The Outfit That Got Meghann Snow Fired

by Art Fag City on November 23, 2009 · 94 comments Newswire

POST BY PADDY JOHNSON
art fag city, mike weiss
Sara Harari, assistant director, and Mike Weiss. Image via: Art and Living

Holy ick. Meghann Snow, whom some of you may remember as AFC’s pick for Best Comment in ArtInfo’s profile on BRAVO’s Untitled Art Project auditions, sent us an account of her abusive firing from Mike Weiss Gallery this weekend. Weiss, who runs a fairly well known ground floor gallery in Chelsea, gained a reputation for douchebaggery in our books during the fall of 2005, when he called the police on artist Eric Doeringer for selling “bootlegs” out front his gallery. He managed to degrade that status even further last week, when he fired Meghann Snow for wearing an outfit he didn’t like. Her account below (originally published via: Jerry Saltz’s Facebook page):

– Monday November 16th: First day of working as a registrar at Mike Weiss Gallery. Typical first day learning ropes; Day was successful and long.

– Tuesday, November 17th: Second day of working at Mike Weiss Gallery
Afternoon. 1:00PM: Owner of gallery Mike Weiss asks me to follow him into the back part of the gallery. I follow him. He says, “I own this gallery and I have the right to inspect you.” He ‘inspects me,’ looks at me head to toe. He says,”Can you remove your cardigan.” ( I was wearing: a Banana Republic charcoal gray cardigan, a black American Apparel tank top tucked into a silk blackdiesel skirt, with black tights and frye clean dark gray boots and my hairwas curly.) I removed my cardigan. He “inspects me” head to toe, looks at me, and then asks “Can you pull your hair back? I want to see what you look like with your hair pulled back.” I pull my hair back. He says, “Can you let it go down? Let’s see it down again.” I do what he asks. He says “It looks better pulled back.” I got back to work.

2:00PM: I am told by the director that I can leave because the gallery will not have a desk set up for me until Friday. I leave.

Same night. 8:00PM: Phone call from the gallery. Director tells me that she is “sad she has to do this over the phone, and was hopping that things would work out … but she had a meeting wit Mike and he “wasn’t pleased with your presentation today. You aren’t bubbly or loud or happy enough.”

I was fired.

We have not yet been able to reach Mike Weiss for comment.

{ 94 comments }

Christine November 23, 2009 at 4:07 pm

What a dick. Henceforth, I shall avoid his gallery.

It really angers me that this a-hole can fire a female based on her dress. Didn’t he interview her and see how she ‘looked’ before she came in for her first day? Because of the way in which he cornered her and had her submit to his style issues, this is borderline sexual harassment.

Christine November 23, 2009 at 12:07 pm

What a dick. Henceforth, I shall avoid his gallery.

It really angers me that this a-hole can fire a female based on her dress. Didn’t he interview her and see how she ‘looked’ before she came in for her first day? Because of the way in which he cornered her and had her submit to his style issues, this is borderline sexual harassment.

Long November 23, 2009 at 4:19 pm

Very horrible. At the same time, I can’t imagine this is the only time something like this has happened. I expect that AFC will cover these incidents in the future, even if it were at a cooler gallery?

Long November 23, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Very horrible. At the same time, I can’t imagine this is the only time something like this has happened. I expect that AFC will cover these incidents in the future, even if it were at a cooler gallery?

Adam Humphreys November 23, 2009 at 4:31 pm

Fuck Mike Weiss. Jesus.

Adam Humphreys November 23, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Fuck Mike Weiss. Jesus.

Wendy Cooper November 23, 2009 at 4:36 pm

You are the BEST for printing this, Paddy. Creepy guy. Untoward behavior. He dug his own grave and he looks like he’s already laying in it.

Wendy Cooper November 23, 2009 at 12:36 pm

You are the BEST for printing this, Paddy. Creepy guy. Untoward behavior. He dug his own grave and he looks like he’s already laying in it.

onomatopoea November 23, 2009 at 6:40 pm

Pretty piss poor on the face of it. Casting couch treatment is to be expected from second tier galleries and wannabes.

I don’t expect receptionists to be bubbly, I expect them to be polite, polished and helpful. I sure hope this goes up on howsmydealing.com

onomatopoea November 23, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Pretty piss poor on the face of it. Casting couch treatment is to be expected from second tier galleries and wannabes.

I don’t expect receptionists to be bubbly, I expect them to be polite, polished and helpful. I sure hope this goes up on howsmydealing.com

Nick Grainger November 23, 2009 at 9:38 pm

Might I add, according to Meghann the job she was hired for was the Registrar of the gallery. Her main duties where going to be invoicing and shipping art work. She was by no means the receptionist.

Nick Grainger November 23, 2009 at 5:38 pm

Might I add, according to Meghann the job she was hired for was the Registrar of the gallery. Her main duties where going to be invoicing and shipping art work. She was by no means the receptionist.

claire November 23, 2009 at 11:18 pm

This girl showed up to a new job at a gallery on 24th street wearing a tank top and motorcycle boots?! In no industry would that be considered appropriate office attire, especially one based on sales and presentation. If that is her understanding of her environment, her outfit that day was probably used as an excuse to let her go, and she should consider the incident as a learning experience.

claire November 23, 2009 at 7:18 pm

This girl showed up to a new job at a gallery on 24th street wearing a tank top and motorcycle boots?! In no industry would that be considered appropriate office attire, especially one based on sales and presentation. If that is her understanding of her environment, her outfit that day was probably used as an excuse to let her go, and she should consider the incident as a learning experience.

Art Fag City November 23, 2009 at 11:30 pm

Unfortunately Mike Weiss has chosen not to respond so it’s his side of the story has not been told. With the information I have here though, I have to say the outfit doesn’t sound so inappropriate. She was wearing a cardigan over her tank top so it’s not like she was exposing all sorts of skin, and I see countless Chelsea gallerinas wearing the same boots she described. The standard course of action in cases where the attire is deemed inappropriate is to politely ask the worker in question to dress a little more conservatively, not inspect them in the back room and then have the Director fire them after hours. Even if the attire had been completely inappropriate for the job, from the account told here, the response was far from professional.

Art Fag City November 23, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Unfortunately Mike Weiss has chosen not to respond so it’s his side of the story has not been told. With the information I have here though, I have to say the outfit doesn’t sound so inappropriate. She was wearing a cardigan over her tank top so it’s not like she was exposing all sorts of skin, and I see countless Chelsea gallerinas wearing the same boots she described. The standard course of action in cases where the attire is deemed inappropriate is to politely ask the worker in question to dress a little more conservatively, not inspect them in the back room and then have the Director fire them after hours. Even if the attire had been completely inappropriate for the job, from the account told here, the response was far from professional.

Myrna November 24, 2009 at 1:04 am

What is the issue is that Mike Weiss did sexually harass Meghann, He hired her asking her numerous questions about crating art work and uncrating art work. I KNOW for a fact that for 8 months right out of graduate school from Parsons The New School she successfully worked for Sotheby’s. She lost her job due to the economy NOT because of dressing poorly! Her job was to work invoicing inventory not socializing with the Sotheby patrons. GET A LIFE MIKE WEISS and be more professional not a total jerk!!!

Myrna November 23, 2009 at 9:04 pm

What is the issue is that Mike Weiss did sexually harass Meghann, He hired her asking her numerous questions about crating art work and uncrating art work. I KNOW for a fact that for 8 months right out of graduate school from Parsons The New School she successfully worked for Sotheby’s. She lost her job due to the economy NOT because of dressing poorly! Her job was to work invoicing inventory not socializing with the Sotheby patrons. GET A LIFE MIKE WEISS and be more professional not a total jerk!!!

richard cranium November 24, 2009 at 1:13 am

Maybe instead of incessantly updating her facebook status with descriptions of her outfits, she could have paid more attention to her presentation (WHICH UMM.. WHEN YOU WORK IN A GALLERY, OR ANYWHERE IN THIS IMAGE OBSESSED CITY IN THIS CASE, ACTUALLY DOES MATTER.) Sloppy does not work most places, but in Chelsea? Give me a break. Was she born in a barn? People like this play farmville on facebook all day, and should probably just do data entry in a back room anyways.

richard cranium November 23, 2009 at 9:13 pm

Maybe instead of incessantly updating her facebook status with descriptions of her outfits, she could have paid more attention to her presentation (WHICH UMM.. WHEN YOU WORK IN A GALLERY, OR ANYWHERE IN THIS IMAGE OBSESSED CITY IN THIS CASE, ACTUALLY DOES MATTER.) Sloppy does not work most places, but in Chelsea? Give me a break. Was she born in a barn? People like this play farmville on facebook all day, and should probably just do data entry in a back room anyways.

Art Fag City November 24, 2009 at 1:17 am

To reiterate my earlier comments:

The standard course of action in cases where the attire is deemed inappropriate is to politely ask the worker in question to dress a little more conservatively, not inspect them in the back room and then have the Director fire them after hours. Even if the attire had been completely inappropriate for the job, from the account told here, the response was far from professional.

Art Fag City November 23, 2009 at 9:17 pm

To reiterate my earlier comments:

The standard course of action in cases where the attire is deemed inappropriate is to politely ask the worker in question to dress a little more conservatively, not inspect them in the back room and then have the Director fire them after hours. Even if the attire had been completely inappropriate for the job, from the account told here, the response was far from professional.

onomatopoea November 24, 2009 at 1:54 am

Wow Claire and Richard Cranium are apparently characters from the cut throat fashion scene and not the genteel (and much revered) art world of yore (or did Tony Shafrazi, Colin de Land and the rest act like Mugatu? Do tell). How illuminating.

Shades of Serial Mom here with the shoes, Claire. Maybe John Waters should cast you as the Bitch of the East. Haven’t you noticed that Frye makes all kinds of boots? (I googled it).

Mike Weiss is floundering, and it shows. In the fashion world you aren’t supposed to let them see you sweat. I smell blood. But then I smelled it when he harassed Eric Doeringer (not that it hurt Eric’s career any).

Some people decry the over-professionalization of the art world. Instead, should we mourn the loss of civility, chivalry and manners?

onomatopoea November 24, 2009 at 1:54 am

Wow Claire and Richard Cranium are apparently characters from the cut throat fashion scene and not the genteel (and much revered) art world of yore (or did Tony Shafrazi, Colin de Land and the rest act like Mugatu? Do tell). How illuminating.

Shades of Serial Mom here with the shoes, Claire. Maybe John Waters should cast you as the Bitch of the East. Haven’t you noticed that Frye makes all kinds of boots? (I googled it).

Mike Weiss is floundering, and it shows. In the fashion world you aren’t supposed to let them see you sweat. I smell blood. But then I smelled it when he harassed Eric Doeringer (not that it hurt Eric’s career any).

Some people decry the over-professionalization of the art world. Instead, should we mourn the loss of civility, chivalry and manners?

onomatopoea November 23, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Wow Claire and Richard Cranium are apparently characters from the cut throat fashion scene and not the genteel (and much revered) art world of yore (or did Tony Shafrazi, Colin de Land and the rest act like Mugatu? Do tell). How illuminating.

Shades of Serial Mom here with the shoes, Claire. Maybe John Waters should cast you as the Bitch of the East. Haven’t you noticed that Frye makes all kinds of boots? (I googled it).

Mike Weiss is floundering, and it shows. In the fashion world you aren’t supposed to let them see you sweat. I smell blood. But then I smelled it when he harassed Eric Doeringer (not that it hurt Eric’s career any).

Some people decry the over-professionalization of the art world. Instead, should we mourn the loss of civility, chivalry and manners?

lm November 24, 2009 at 2:39 am

He’s unprofessional, regardless of her behaior/dress. Makes gallery owners look bad in general.

lm November 23, 2009 at 10:39 pm

He’s unprofessional, regardless of her behaior/dress. Makes gallery owners look bad in general.

Myrna November 24, 2009 at 3:10 am

How funny! Was Meghann born in a barn? Hardly! I know where she was born and trust me it was NOT in a barn! She knows how to dress and really Mike Weiss did not need to take her in the back to his gallery to inspect her goods! Get the picture. She was wearing a sweater OVER this tank she was not exposing any skin AND for the record she is a classically trained ballet dancer it is not like she appeared to work in a pair of pink tights and a black leotard. It seems to me that this 40 something fellow is having a midlife crisis and finds the need to get some kind of a thrill. Sick and unprofessional totally.

Myrna November 24, 2009 at 3:10 am

How funny! Was Meghann born in a barn? Hardly! I know where she was born and trust me it was NOT in a barn! She knows how to dress and really Mike Weiss did not need to take her in the back to his gallery to inspect her goods! Get the picture. She was wearing a sweater OVER this tank she was not exposing any skin AND for the record she is a classically trained ballet dancer it is not like she appeared to work in a pair of pink tights and a black leotard. It seems to me that this 40 something fellow is having a midlife crisis and finds the need to get some kind of a thrill. Sick and unprofessional totally.

Myrna November 23, 2009 at 11:10 pm

How funny! Was Meghann born in a barn? Hardly! I know where she was born and trust me it was NOT in a barn! She knows how to dress and really Mike Weiss did not need to take her in the back to his gallery to inspect her goods! Get the picture. She was wearing a sweater OVER this tank she was not exposing any skin AND for the record she is a classically trained ballet dancer it is not like she appeared to work in a pair of pink tights and a black leotard. It seems to me that this 40 something fellow is having a midlife crisis and finds the need to get some kind of a thrill. Sick and unprofessional totally.

Charlotte November 24, 2009 at 5:11 am

Sounds to me that what the the statement also said is that she, Meghann Snow, had “negative energy” as well as inappropriate attire. I think that this might have been the entire problem and it wasn’t a good match for the atmosphere of the gallery. Perhaps, attire was a kind reason used to fire her.

Charlotte November 24, 2009 at 1:11 am

Sounds to me that what the the statement also said is that she, Meghann Snow, had “negative energy” as well as inappropriate attire. I think that this might have been the entire problem and it wasn’t a good match for the atmosphere of the gallery. Perhaps, attire was a kind reason used to fire her.

vanderleun November 24, 2009 at 4:30 pm

Perhaps folks should address their reactions directly to

Mike Weiss: Owner/Director
mike@mikeweissgallery.com

God knows I have. Subject line: “Hey, Putz!”

vanderleun November 24, 2009 at 4:30 pm

Perhaps folks should address their reactions directly to

Mike Weiss: Owner/Director
mike@mikeweissgallery.com

God knows I have. Subject line: “Hey, Putz!”

vanderleun November 24, 2009 at 4:30 pm

Perhaps folks should address their reactions directly to

Mike Weiss: Owner/Director
mike@mikeweissgallery.com

God knows I have. Subject line: “Hey, Putz!”

vanderleun November 24, 2009 at 12:30 pm

Perhaps folks should address their reactions directly to

Mike Weiss: Owner/Director
mike@mikeweissgallery.com

God knows I have. Subject line: “Hey, Putz!”

Myrna November 24, 2009 at 5:18 pm

I am laughing about the statement of “negative energy”. Meghann Snow is anything but negative energy. I hear Mike Weiss has the Napleon complex! I also know that anyone can pick any reason to fire someone in a work at will state, which NY is. Attire was used as his way out. I know what Meghann Snow’s resumes read. And being a negative person with negative engery is not on the resumes… she holds extensive Education and Dance resumes and was a Dean’s List student as well was awarded numerous Art and Dance scholarships her higher education.
Perhaps it Mike Weiss who has the negative energy not Meghann Snow.

Myrna November 24, 2009 at 5:18 pm

I am laughing about the statement of “negative energy”. Meghann Snow is anything but negative energy. I hear Mike Weiss has the Napleon complex! I also know that anyone can pick any reason to fire someone in a work at will state, which NY is. Attire was used as his way out. I know what Meghann Snow’s resumes read. And being a negative person with negative engery is not on the resumes… she holds extensive Education and Dance resumes and was a Dean’s List student as well was awarded numerous Art and Dance scholarships her higher education.
Perhaps it Mike Weiss who has the negative energy not Meghann Snow.

Myrna November 24, 2009 at 1:18 pm

I am laughing about the statement of “negative energy”. Meghann Snow is anything but negative energy. I hear Mike Weiss has the Napleon complex! I also know that anyone can pick any reason to fire someone in a work at will state, which NY is. Attire was used as his way out. I know what Meghann Snow’s resumes read. And being a negative person with negative engery is not on the resumes… she holds extensive Education and Dance resumes and was a Dean’s List student as well was awarded numerous Art and Dance scholarships her higher education.
Perhaps it Mike Weiss who has the negative energy not Meghann Snow.

richard cranium November 24, 2009 at 6:16 pm

Cheese in boots.

richard cranium November 24, 2009 at 2:16 pm

Cheese in boots.

Julie November 24, 2009 at 6:46 pm

What a prick! And that from a guy who once who bragged about giving shows to artists without having seen the work and subsequently “using” them. That was his words. He sees himself as THE artist and he “uses” his artists to fulfill his vision.

Julie November 24, 2009 at 2:46 pm

What a prick! And that from a guy who once who bragged about giving shows to artists without having seen the work and subsequently “using” them. That was his words. He sees himself as THE artist and he “uses” his artists to fulfill his vision.

Mike Weiss Gallery November 24, 2009 at 8:32 pm

Given the amount of attention this issue has received, Mike Weiss Gallery would like to respectfully respond to the blog post written by Meghann Snow. This all comes as a surprise to us being that we received an email from Ms. Snow in which she thanked us for our time and stated that she respected our decision.

When Ms. Snow interviewed for the position as Registrar she dressed the part as would be required of a high profile gallery and was enthusiastic about taking initiative for the position; she did after all get the job over a number of highly qualified and equally enthusiastic applicants. Upon arriving at the gallery for her first two days of training, Ms. Snow did not bring the same excitement for the position she had expressed in her interview and in fact revealed herself to be an inexperienced registrar, unable to even properly complete a shipping order or email on her own. It may be true that Ms. Snow is an accomplished ballet dancer and recipient of Deans List awards but that has hardly enriched her skills as a professional registrar.

Understandably, being appropriately dressed is of course a consideration of a ground floor gallery in Chelsea where the employees are in view of the visitors and clients. However, Ms. Snow has failed to mention in her blog post that it was her timidity taking on the responsibilities of the position that requires an enormous amount of energy, self motivation and initiative, which ultimately led to her being asked not to come back.

Ms. Snow is an artist, a fact decidedly omitted in her interview, and if this blog post has increased the traffic to her own website I suppose she finds justification in her efforts to tarnish the reputation of a respected gallery.

Writesitbest January 26, 2012 at 8:20 am

t her workishighly schooled pedestrian   ? aadanjce trained pedestrian in ballet slippers] brushes, yes, but after doing that where is the art? traces , tracks/ yes there
s room for that in art world..\it is foot prints. so good  for her.   would u  handle her art?

Mike Weiss Gallery November 24, 2009 at 4:32 pm

Given the amount of attention this issue has received, Mike Weiss Gallery would like to respectfully respond to the blog post written by Meghann Snow. This all comes as a surprise to us being that we received an email from Ms. Snow in which she thanked us for our time and stated that she respected our decision.

When Ms. Snow interviewed for the position as Registrar she dressed the part as would be required of a high profile gallery and was enthusiastic about taking initiative for the position; she did after all get the job over a number of highly qualified and equally enthusiastic applicants. Upon arriving at the gallery for her first two days of training, Ms. Snow did not bring the same excitement for the position she had expressed in her interview and in fact revealed herself to be an inexperienced registrar, unable to even properly complete a shipping order or email on her own. It may be true that Ms. Snow is an accomplished ballet dancer and recipient of Deans List awards but that has hardly enriched her skills as a professional registrar.

Understandably, being appropriately dressed is of course a consideration of a ground floor gallery in Chelsea where the employees are in view of the visitors and clients. However, Ms. Snow has failed to mention in her blog post that it was her timidity taking on the responsibilities of the position that requires an enormous amount of energy, self motivation and initiative, which ultimately led to her being asked not to come back.

Ms. Snow is an artist, a fact decidedly omitted in her interview, and if this blog post has increased the traffic to her own website I suppose she finds justification in her efforts to tarnish the reputation of a respected gallery.

Joanne Mattera November 24, 2009 at 9:44 pm

The owner made that determination in two days? WTF? Everyone needs a few days to get up to speed, to say nothing of learning how to negotiate the management style of the boss and the ambience of the workplace.

BTW, if this issue was really about dressing well, in the picture at the top of this post, who cuts the better sartorial figure?

Joanne Mattera November 24, 2009 at 5:44 pm

The owner made that determination in two days? WTF? Everyone needs a few days to get up to speed, to say nothing of learning how to negotiate the management style of the boss and the ambience of the workplace.

BTW, if this issue was really about dressing well, in the picture at the top of this post, who cuts the better sartorial figure?

Bob from Wyoming November 24, 2009 at 10:52 pm

Who is Mike Weiss?

Bob from Wyoming November 24, 2009 at 6:52 pm

Who is Mike Weiss?

LG November 24, 2009 at 10:57 pm

Good to know that if you want to work for Mr. Weiss, you are expected to be eternally “loud, happy and bubbly”. The definition of a cheerleader. It is my experience that these are not the prerequisites for doing a job successfully, especially one that requires attention to detail.

LG November 24, 2009 at 10:57 pm

Good to know that if you want to work for Mr. Weiss, you are expected to be eternally “loud, happy and bubbly”. The definition of a cheerleader. It is my experience that these are not the prerequisites for doing a job successfully, especially one that requires attention to detail.

LG November 24, 2009 at 6:57 pm

Good to know that if you want to work for Mr. Weiss, you are expected to be eternally “loud, happy and bubbly”. The definition of a cheerleader. It is my experience that these are not the prerequisites for doing a job successfully, especially one that requires attention to detail.

John Tomlinson November 25, 2009 at 12:23 am

To respond to Joanne Mattera’s query “who cuts the better sartorial figure?”, I would say that at least in this photo with the gallery as a backdrop, neither one. This is a pitiful matter of immaturity in interpersonal relations, not worthy of all this debate about dress.

John Tomlinson November 24, 2009 at 8:23 pm

To respond to Joanne Mattera’s query “who cuts the better sartorial figure?”, I would say that at least in this photo with the gallery as a backdrop, neither one. This is a pitiful matter of immaturity in interpersonal relations, not worthy of all this debate about dress.

onomatopoea November 25, 2009 at 1:18 am

Mike Weiss Gallery almost sounded reasonable (no one likes a gloomy gus or a sourpuss) until the last ad hominem attack about just wanting to attract web traffic – MWG should have hired a PR team for damage control though, instead of doing this in house.nnThere are better ways – like posting lolcats and tagging pictures with celebrity names. nnJerry Saltz, Gerhard Richter, Peter Schjeldahl, Luc Tuymans. 9-11. Lolcats. That sort of thing. nnIs this a put on a performance? Life and art? Breaking the fourth wall? Or am I high? (I’m not).nnCan we hear from registrars what the learning curve is for someone who uses email and can turn on a computer? 3 days? A week? Bottom line is if she was “the right person” most businesses would have trained her. Right? Right.nnTarnishing the reputation of respected galleries is better done on howsmydealing.com, that’s howsmydealing.com, howsmydealing.com.

onomatopoea November 25, 2009 at 1:18 am

Mike Weiss Gallery almost sounded reasonable (no one likes a gloomy gus or a sourpuss) until the last ad hominem attack about just wanting to attract web traffic – MWG should have hired a PR team for damage control though, instead of doing this in house.nnThere are better ways – like posting lolcats and tagging pictures with celebrity names. nnJerry Saltz, Gerhard Richter, Peter Schjeldahl, Luc Tuymans. 9-11. Lolcats. That sort of thing. nnIs this a put on a performance? Life and art? Breaking the fourth wall? Or am I high? (I’m not).nnCan we hear from registrars what the learning curve is for someone who uses email and can turn on a computer? 3 days? A week? Bottom line is if she was “the right person” most businesses would have trained her. Right? Right.nnTarnishing the reputation of respected galleries is better done on howsmydealing.com, that’s howsmydealing.com, howsmydealing.com.

onomatopoea November 25, 2009 at 1:18 am

Mike Weiss Gallery almost sounded reasonable (no one likes a gloomy gus or a sourpuss) until the last ad hominem attack about just wanting to attract web traffic – MWG should have hired a PR team for damage control though, instead of doing this in house.nnThere are better ways – like posting lolcats and tagging pictures with celebrity names. nnJerry Saltz, Gerhard Richter, Peter Schjeldahl, Luc Tuymans. 9-11. Lolcats. That sort of thing. nnIs this a put on a performance? Life and art? Breaking the fourth wall? Or am I high? (I’m not).nnCan we hear from registrars what the learning curve is for someone who uses email and can turn on a computer? 3 days? A week? Bottom line is if she was “the right person” most businesses would have trained her. Right? Right.nnTarnishing the reputation of respected galleries is better done on howsmydealing.com, that’s howsmydealing.com, howsmydealing.com.

onomatopoea November 25, 2009 at 1:18 am

Mike Weiss Gallery almost sounded reasonable (no one likes a gloomy gus or a sourpuss) until the last ad hominem attack about just wanting to attract web traffic – MWG should have hired a PR team for damage control though, instead of doing this in house.nnThere are better ways – like posting lolcats and tagging pictures with celebrity names. nnJerry Saltz, Gerhard Richter, Peter Schjeldahl, Luc Tuymans. 9-11. Lolcats. That sort of thing. nnIs this a put on a performance? Life and art? Breaking the fourth wall? Or am I high? (I’m not).nnCan we hear from registrars what the learning curve is for someone who uses email and can turn on a computer? 3 days? A week? Bottom line is if she was “the right person” most businesses would have trained her. Right? Right.nnTarnishing the reputation of respected galleries is better done on howsmydealing.com, that’s howsmydealing.com, howsmydealing.com.

onomatopoea November 24, 2009 at 9:18 pm

Mike Weiss Gallery almost sounded reasonable (no one likes a gloomy gus or a sourpuss) until the last ad hominem attack about just wanting to attract web traffic – MWG should have hired a PR team for damage control though, instead of doing this in house.\n\nThere are better ways – like posting lolcats and tagging pictures with celebrity names. \n\nJerry Saltz, Gerhard Richter, Peter Schjeldahl, Luc Tuymans. 9-11. Lolcats. That sort of thing. \n\nIs this a put on a performance? Life and art? Breaking the fourth wall? Or am I high? (I’m not).\n\nCan we hear from registrars what the learning curve is for someone who uses email and can turn on a computer? 3 days? A week? Bottom line is if she was “the right person” most businesses would have trained her. Right? Right.\n\nTarnishing the reputation of respected galleries is better done on howsmydealing.com, that’s howsmydealing.com, howsmydealing.com.

martin November 25, 2009 at 2:28 am

i recall five+ years ago an acquaintance in richmond moved to new york and got a job at mike weiss and was out FAST. i asked our mutual friend (a respected local gallery employee) what happened but she had promised not to tell and only rolled her eyes and said it was BAD.nnso i will give meghann the benefit of the doubt.

martin November 25, 2009 at 2:28 am

i recall five+ years ago an acquaintance in richmond moved to new york and got a job at mike weiss and was out FAST. i asked our mutual friend (a respected local gallery employee) what happened but she had promised not to tell and only rolled her eyes and said it was BAD.nnso i will give meghann the benefit of the doubt.

martin November 24, 2009 at 10:28 pm

i recall five+ years ago an acquaintance in richmond moved to new york and got a job at mike weiss and was out FAST. i asked our mutual friend (a respected local gallery employee) what happened but she had promised not to tell and only rolled her eyes and said it was BAD.\n\nso i will give meghann the benefit of the doubt.

carry November 25, 2009 at 4:48 pm

First of all, in response to Christine’s comment: “this is borderline sexual harassment” I would say that is a very irresponsible and completely unfounded statement/accusation as well as ignorant to what real sexual harassment is. In no way does anything Mr. Weiss did or say amount to sexual harassment. This gallery is a respected and reputable gallery and Ms. Snow has done more damage to her career than she knows by acting immature and unreasonable about this situation. If one is not able to successfully send out an email or shipping order, than they are not at all qualified for such a position and should be let go. Surely working in a Chelsea gallery is no easy feat, but I am sure if she showed promise of being a hard and effective employee than she wouldn’t have been let go. Impressive resume or not, lets start making this person take responsibility for her part in this instead of acting like a highschool student. It sounds like her ego was damaged- nothing more.

Editor’s note: This comment has been edited.

carry November 25, 2009 at 4:48 pm

First of all, in response to Christine’s comment: “this is borderline sexual harassment” I would say that is a very irresponsible and completely unfounded statement/accusation as well as ignorant to what real sexual harassment is. In no way does anything Mr. Weiss did or say amount to sexual harassment. This gallery is a respected and reputable gallery and Ms. Snow has done more damage to her career than she knows by acting immature and unreasonable about this situation. If one is not able to successfully send out an email or shipping order, than they are not at all qualified for such a position and should be let go. Surely working in a Chelsea gallery is no easy feat, but I am sure if she showed promise of being a hard and effective employee than she wouldn’t have been let go. Impressive resume or not, lets start making this person take responsibility for her part in this instead of acting like a highschool student. It sounds like her ego was damaged- nothing more.

Editor’s note: This comment has been edited.

carry November 25, 2009 at 4:48 pm

First of all, in response to Christine’s comment: “this is borderline sexual harassment” I would say that is a very irresponsible and completely unfounded statement/accusation as well as ignorant to what real sexual harassment is. In no way does anything Mr. Weiss did or say amount to sexual harassment. This gallery is a respected and reputable gallery and Ms. Snow has done more damage to her career than she knows by acting immature and unreasonable about this situation. If one is not able to successfully send out an email or shipping order, than they are not at all qualified for such a position and should be let go. Surely working in a Chelsea gallery is no easy feat, but I am sure if she showed promise of being a hard and effective employee than she wouldn’t have been let go. Impressive resume or not, lets start making this person take responsibility for her part in this instead of acting like a highschool student. It sounds like her ego was damaged- nothing more.

Editor’s note: This comment has been edited.

carry November 25, 2009 at 12:48 pm

First of all, in response to Christine’s comment: “this is borderline sexual harassment” I would say that is a very irresponsible and completely unfounded statement/accusation as well as ignorant to what real sexual harassment is. In no way does anything Mr. Weiss did or say amount to sexual harassment. This gallery is a respected and reputable gallery and Ms. Snow has done more damage to her career than she knows by acting immature and unreasonable about this situation. If one is not able to successfully send out an email or shipping order, than they are not at all qualified for such a position and should be let go. Surely working in a Chelsea gallery is no easy feat, but I am sure if she showed promise of being a hard and effective employee than she wouldn’t have been let go. Impressive resume or not, lets start making this person take responsibility for her part in this instead of acting like a highschool student. It sounds like her ego was damaged- nothing more.

Editor’s note: This comment has been edited.

Vik November 26, 2009 at 3:58 am

Even if this is all true and Mark Weiss made a decision which is simply incomprehensible, the value of this “coverage” is at best at the level of gossip.

Vik November 26, 2009 at 3:58 am

Even if this is all true and Mark Weiss made a decision which is simply incomprehensible, the value of this “coverage” is at best at the level of gossip.

Vik November 26, 2009 at 3:58 am

Even if this is all true and Mark Weiss made a decision which is simply incomprehensible, the value of this “coverage” is at best at the level of gossip.

Vik November 26, 2009 at 3:58 am

Even if this is all true and Mark Weiss made a decision which is simply incomprehensible, the value of this “coverage” is at best at the level of gossip.

Vik November 25, 2009 at 11:58 pm

Even if this is all true and Mark Weiss made a decision which is simply incomprehensible, the value of this “coverage” is at best at the level of gossip.

MATTHEW ROSE November 26, 2009 at 5:21 am

Mike Weiss sends me an e mail almost every single day. Is that appropriate? No. Is it over the top? Probably. Is this a strange artworld story about a gallerina and an obsessive art dealer? Yes.nnMaybe Meghan can do a piece about this drama. Does it end with a lawsuit? Or a blog post?

MATTHEW ROSE November 26, 2009 at 1:21 am

Mike Weiss sends me an e mail almost every single day. Is that appropriate? No. Is it over the top? Probably. Is this a strange artworld story about a gallerina and an obsessive art dealer? Yes.\n\nMaybe Meghan can do a piece about this drama. Does it end with a lawsuit? Or a blog post?

K-Ration November 26, 2009 at 2:07 pm

A gallery owner being obtuse and sexually suggestive? Who would have guessed? This is like jumping into cold water and being surprised you got wet. For the most amazing hiring practice check out Gerd’s bevy of women at Galerie Eigen + Art. His creepy ads and mailers show him with ‘his’ women. It is really strange. His a-hole status is only the tip of the iceberg. His personality is that of an alpha dog with much hard earned art cash. HUrraY MEN!

http://cgi.eigen-art.com/user-cgi-bin/index.php?article_id=18&clang=1

K-Ration November 26, 2009 at 10:07 am

A gallery owner being obtuse and sexually suggestive? Who would have guessed? This is like jumping into cold water and being surprised you got wet. For the most amazing hiring practice check out Gerd’s bevy of women at Galerie Eigen + Art. His creepy ads and mailers show him with ‘his’ women. It is really strange. His a-hole status is only the tip of the iceberg. His personality is that of an alpha dog with much hard earned art cash. HUrraY MEN!

http://cgi.eigen-art.com/user-cgi-bin/index.php?article_id=18&clang=1

j November 27, 2009 at 2:02 am

I installed a few shows for that guy, and I am not surprised. He’s a little creepy man who needs the power trip.The funny thing is, he doesn’t even have an office in that gallery so he just lurks around.

j November 27, 2009 at 2:02 am

I installed a few shows for that guy, and I am not surprised. He’s a little creepy man who needs the power trip.The funny thing is, he doesn’t even have an office in that gallery so he just lurks around.

j November 27, 2009 at 2:02 am

I installed a few shows for that guy, and I am not surprised. He’s a little creepy man who needs the power trip.The funny thing is, he doesn’t even have an office in that gallery so he just lurks around.

j November 26, 2009 at 10:02 pm

I installed a few shows for that guy, and I am not surprised. He’s a little creepy man who needs the power trip.The funny thing is, he doesn’t even have an office in that gallery so he just lurks around.

juan November 28, 2009 at 7:21 pm

charlie finch once described Mike Weiss as “a frog covered in pubic hair”

juan November 28, 2009 at 7:21 pm

charlie finch once described Mike Weiss as “a frog covered in pubic hair”

juan November 28, 2009 at 7:21 pm

charlie finch once described Mike Weiss as “a frog covered in pubic hair”

juan November 28, 2009 at 3:21 pm

charlie finch once described Mike Weiss as “a frog covered in pubic hair”

metropolitan November 30, 2009 at 3:52 pm

you guys got it wrong he didn’t fire her for her outfit but for he lack of bubbliness.
mike weiss is a douchebag to many, but he’s a hero to me.

metropolitan November 30, 2009 at 11:52 am

you guys got it wrong he didn’t fire her for her outfit but for he lack of bubbliness.
mike weiss is a douchebag to many, but he’s a hero to me.

Soapnana December 4, 2009 at 4:59 pm

I worked for this gallery for eight months and this tooootally took me on a trip down memory lane. I was once chastised for wearing a nice dark denim skirt for an opening. I believe the quote was “Jeans?? You’re wearing jeans to our opening???”

I graduated with a degree in Art History but vowed never to work in a gallery again.

Soapnana December 4, 2009 at 12:59 pm

I worked for this gallery for eight months and this tooootally took me on a trip down memory lane. I was once chastised for wearing a nice dark denim skirt for an opening. I believe the quote was “Jeans?? You’re wearing jeans to our opening???”

I graduated with a degree in Art History but vowed never to work in a gallery again.

francis December 7, 2009 at 7:37 am

We all know how most of the gallery owners are.Everyone has his own experience. We should create a ” Gallery Assistant Rights act” Im glad this girl had the bravery to tell us about this.
Although this gallery sucks, glad you are out of there. There was no future in it.

francis December 7, 2009 at 3:37 am

We all know how most of the gallery owners are.Everyone has his own experience. We should create a ” Gallery Assistant Rights act” Im glad this girl had the bravery to tell us about this.
Although this gallery sucks, glad you are out of there. There was no future in it.

Are you kidding me?! December 21, 2009 at 4:06 am

Okay, I don’t need to read all the comments. While I do sympathize with Meghann, the fact is, people are fired everyday for reasons like this. I was fired from my job, working for a HUGE company, I won’t say the name- for NO REASON. This is one of the biggest companies in the USA. I was fired BY EMAIL. I worked for this company for over 2 years. This has nothing to do with the girl didn’t have enough time to do her job or any of that. Maybe they made a lousy decision hiring her and they just decided to get rid of her. First of all, this girl is not an artist, I’ve seen her stuff. This girl is a joke. GET THE FLICK OVER IT PEOPLE. THIS IS AMERICA. THIS IS THE REAL WORLD. GO CRY YOURSELF TO SLEEP SOMEWHERE ELSE. IT HAPPENED TO ME, AND I’M NOT POSTING IT ON THE NET OR LOOKING TO GO ON NANCY GRACE FOR 15 MINUTES- This is life. It’s called, uh GETTING FIRED!!!!!!!!!!! BOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Note to Meghann….next time your boss tells you to untuck your shirt or redo your hair- QUIT! FREAKING QUIT if it is such a big deal you moron!!!!!

Are you kidding me?! December 21, 2009 at 12:06 am

Okay, I don’t need to read all the comments. While I do sympathize with Meghann, the fact is, people are fired everyday for reasons like this. I was fired from my job, working for a HUGE company, I won’t say the name- for NO REASON. This is one of the biggest companies in the USA. I was fired BY EMAIL. I worked for this company for over 2 years. This has nothing to do with the girl didn’t have enough time to do her job or any of that. Maybe they made a lousy decision hiring her and they just decided to get rid of her. First of all, this girl is not an artist, I’ve seen her stuff. This girl is a joke. GET THE FLICK OVER IT PEOPLE. THIS IS AMERICA. THIS IS THE REAL WORLD. GO CRY YOURSELF TO SLEEP SOMEWHERE ELSE. IT HAPPENED TO ME, AND I’M NOT POSTING IT ON THE NET OR LOOKING TO GO ON NANCY GRACE FOR 15 MINUTES- This is life. It’s called, uh GETTING FIRED!!!!!!!!!!! BOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Note to Meghann….next time your boss tells you to untuck your shirt or redo your hair- QUIT! FREAKING QUIT if it is such a big deal you moron!!!!!

ANNOYMOUS January 27, 2010 at 3:03 am

Professional attire is usually required when interacting with the public. Trendy boots and a tank top show that she is not ready for the professional world. The gallery had the right to fire her due to having a negative attitude, no one likes someone who doesn’t care about theor job. I agree that her art is a joke, throw some trash on a canvas and call it art, HA. Good luck trying to find a job without people skills or decent art.

ANNOYMOUS January 26, 2010 at 11:03 pm

Professional attire is usually required when interacting with the public. Trendy boots and a tank top show that she is not ready for the professional world. The gallery had the right to fire her due to having a negative attitude, no one likes someone who doesn’t care about theor job. I agree that her art is a joke, throw some trash on a canvas and call it art, HA. Good luck trying to find a job without people skills or decent art.

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