Former employees of Rochester Art Center seek back pay

Four former staffers at the Rochester Art Center say they're owed thousands in back pay.

They individually filed complaints in small claims court this week arguing that the art center owes them $5,800 in earned vacation time. In the past, the center has paid out earned time to employees who were fired or laid off.

Interim director Lee Koch did not respond to calls or emails from MPR News.

The art center has been struggling financially for years. Its leadership presented a plan earlier this year to right the institution's finances that projected budget surpluses of $50,000 and $131,000 this year and next.

Those figures include money saved from laying off five employees earlier this year.

The art center also said it must stage more "must-see" shows that draw big crowds. Earlier this year, Koch said that they're planning such a show in the summer of 2018 that is already fully funded.

Former Director of Community Engagement Chad Allen is among those who filed a claim. He was laid off earlier this year during the center's effort to cut costs.

"They are running a skeleton crew," he said. "I don't forsee how the organization is going to continue in its current state."

This week, the art center also laid off its facilities manager.

The complaints were filed the same week as the center's annual fundraiser, which kicks off Friday with a new show featuring only local artists. Saturday night is the main event, followed by an after party and a Sunday brunch.

With the art center's finances still in doubt, there's a lot riding on this year's fundraiser. Last year, the main event drew 250 people while the after party sold 200 tickets, according to a former staffer who planned the event.