. In all of my life, Ive never been in a situation where there was such hostility, and I actually felt physically threatened, Benites said. They garnered support from the city, county, and other government sources for renovation, but tax payer dollars do not have a stake in year to year operations to my knowledge. People world-wide can now explore the Museums diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. This should be more a group effort.. I never heard anyone speak with such divine right, Krider said. She makes more than the people running the city government. Weitzman was the only current trustee who agreed to be interviewed for the Watchdog investigative story and was quoted saying the museum looks really pretty on the outside. 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. What, because I spoke up? she said. As a friend of the arts and the Museum, your support is more important than ever. It is an age old story. sorry, that should have read: [this] reminds me of another highly manipulative/ vindictive psychopath Anyway, really, the powers to be in the City of Asheville/ Buncombe County now is the time for some serious damage control because I highly doubt this is going away anytime soon. 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. In addition to teaching violin and piano at AMS on a part-time basis since 2008, she has been a performing musician for over 35 years. What are the next steps, people? She couldnt have cared less. It is a simple matter to learn what employees are experiencing and feel. Also, while it may be true that toxicity exists in many museums and nonprofits, it is wholly unacceptable to settle for the status quo. As one of the employees who left in 2015 I can attest to the hostile, dysfunctional and toxic work environment. I recently found out that more than one employee that filed for unemployment during Covid (which the museum accepted) later had lawsuits filed against them by Lindsay and Pam to repay all the money they received because the museum forced everyone to work (many in person in the office) through the beginning of Covid leaving folks with kids, elderly and disabled with no way of earning money. We need a Museum that supports every person involved in creating and sustaining exhibitions, programs, building its permanent collection, and upholding the institutions mission to engage with all who walk through its great glass doors. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. Krider said she felt the response to Lewis was not right and approached Myers a second time. Open daily 11am6pm. 'I Look at Her as a Hero' Open Monday - Saturday 11am to 5pm. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. This. Being good at one thing (raising money) does not mean you are good at everything. She urged her fellow trustees to ask for Myerss resignation and to find a new executive director. The Asheville Art Museum Collectors' Circle held their seventh annual selection dinner on January 17, 2011. My family was a supporter of the Museum for years but I will not be renewing our membership in 2023. An outspoken member of the Asheville Art Museum's board, the only current trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment, was ousted from the board Tuesday and removed as a museum volunteer. I dont always agree with her, but I have immense respect for her and what she has accomplished for Asheville. The Asheville Art Museum presents exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014. The argument is that she has consistently failed at other very vital parts of her job and the Board has been relatively inefficient at addressing them seriously and effectively. Bill Durr (Ward & Smith) will serve as president of the board of directors with Beth Lane (McGuire Wood & Bissette) as . 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.. All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. Weitzman said at the meeting she was being punished for standing up against the mistreatment of employees. Saenger responded in an Aug. 9 email that while it is important that trustees are informed as to staffing needs, etc., personal details are restricted by state and federal policy.. If 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. Visit our Facebook gallery to see photos of the construction process. For as little as $5 a month the cost of a craft beer or kombucha you can help keep local journalism strong. The Asheville Art Museum is a private nonprofit 501c3 (not public). She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. I BET she does since, as the story states, she has packed the board with her supporters. Pre-purchased online tickets and walk-in tickets are available. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. Given these extreme circumstances and the weight of whats happening inside that museum, it is clear they are continuing to choose one person over the health of the institution, Reilly said. Which, come to think of it might be precisely what it is ;) anyhoo Stay Tuned!! We invite you to join us! Asheville Art Museum executive director Pam Myers. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. Do we only care about rectifying injustices from long ago? All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. 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. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. Commentary This article was originally published in American Thinker Consumers can take a lot, but when you start raisin Open Wednesdays 11am6pm | Reserve tickets now. It was just very upsetting to me., Saenger said in the meeting, If youve read Lindsays report or spoken to others, I think its clear this was grossly inappropriate behavior by a trustee And this was in the midst of an event for members in the atrium of the museum., Asheville Watchdog requested the report Saenger referenced and any videotape of the incident. [Show slideshow] Gallery / Gift Shop Museums Craft Trails. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. The Museum is nearing the end of the final phase! Myers, the museum's executive director for 27 years, declined to be interviewed by Asheville Watchdog. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. Wish I had a membership so I could cancel it! He then deferred to trustee Gary Zahler, who joined the virtual meeting late. Its our responsibility to promote the health of the museum and its mission. Weitzman addressed the incident at the party by saying it occurred at the end of the evening with very few guests at the museum.. 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. The work environment is beyond toxic, Huff and Green wrote in a 2021 summary. This is no joke. Your email address will not be published. I am privileged to serve on LCE's Board of Directors and its Finance Committee. Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. (And, sorry I just dont see how those who fire someone for speaking out can use the word cancel culture. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. But how does that make the museum Youre in MY house? At some point words need to translate into both action and changed behavior, not just more words. Given these extreme circumstances and the weight of whats happening inside that museum, it is clear they are continuing to choose one person over the health of the institution, Reilly said. 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. Tickets are non-refundable. The goal of these articles is to challenge the Board to do just that. 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. 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. Thats absurd, Krider said. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Having been a consultant to dozens of major medical centers, large and small hospitals; as an active member of various boards; as an active supporter of the Asheville Art Museum for 19 years and a retired AAM board member; and along with my spouse substantial donors of funds and art , I am distressed and appalled over the treatment of Michelle Weitzman ,as revealed in this article. The space within the building which comprises the Art Museum is leased to it by the City. And Im sorry to say, Michelle, youre no longer on the board. Support the creative future of our region and donate today. 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. Cost: Included with general admission Location: Asheville Art Musem, Stoney Lamar Classroom and Van Winkle Gallery Board members support the ADA's mission to be a leader and advocate for the vitality of downtown Asheville. I have never forgotten this episode. Every request was honored, Krider said. Karen Leibert, Idaho State University - retired. The salary is probably in line with what other people at that level get paid, and Im sure that there are more than enough private donations to cover her salary so that no tax-payer dollars are used. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. The fact that many have shared this sentiment and the board continues to take no meaningful action is ludicrous. Some people are really great at certain functions. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. Do Pam Myers and the museum have any self-awareness at all? However, I have not taught a workshop nor class there in over a year. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. No one on that board even bothered to come to Michelles defense and say, Well, wait a minute. We engage, enlighten and inspire individuals, and enrich community through American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. 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. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. Open daily 11 am - 6 pm. Katyal: Trial and Conviction of Trump 'Real Possibility in Georgia' MSNBC contributor Neal Katyal said Monday on MSNBC's "The Last Word" that former President Donald Trump w All voted in favor of removing Weitzman. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Kerry Martin, Community Volunteer. I hardly said anything. Abigail L. Martin, Keller Williams Realty. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. And AAM gets that money whether or not students go. How many people did they do this to? Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. 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. Your email address will not be published. Upon achieving independence, the school adopted its current . The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. Has Pam done anything unethical or illegal? We share your inclination to get the whole story. A vibrant arts scene, creative restaurants and beer galore dazzle in this Southern jewel of a city. I am disappointed that the Board of the Museum is so insecure that the only way they can deal with differences is by throwing out the person who differs with the majority view. . She and other current board members, as well as past board . 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