Honoring Sue Lay Through Art and Adventure: The 2026 DAA Summer Art Kits

Photos provided by Richard Lay

Each summer, the Dahlonega Arts Alliance brings creativity directly into the hands of local children through its popular Summer Art Kit initiative. Distributed in partnership with the Lumpkin County Library as part of their Summer Reading Program, these free kits provide art supplies and creative activities designed to spark imagination, encourage learning, and make art accessible to families across the community. This year, the program carries an even deeper meaning as the 2026 Summer Art Kits are dedicated to the memory of a beloved educator, traveler, and friend: Sue McInish Lay.

Sue passed away on August 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by curiosity, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Born in Mobile, Alabama and later residing in Dahlonega, Sue was a career educator who taught in multiple states and became known for her creativity in the classroom—sometimes even motivating her students by standing on her head. Her dedication to students, fellow teachers, and the communities she served made a lasting impact wherever she taught.

Beyond the classroom, Sue lived a life filled with curiosity and adventure. She and her husband, Richard Lay, shared a deep love of travel and culture. Sue also earned the impressive distinction of having traveled to all 50 states and all seven continents—an incredible accomplishment that reflected Sue’s belief that the world itself was a classroom waiting to be explored.

It is fitting, then, that this year’s Summer Art Kits will carry a World Travel theme, celebrating the same spirit of discovery that guided Sue’s life.

This meaningful tribute is made possible through the generosity of Sue’s husband, Richard Lay, and her cherished circle of friends affectionately known as the “Patagonia Family”: Cathy & Ray Vigil of Colorado, Dina Deaton and David Collier of North Carolina, and Arlene & Phil Gartenberg of New Jersey. The group earned their nickname after meeting during travels in the Patagonia region of South America and maintained a close friendship for more than a decade. In Sue’s honor, they have graciously donated to cover the full cost of this year’s Summer Art Kits, ensuring that children throughout the community can experience the joy of creativity this summer.

While the full contents of the kits will be revealed as summer approaches, returning fans of the program can expect the same exciting mix that has made the initiative so popular. Each kit will include a selection of art supplies along with the beloved DAA Coloring and Activity Book, consisting of work created by DAA members and providing hours of hands-on creativity and artistic exploration for young artists.

For the Dahlonega Arts Alliance, the Summer Art Kits are about more than just materials—they are about nurturing imagination, encouraging artistic expression, and connecting families through creativity. This year, they also serve as a celebration of a woman whose life embodied curiosity, education, and a love for the wider world.

The Dahlonega Arts Alliance is deeply grateful to Richard Lay and the Patagonia Family for their generosity and for helping transform Sue’s love of learning, culture, and exploration into a gift that will inspire young artists throughout our community.

To learn more about our annual Summer Art Kits Initiative, click here.