Its not even just about the people who work there who were hurt by someones tactics and approach, Krider said. Artworks from the 21st century elucidate contemporary perspectives on the employment of pattern to inform visual vocabularies and investigations of diverse themes in the present day. Advisory Board members help ensure the success of the individual museums and centers. 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. 990 statements can be interesting. Were pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. This is a great example of how privilege protects itself. Who would suggest changing her role to focus on what she appears to be good at, and not what she is evidently not good at? If she was harsh it was likely because you werent doing a good job. This is abuse. In that time has there been any kind of official response from the organization, its board or director? The Business Manager position is part time (non exempt) and is expected to be 24 hours per week. Im sorry that having a frank conversation that you didnt want to have seemed like an attack. An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. We have never censored or disciplined a trustee for expressing differing views or opinions. I see lawsuits as several laws appear to have been violated. 0 . Asheville may be best known for its traditional acoustic music, but Moog showed that the swirling, space-age sounds of his synthesizer could fit quite naturally against the mysterious backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Among the things "American Perspectives" does not include as folk art (and might) are graffiti art, hip-hop creations, tattoo art, decoys, weathervanes and Native American arts and crafts. Asked for comment, Benites wrote that after significant discussion the board had decided to have all communications be with the chair.. 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. Join, renew, or give the gift of Museum membership today. Museums and Communities News is our roundup of stories demonstrating the many ways AAMD member museums serve their communities I was often told by Pam government organizations, local funders, and others didnt support the arts in Asheville-it was made very clear they did not support her. If so, its not a pretty picture. . I tried to stand in front of Pam. Aug 2016 - Present6 years 7 months. This is not harsh and demanding. But Zahler also referenced all the good work.. Opinion: Fewer restrictions on guns? MICHELLE CROUCH, North Carolina Health News, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 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. Its just troublemakers.. 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. My experience was traumatic. If you love unique and creative art, definitely drop in here. Asheville, NC 28801. // Photo credit: Lindsey Grossman. Theyre not hearing. 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. 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. 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. 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. Krider told Asheville Watchdog she did not threaten anyone. The Business Manager manages all tracking of financial data; provides financial and administrative support to the Managing Director. To see this come out in the open is not surprising Im not shocked by any of it. She described the board as hand-picked and curated supporters of Myers, who has been director of the museum for 27 years. Tickets are non-refundable. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Books, jewelry, plush, games, activity kits, apparel, minerals & specimens, AMOS logo gear and more; all available in our unique museum store! Do something before this bites the museum where no amount of fundraising skills will help. Krider said that she was disturbed by what she had read in the Watchdog story. Grace is a 2021 participant in the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy Management Accelerator and a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory. 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. 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. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. 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.. Heres a woman whos done a tremendous amount for the community, has actually put Asheville on the map.. 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. 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. Press tab to enter the menus and then use your arrow keys, enter, and escape to use the menus. To connect with us, please visit our Contact page. Our Vision + Mission: To transform lives through art. "We wanted the building to be . Oh, and I love the quote.. Youre in my house. .reminds me of another psychopath were all unfortunately all too familiar with. . People world-wide can now explore the Museums diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. ); were talking about watching kind, hard-working, talented young and old professionals cry at their desks day after day. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available. In my view that is balanced reporting two opposite actions in response to one issue. West oversaw the Frye Art Museum's expansion and renovation, which was designed by Rick Sundberg of Olson Sundberg Kundig . asheville art museum board of directors asheville art museum board of directors. Employee complaints have been a source of discord on the museum board. 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.. The selection of objects displayed illustrates how Breslers eye for collecting craft not only draws attention to nature and artists interest in it, but also accentuates her role as a natural collector with an intuitive ability to identify themes and ideas that speak to one another. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Asheville Art Museum Project Focus Area: Approved by Board of Directors: January 2014 SECU Foundation awarded a grant to the Asheville Art Museum Association, Inc. to support the design, renovation and construction of the regional museum located in downtown Asheville. where is the house in the carvana commercial. Go-getter type of person who is aware how to work with established brands, arts styles, 2D and 3D artists and can smoothly lead the team of 2D and 3D to preserve the brand . Do we only care about rectifying injustices from long ago? Ive kind of found myself in a situation of traveling and taking my work outside of the city to be able to make a living with it, and that is with the privilege of a university degree and a local culture that already privileges white artists., Maurer, 23, said UNCA trains students for a museum-centered career, but the museum caters to artists that are not based in Asheville and then takes that work and redirects it towards tourists., The museum was founded in 1948 by local artists. To view financial information and our governance, please visit our Finance and Governance page. Nonprofit journalism in the public interest. We've recently sent you an authentication link. Last week, the letters in the museums sign were altered from Asheville Art Museum to A He ll Art Museum. Asheville Police spokesperson Samantha Booth said Wednesday she could not locate a police report on the vandalism. 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. Inappropriate behavior? She returned to the group, and Lewis approached Myers. 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. We understand, the web can be a dangerous place! 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 !! Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus. The patron was in her face, not me., Were clear, Saenger replied. This has nothing to do with taking constructive criticism for writing mistakes or annoyance for pitching in after events or programs. The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the future. Sort of like Im shocked, shocked to see abusive behavior going on as someone walks up and says here are your (entitlement) winnings. My generals ..and my highly classified documents. A renovated and expanded museum opened in 2019 in a glass. The museum's collection of 5,000 objects and art pieces are displayed in beautiful galleries throughout the three-floor . Phone (828) 254-7162 Email info@ashevillescience.org Participating member of the North Carolina Grassroots Science Museums collaborative with education funding by the North Carolina General Assembly. The museum, Hamill pointed out, is a nonprofit institution accountable to the Board of Trustees. What, because I spoke up? she said. The reality though is that when this many people are this unhappy, there is a problem. An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Luzene Hill advocates for Indigenous sovereigntylinguistically, culturally, and individually. I chalk it up to there being better opportunities for staff elsewhere. Pam has a platform and could issue a statement at any time. On view through March 20! Contact - Asheville Art Museum Home > Contact Contact Use the form below for general questions, or scroll down to connect with us for more specific inquiries. On view February 3May 29! Perhaps the site hasnt been updated. 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. Subscribe to our free Asheville Watchdog news alerts. becoming a Museum Member, renewing your membership early, or upgrading your current membership. 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. Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Museum is committed to being a vital force in community and individual development and to providing lifelong opportunities for education and enrichment through the visual arts. 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. Absolutely. 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. Does it have to come to that? Hamill said she was unmoved by the employee complaints detailed by Asheville Watchdog. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. It is an age old story. 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. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. None responded by our deadline Tuesday. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. I showed her where Pam was, Weitzman said. But that is how privilege rolls. Pictured: The Missoula Art Museum, whose Museum as Megaphone distance learning platform has provided access to arts education to rural and Tribal communities across Montana throughout the pandemic. 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. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut . Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art, Come have a drink and experiment with art materials while connecting with your community! It isnt just that Pam treats staff horrendously though that should be enough to fire her. We recused ourselves of giving to the Asheville Art Museum until we have a new director.. 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. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut down or shut out, the petition said. Instead, board member Benites made a motion that Michelle be removed from the board.. 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