Today, on Thanksgiving and throughout December, we will feature a few individuals, known and unsung, who are helping to keep our art community strong and vibrant. Today, we are giving thanks to Kay Cashion.
When June 2020 came around, we knew the Pandemic was not ending anytime soon. We needed to do something big to support our arts community. Step in Kay Cashion. On the advice of Walker Sanders, Laura called Kay early morning on July 9 to ask if Guilford County could support the arts community. She told her, “Come by my house and bring some data.” Leaping into action, Laura arrived with a binder full of information, after chatting for a couple of hours, Kay had a plan. Kay worked with her fellow commissioners to outline the need and make the case. She invited Walker Sanders, Debbie Lumpkins (High Point Arts Council), and Laura to meet with a few commissioners and county leadership. And then, within a few weeks, the County Commissioners had allocated $500,000 of CARES funding for arts and culture nonprofit organizations. In December, there was another infusion of $200,000. To say this was a game-changer would be an understatement. But unexpected? No, not if you know Kay Cashion.
Kay was raised in Caswell County, moved to Greensboro, where she had a thriving interior design firm. She raised her family and gave back to the community. Her volunteer and civic commitments have included the Dolly Madison Club, League of Women Voters, Junior Women’s Club, Family & Children’s Service Foundation of Greensboro, Greensboro Library Foundation, National Association of Counties, and so many more. She has been recognized for her leadership role in establishing the Guilford County Family Justice Center, named the 2019 M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding County Commissioner of the Year, and in 2017, recognized with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. The American’s for the Arts recognized Kay with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for County Arts Leadership. These are just a few ways in which Kay makes a difference through her engagement and participation.
Join ArtsGreensboro in giving thanks for having Kay Cashion as a true champion of the arts.
