Regional Artist Project Grant Winners Announced The Arts Councils of Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes Counties have announced the winners of the 2003-2004 Regional Artist Project of Northwest North Carolina Grants Program. The program provides financial support and recognition to committed, accomplished artists, enabling them to advanced their work and careers. Receiving grants this year are Marcie Anderson, visual artist, to purchase watercolor supplies; Bryan Dechter, visual artist- photographer, to purchase camera equipment; Debi Dwyer, visual artist, to purchase a glass kiln; Donald Haywood, visual artist, to purchase studio equipment for lost-wax casting process; Leigh Ann Henion, visual artist-photographer, to purchase camera equipment; Richard Rapfogel, visual artist, to develop an exhibition/book project; Karen Reynolds producer and writer, production costs for new play; Akal Dev Sharonne, musician, recording and editing expenses of a CD; Pat Sexton, visual artist, to attend a workshop in basketry. An orientation session and reception for the recipients will be held at the Jones House in Boone on Friday, November 7, 2003 at 6:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend. Seventeen applications in visual arts, music, film and literature were judged by a multi-disciplinary panel from the four county region. This grant is partially funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, in partnership with the Arts Councils of Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes Counties. For more information, call you local arts council or 336-246-ARTS.