1156 - Amelia Witherstine Statues for Equality by Gillie and Marc Shattner

Known as “the world’s most loving artists,” Gillie and Marc Schattner have worked side by side for over three decades. The couple met in Hong Kong and left the city just one week later for the serenity of Nepal. There, on the foothills of Mount Everest, they were married and have been inseparable ever since.

Their shared journey in life and art led to the creation of Statues for Equality, an initiative born from their realization of a gender imbalance in public sculpture commissions. Determined to address this disparity, Gillie and Marc decided to use their talents to celebrate the contributions of remarkable women around the world.

Thanks to their vision, Statues for Equality installations have been unveiled globally—including one right here in Rochester, Minnesota. Today, this vibrant city is known for its world-class medical facilities, but in 1858, when it was founded, Rochester was a small pioneer town with big ambitions. From those early days, many individuals helped shape the city’s future—among them, Amelia P. Hatfield Witherstine.

Born in the late 19th century to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hatfield, Amelia married Dr. Horace H. Witherstine in the fall of 1881. By 1911, both were deeply involved in public service, and Amelia quickly emerged as a trailblazer in education and civic life.

That year, she made history as the first woman elected to the Rochester School Board, mobilizing 875 women to support her at the polls. Just four years later, she became the first woman to serve as president of the board. But her pioneering spirit didn’t stop there. In the early 1920s, Amelia became the first woman to serve on an Olmsted County jury, solidifying her legacy as a civic leader. She was also actively involved in several local organizations, including the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Without question, Amelia P. Hatfield Witherstine’s contributions to education and her groundbreaking civic leadership paved the way for future generations of women in Olmsted County. Her dedication and trailblazing efforts make her a fitting subject for the Statues for Equality project.

Her bronze statue, sculpted by Gillie and Marc, captures a woman of strength, intellect, and unwavering commitment to knowledge. Through this tribute, Amelia’s legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come—standing as a powerful reminder of the past, and a symbol of progress for the future.