Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 28, 1990 TAG: 9101090429
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV/1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Elaine Viel/Special to the Roanoke Times & World News
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Her familiarity with the New River Valley played a big part in her being chosen for the job, said Diane Bryant, the president of the center's board of directors.
The search committee was looking for someone "to guide the Fine Arts Center into the 1990s," Bryant said. "It's very difficult hiring somebody by committee... ." But in Marshall's case, "we were all unanimous."
Bryant said the job had been advertised nationally and "about 20 people applied. We had people from New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland."
Marshall, a pianist, recently completed requirements for a master's degree in music at Radford University. Since then, she's been looking for a steady position.
"I've sort of been between," she said. "I've been playing in a trio" where she recently "played a week in Ocean City, Md. We did dinner music, top 40, and beach music."
In fact, Bryant said, it was partly because of Marshall's performing experience that the executive board found her to be the best-qualified candidate.
"I think she is used to performing in public," Bryant said, "and used to speaking to and appearing in front of people."
Bryant and the others on the search committee believe that Marshall's people-oriented experiences will lend themselves well to the executive director's need "to represent the center and carry the name of the center."
Marshall, who has written grants and worked with volunteers, welcomed the chance to do fund-raising.
"The docents (volunteers) already offer a tremendous arts-in-education program," Marshall said.
Bryant and Marshall want to get the word out about the Fine Arts Center. And Bryant said they needed someone who could help them become "better known throughout the community."
The center, with the acquisition of the Women's Club Annex Building, has begun to expand more into the field of performing arts.
Bryant cited the success of the Plunky Branch concert that the center recently co-sponsored as an example of the growth and change of the center.
Marshall is obviously on the same track when it comes to performing artists.
She even talks about combining the performing arts with an area musicians' showcase.
"As a student at Radford University, I wanted more opportunities to perform," Marshall said.
"I would love to see the center give students that opportunity."
Bryant said, "We want to be part of the people of Southwest Virginia's life."
by CNB