Save the Emerson!

Hi Rosemary. This petition brings awareness to the abusive leadership at the Emerson. We are hoping to create positive change in the leadership and bring relief to those suffering under the current leadership. Thanks for signing.

Hello Page. I am so sorry you had to deal with the abuse and disrespect from the leadership. Please send reporter Nora Shelly your story. [email protected]

When preparing for my nephew’s wedding reception in the Emerson ballroom the (then) new ED’s inexplicably caustic behavior caused me to avoid dealings with the Emerson in the future and to predict quietly to myself that she would not last long in that position. I am uncomfortable with the indirectness of this petition action, but I do want to add my support to those who can’t just walk away from what I’d describe as unbearable behavior. I hope this person receives helpful guidance and a transition to a position that is less triggering to her personality difficulties.

1 year ago Featured

I was a tenant at the Emerson for 2 1/2 years, and left specifically because of abusive and disrespectful behavior by leadership. I am willing to speak in public and share details about the experience.

Wow, yes. I worked as an instructor in 2023 and even my students had these encounters.

The incident caused me to sign this was censorship, and then lies attempting to cover it up. There are many other stories I've heard from people that are of similar character. I am excited to see what the Emerson can become with a positive change.

When I opened BozeArts in 2013, an after school art and summer camp program for kids in K-6th grades, the ED of the Emerson called me on the first day I advertised. My initial thought was, "How nice. She's welcoming me to the community." I figured out very quickly how wrong I was about that when she proceeded to accuse me of copying their website and programs. I, of course, had not done any such thing. There was no resemblance whatsoever between my website and the Emerson's, and the Emerson wasn't running any after school art and summer camp programs at that time. I ended up telling her that I was going to get off the phone now, and that she should rethink her strategy for dealing with other arts organizations in the community. There should be no feeling of competition among artists, art teachers, and arts providers in the community. There's plenty of good to go around. She never apologized and I avoided the Emerson like the plague after that. BozeArts was wildly successful for the years I ran it in Bozeman despite the ED of the Emerson. However, no one in the community should feel like they have to avoid a central arts organization. The Emerson should be a resource for other artists and art programs, not attempting to hinder them.

Make it better, not tear it done! All the Bozeman historical and memorial landmarks are being wiped away in the name of investments.

I'm a long term tenant (10+ years!) and have slowly seen the the Emerson decline under current leadership. We need a new more professional ED and a transparent board to revive the building!

Change is needed.

Mean, intimidating, unprofessional, divisive and I’m betting paid way too much.

1 year ago Featured

I worked in the Emerson from 2018-2020. I stand with my former employer and my artist tenant neighbors in the Emerson. This building and community is so meaningful to Bozeman. It is sincerely sad to need this petition to simply create an opening for better communication and accountability.

1 year ago Featured

Susan abused her power to an excessive degree on one particular occasion where I tried to attend a gallery opening on the day mask restrictions had been officially lifted toward the end of Covid. She would not acknowledge this change at the state government level and proceeded to bar me from entry.

Realize that employees put much more heart into their work when treated with dignity and respect.

Save the Emerson from greed and corruption. Artist need a safe and affordable community environment.

Thank you for sharing, Laura. I’m sorry you had to endure unprofessional treatment by the ED. You deserve better.

Thank you, Susi, for sharing for your friend who feels too vulnerable to share themselves. I understand and the fear is real. Blessings on your friend’s safety and well-being during this time of transition. Change is around the bend. Stay strong and vigilant. Any details of abuse are helpful in this pursuit for justice.

I’m so sorry for your experience. As you remain anonymous on this platform, details of your experiences would be greatly appreciated. I understand if it feels too vulnerable for you to share here. [email protected] Nora is collecting people’s stories.

Thanks for your support, Jaime!

Thanks for your support, Mariah. Bozeman deserves better.