What an honor it was to partner on The Art of Leaders event held on May 14 at the Jefferson Center. A gathering that so beautifully wove together two of our region’s greatest strengths: inspired leadership and the transformative power of the arts. The evening showcased 10 portraits of remarkable leaders who inspired local artist Whitney Brock with their dedication and impact. It was rewarding to see so many of our community leaders celebrated in art.
The emcee of the evening, Dr. Ryan King, Innovation Manager at Carilion Clinic, kept the flow of the evening going as we heard opening remarks from Roanoke Cultural Endowment’s Shaleen Powell, inspiration on the project from Whitney Brock, and thoughts on leadership from each of the portrait subjects. Dr. Frank Shushok, Jr., President of Roanoke College, concluded the evening with a keynote addressing the growth of our region and called on us to become the future Roanoke we want Roanoke to be.
Two hundred and seventy people attended, representing a broad cross-section of our community. The event has drawn dozens of positive comments, with many expressing gratitude for a community event filled with inspiration. We can still feel the energy!
The ART of Leaders: A Portrait Series
“This body of work is a tribute to the individuals who shape our region’s identity, values, and future. Through the timeless medium of traditional oil portraiture, I aimed to capture more than just the likeness of these leaders and influencers – I sought to reflect their character, vision, and the quiet strength behind their public roles.
Let these faces remind us that leadership takes many forms – and that growth begins when we choose to truly see and value one another.” – Whitney Brock
The Art of Leaders Portraits will be on exhibit at Art on 1st Gallery from June 1 – June 28, 2025. Art on 1st is located at 300 1st Street in downtown Roanoke.
The Arts & Leadership
The Art of Leaders not only uplifted individual achievement but also invited us to consider what it means to shape the future—creatively, collaboratively, and boldly.
At the Roanoke Cultural Endowment (RCE), our mission is to build a sustainable source of funding to support more than two dozen arts and cultural nonprofits in the City of Roanoke. We’re working to ensure that these organizations remain strong—not just for today, but for generations to come. Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, we are now more than a third of the way toward our ambitious $20 million goal. This vision is being realized not in isolation, but through the collective investment of individuals, organizations, and leaders who understand that the soul of a community is found in its stories, its creativity, and its cultural richness.
The Art of Leaders was a beautiful reflection of that belief. The event brought together two powerful forces: the arts and leadership. Both are essential, both are deeply human. Artists and leaders share vision, courage, and often, very little sleep. The portraits presented that evening are more than works of art. They are tributes in brushstrokes, echoes of action rendered in light and color. Each one tells the story of someone who has led with purpose and shaped our community in a way that stirred an artist’s imagination. It’s a reminder that true leadership, like great art, doesn’t just inform; it inspires.
Thank you to everyone who attended, for championing our region, and for celebrating the people—and the art—that help it grow.
Together, we’re creating every day the place we want to be.
