Casa Azul of Greensboro is a staple in the arts community. From the monthly Latin dance classes in the park to the Dia de los Muertos celebration every November, Casa Azul brings the Latinx culture to Guilford County for all to learn and embrace. When you explore the Greensboro Cultural Center, it’s hard to ignore the beautiful artwork hanging on display throughout the building. The organization was founded with the intention of providing a space for Latinx culture to be shared with the community, and Casa Azul has done just that.
The original vision for Casa Azul of Greensboro was developed in 2010 by community leader Kathy Hinshaw and Mexican artist Mariana Rodríguez-Pardy. They gathered a group of Hispanic artists, community members, professionals, and art enthusiasts in Greensboro to share their ideas and to work together to promote Latin-American art and culture.
The name Casa Azul was inspired by the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in Mexico City, where they welcomed artists and intellectuals from all over the world, providing a space for the exchange of ideas and cultural expression. Casa Azul seeks to metaphorically provide this space to engender a similar atmosphere in the greater Greensboro area.
In 2010, ArtsGreensboro expressed interest in supporting these efforts, which led to discussions about serving in the capacity of fiscal sponsor. In the following months, several meetings occurred between Casa Azul and ArtsGreensboro to prepare Casa Azul to become an independent organization. On March 22, 2011, the first organizational meeting took place, and on June 30, 2016, Casa Azul received its tax-exempt status as a 501 (c) 3 organization.
With the initial guidance of ArtsGreensboro, Hispanics in Philanthropy, and their partners and volunteers, Casa Azul has become an established organization. In its existence, the Casa Azul brand has become well-known in Greensboro and the Triad area. Casa Azul has received several local and national awards recognizing their impact and contributions to the Latinx community.
Casa Azul organizes and participates in programming focused on building an understanding of the diverse Latinx community in the Triad. Their signature Dia de los Muertos and Noche programs have become staple events the community looks forward to every year. The organization wants people of all ages and backgrounds to learn together and engage in community dialogue about the many facets of Latinx culture. To join in these discussions, visit casaazulgreensboro.org for more information.
