Betty Cone’s name is synonymous with the arts in Greensboro, so it’s not surprising that she is the first to twice receive the O. Henry Award for exceptional, lifelong contributions to Greensboro’s arts and cultural development. In fact, ArtsGreensboro has named its most prestigious award in her honor, the Betty Cone Medal of Arts award.
Betty Cone flanked by her husband Benji Cone, on the left and Arts Greensboro Executive Director Tom Philion.
Betty first received the O.Henry Award 41 years ago in 1975. Presented annually by the Greensboro Partnership and Arts Greensboro, she received it again this year at the Greensboro Partnership Annual Dinner on January 28, 2016.
A Winston-Salem native, Betty moved to Greensboro in 1967 and immediately became immersed in the arts community. She led the charge to save the Carolina Theatre from the wrecking ball in the late-’70s, making it the “community’s performing arts center,” while challenging the city to develop the Cultural Center, which it did.
Betty has received many awards, including the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine (1983), the ATHENA Award (1997), and a Special Leadership Award from Downtown Greensboro, Inc.