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. 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. 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 ( The first story about the Art Museum, its board, and its director appeared more than a month ago. Thank you, and stay well! Explore two stories of frequently rotating exhibitions. 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. Youre no longer a volunteer.. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion. Heres a woman whos done a tremendous amount for the community, has actually put Asheville on the map.. 200,000+ Visitors. The Theater is just one of the many examples of community relationships that are strained. Yes, I also saw the similarities to that narciopath Agent Orange. (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 Inappropriate behavior? The board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff complaints about Myerss management style persisted. Please show Pam Myers and a few of her board minions to the door. Weitzman and the group moved to the first floor, where Myers was standing with trustee Bob Benites. (828) 254-7162 DONATE ABOUT I have a feeling yall are going to regret your fumble here. Gary Cooper, Treasurer. Trustees who have attempted to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut . The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. But that is how privilege rolls. Theyre so thin-skinned.. 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. 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 68,000-square-foot museum features 20th and 21st century American art. She and other current board members, as well as past board . I liken this behavior to what the vandals are doing defacing the museum, Saenger said. Today, more than 500 members serve on the Smithsonian's Advisory Boards. All I can say is this is not the museum that I have known and loved for so long.. As a long term Asheville Art Museum member, donor, former volunteer, former Gallery Associate, and current Adult Studio instructor, I am little more than an outside observer to the day to day operations of the museum so this story has been revealing. Asheville Art Museum Association Inc. has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. As Asheville Watchdog reported, Reilly was one of six former employees who complained to the board in 2015. 120 College St, Asheville . 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. Its also about what it looks like for Asheville, all of us.. Much like their reaccreditation, grants, and other projects they are constantly asking for extensions. Theyre not hearing. To see this come out in the open is not surprising Im not shocked by any of it. This story has Hostile Work Environment written all over it, with lots of documentation and witnesses. It is an age old story. The board has stood by Myers, 65, largely crediting her with raising $30 million in a capital campaign that spanned well over a decade. The outspoken employees were very courageous in attempting to shine light on an aggregious working conditions for a very underpaid staff. The permanent collection of more than 2,000 objects includes works from nationally known artists such as Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, George Inness, Arshile Gorky, Romare Bearden, Ed Ruscha, Jasper Johns Alex Katz, William Wiley, and Red Grooms. Glass works and mix media. Sections will explore the history of pattern and decorations use in American art during and after the now formally recognized movement was established. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. Contact her at skestin@avlwatchdog.org. No data on how many employees that worked at the AAM during the last 10 years who have not signed this mud-slinging article. But it was Krider, not Weitzman, who confronted Myers in front of board member Robert Benites. 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. 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. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. I believe we are on a solid path forward, Click wrote. Krider said she asked Myers about the Watchdog story, and Myers declined to discuss it, saying, according to Krider, Youre in my house.. 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. Adopted as an educational framework, particularly in social justice and ethnic studies, Olin guides individuals through a process of reflection, action, reconciliation, and transformation. Does it have to come to that? 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. President and Eloise W. Martin Director. If this reader is interested in being even handed and balanced, where are the comments speaking to what is going on at the museum with its apparently comfortable complacent board, and an executive director who may be highly effective at raising money but who appears to not be qualified to manage people. Well certainly take everything you had to say to heart, Michelle, as we always have, Saenger said. Press tab to enter the menus and then use your arrow keys, enter, and escape to use the menus. . Stan Hastings, President. After the meeting, Weitzman told Asheville Watchdog she believed her removal was retribution for challenging the museums leadership. The Museum also offers a broad variety of innovative programs for all ages, including classes and workshops for adults, college students, children, and families; guided and group tours; concerts and performances; volunteer and docent programs; year-round and summer internship programs; film screenings; lectures and panel discussions; school and teacher programs; special events; and much more. Absolutely. What, because I spoke up? she said. This exhibition combines Hills use of mylar safety blankets alongside recent drawings. Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Asheville Art 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. 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. Weitzman responded that she attempted a group effort and failed. Open Thursdays 11am9pm | Reserve tickets now. Show your support for our community by helping us power authoritative, in-depth reporting, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. Weitzman said a museum patron, Monica Krider, had wanted to share her thoughts with Pam about the Watchdog story. Too Much Is Just Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration features over 70 artworks in an array of media from both the original time frame of the Pattern and Decoration movement, as well as contemporary artworks created between 1985 and the present. 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. This has nothing to do with taking constructive criticism for writing mistakes or annoyance for pitching in after events or programs. 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. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Students in grades 712 from all across Western North Carolina are invited to submit work for this special juried competition. 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. It is a cornerstone in this art-rich town that we can all be very proud of.. The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusionnow and in the future. This is not harsh and demanding. It only takes a moment. For immediate assistance or general inquiries, please call 828.253.3227. Benites said he was terribly distressed by the incident at the party. Zahler mentioned an issue, an apparent reference to employee complaints about Myerss management dating to at least 2015. Museum Members receive 12 months of free general admission. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Monica Krider, a realtor, attended as a guest of Gretchen Lewis, who is also a realtor and a museum member. 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. Tickets are non-refundable. The Asheville Art Museum's vision is to transform lives through art. I tried to stand in front of Pam. I think well move on with our agenda now. Clearly there has been a consistent and ongoing pattern of abuse of volunteers and employees by Ms. Myers, which quite frankly reads like nothing short of a reign of terror .very very bad public relations no matter how magnificent your prized glass edifice there in Pack Square is. Weitzman said she wanted to make clear that she was not the one confronting Myers at the party. Right, not only does Ms. Meyers need to be replaced immediately her unquestioningly compliant board of trustees does as well. 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. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability. He said the controversy over Myers has been brewing for decades. Lewis said Benites intervened, defending Myers. It is common knowledge among museum experts that museum stores and restaurants have become much needed sources of additional revenue; leadership at Asheville Art Museum, however, treats the store and cafe as unimportant after thoughts, refusing to provide the resources and support they need in order to be profitable. And the group moved to the door is just one of six former employees who complained to board... Worked at the party to redress the toxic culture fostered by Myers have been shut say heart! Assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability an executive coach, but complaints. Six former employees who complained to the board twice brought in an executive coach, but staff about! 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asheville art museum board of directors