Healing art earns global recognition — and bears witness to a wedding
Cone Health integrates work by local artists into care settings, earning international recognition and shaping how patients and families experience care
At Cone Health, art is an intentional expression of care — one that reflects the communities we serve and helps create spaces that feel human, familiar and healing. That commitment has earned both national and international recognition.
Cone Health MedCenter Asheboro received a European Healthcare Award for Interior Design and Arts, presented at the organization’s annual conference in London. Judges highly commended the project among entries from Singapore and London, citing the innovative way Cone Health integrated 86 works by local artists throughout the space.
Judges recognized how paintings, photographs, mixed media, textiles and pottery enhance the patient and visitor experience. Community members and MedCenter Asheboro staff helped define colors, textures and themes, all intended to feel calming and hopeful. The Randolph Arts Guild partnered with Cone Health Philanthropy to find or commission the art, while architects at Perkins&Will designed unique interior and exterior spaces to showcase the art.
“I can’t tell you how many people became so excited seeing the work of a potter they recognized or the color of a piece that reminds them of the serving plate they use for Sunday dinner,” says Keyshia Gray, Cone Health Philanthropy engagement and annual giving officer. “That shows that, yes, this is a health care facility, but it is the community’s health care facility.”
At Moses Cone, Corous reflects more than light — it reflects love
That same belief in art as a means of connection and care was also recognized at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital campus. Corous, the reflective silver heart that has caught the eye of many visitors, was named a top 100 project in the 2025 CODAawards, which celebrate commissioned art thoughtfully integrated into architectural and public spaces. The installation was made possible through a partnership with the Public Art Endowment at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro and the generosity of community supporters.
Lauren Worth, a longtime donor whose generosity recently established the Worth Family Plaza outside Moses Cone, served on the Cone Health Art Selection Committee that chose the work.
“I strongly believe that a quality health care system is the bedrock of any city,” Lauren says. “Cone Health is committed to enhancing the overall quality of life in our community.” The healing power of art is one expression of that commitment.
Another is being there for patients, no matter what they need. That commitment was on full display last October, when Jasmine and LaTroy Parker arrived at the hospital with Jasmine in active labor, earlier than expected. That same day, the couple was scheduled to be married.
When the Cone Health team, including labor and delivery nurses Heather Koran and Christy Goodman, learned of the couple’s plans, they sprang into action — securing a wedding cake and organizing a wedding ceremony on Worth Plaza. One of the nurses called her pastor, Rev. Sharon Lee of Lowes United Methodist Church. Calling it an honor, Lee agreed to perform the ceremony. Staff tracked down a cake, flowers for the flower girl and refreshments for the reception in the hospital family room. The happy couple stood in front of the Corous heart, not far from the Women’s & Children’s Center door. Summer Reign Parker was born after 11 that night.
“When I found out about this, I was surprised, but not that surprised,” Heather says. “This is the epitome of what nursing is all about. It’s about meeting a patient where they are, caring for their emotional needs as well as their physical ones. And that’s what our team did that day.”
Do you love weddings? Meet Jasmine and Latroy and watch the Parker wedding at Moses Cone Hospital online.
