Director's Note: Remembering Women in Leadership

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

—Dolly Parton

On June 8, Piedmont Arts will once again bestow its highest honor on a business and an individual who have contributed much to arts and culture in the Martinsville-Henry County community. The Clyde Hooker Award will be presented to Kings Grant Retirement Community and the museum will be honoring the legacy of Judy Matthews, who passed away on April 24, 2017.

Judy’s passing and the contributions she made to the community have gotten me thinking about leadership and, in particular, women who have displayed great leadership. Of course, Martinsville-Henry County has many men who have done much to contribute to the betterment of the community, but I am struck by the loss of several women over the past few years who gave so much, especially around arts, culture and community. They are Judy Matthews, Wanda Prillaman, Kay Smith and Elizabeth Haskell.

The list of contributions, philanthropy and community involvement of these women is long. They did not sit around waiting for someone else to make our community better…they dug in, got their hands dirty and worked hard to improve Martinsville-Henry County and the quality of life for everyone living in it.

Judy Matthews (right) with her husband John

Judy was a native of Richmond, VA, who moved to Martinsville in 1962. During her life here, she was involved in many organizations, including serving as President of the Board of Directors of Piedmont Arts, helping (along with husband, John) to create a gift shop at the museum and curating exhibits from artists across the country. She served on the Foundation of the Virginia Museum of Natural History and was the first woman to serve as chair of the Martinsville City School Board during her nine years of service. Her service to Forest Hills Presbyterian Church included heading the Women of the Church, serving on the Pastor Nominating Committee, and on the Presbytery.

Wanda Prillaman

Acclaimed watercolor artist Wanda Prillaman passed away on October 2, 2014 and contributed much to the arts in Martinsville-Henry County. She taught art at Martinsville, Bassett and Drewry Mason High Schools, as well as Patrick Henry Community College. Wanda gave much of her time to Piedmont Arts and was one of the museum’s original founders and past president. She co-organized the Lynwood Artists which became the grassroots group to form Piedmont Arts. She was also past president of the Virginia Watercolor Society. Her art can be found locally in many homes, but also in numerous private collections in the United States, France and England, and in collections owned by libraries and colleges. Wanda put her energy in making our community beautiful with her art, as a Master Gardener and as a member of the Garden Study Club.

Kay Smith (right) at the groundbreaking for Piedmont Arts' new wing c. 1997

Kathryn “Kay” Ascough Smith, who passed away on March 29, 2014, was a driving force for the expansion of Piedmont Arts in the late nineties, serving as co-chair of the Shared Vision Campaign. She was also a member of the museum’s Board of Trustees. Kay was devoted to the community and to issues around the arts and mental health. She served on the State Board of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services. She was past president of the Garden Study Club and served on the Special Education Advisory Board of Martinsville City Schools, Board of Edwards Adult Day Care, and the Board of Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County.

Elizabeth Heim Haskell

Elizabeth Heim Haskell passed away on March 3, 2014. Haskell was a leader both on the local level and in Richmond. She served on the Martinsville City Council from 1996 to 2000 and was Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth. Elizabeth built her career around her concern for the environment and the community. In particular, she wanted to see more educational opportunities for residents of Martinsville-Henry County and to that end she served on the New College Planning Commission and was the body’s vice chairman in 2005 and 2006.

Anthropologist Margaret Meade said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” These four women certainly changed our community with their tireless efforts and commitment to quality of life, education, arts and culture. We should all be inspired by their love of community and their willingness to put their time, talent and treasure where it was needed. I think this quote from Facebook Chief Operating Office Sheryl Sandberg is a perfect way to describe their legacies: “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”

Director's Note is a monthly blog by Piedmont Arts Executive Director Kathy Rogers, examining the impact of the arts in our community. Contact Kathy at kathyrogers@piedmontarts.org.