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Regional Artist Project Grant Winners Announced

Oct. 31, 2012. The Arts Councils of Watauga, Ashe, Wilkes and Alleghany counties have recently announced the names of the artists who have been selected to receive this year’s Regional Artist Project Grants. This program, representing a partnership spanning more than 15 years, has supported the work of more than 140 artists from the four-county region with grants totaling over $88,000 during that time. This year nine artists from the four-county region were awarded grants:

• Kim Abernethy, of Watauga County, is a painter who will be attending a week long workshop at Wild Acres.

• Grace Dorsey, of Watauga County is a lampworker who will be attending a Bead Camp Workshop in Florida.

• Leigh Ann Henion of Watauga County is a photographer and writer who received travel funds for research being conducted in Australia for her nearly completed latest book.

• Austin Leonard from Watauga County is a photographer who received funding to professionally print his digital images for exhibition.

• Susan Owen from Watauga County is a metal sculptor who received funding to purchase a plasma cutter.

• Collee Riddle is a writer and photographer from Wilkes County who received assistance with publication costs for her next book.

• Cheryl Roberts from Ashe County is a rug hooking artist who is attending a workshop and also received assistance with materials.

• Susan Van Wyk is from Ashe County and is a painter who received funding to purchase supplies for Plein Air painting.

• Hollis Wild is a felting artist from Ashe County who also received funding for a workshop and materials.

The Regional Artist Project of Northwest North Carolina Grants Program is a partnership between the arts councils of Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes counties and the North Carolina Arts Council. It is intended to provide project support to a broad range of visual, performing, literary and inter-disciplinary artists that will have a significant impact on the advancement of their career.

Regional artist applicants are exceptionally talented individuals pursuing their career in the arts and have completed the basic education in their respective art form. The grants provide financial support to developing professionals by funding a project pivotal to the advancement of their careers as artists. Grant awards generally range from $200 – $1,000.

Grant applications are accepted in late summer or early fall and an informational workshop is offered in each of the four counties to assist artists in preparing their grant applications.

For information, artists may contact the Executive Director any of the participating arts councils. In Watauga County, contact Cherry Johnson, Executive Director, at wcac@watauga-arts.org or call 828-264-1789.