Regional Artist Project Grants Announced The Arts Councils of Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes Counties have announced the winners of the 2006-2007 Regional Artist Project of Northwest North Carolina Grants Program. The program provides financial support and recognition to committed, accomplished artists, enabling them to advance their work and careers. Receiving grants this year are Douglass Butler, visual artist, to purchase materials for framing a museum-quality photography exhibit; Crystal Darden, musician, to purchase flyers, ads, PA equipment, studio time and business cards; Elissa Graff, visual artist, to purchase materials for creation of new works in enamel; Angie Gregg, visual artist, to attend Intarsia Wood Art training; Jeana Klein, fiber artist, to purchase a sewing machine; Una Pett, visual artist, to purchase models, supplies, Portrait Society of America members/conference registration; Karen Reynolds, writer, to fund production costs of an Off-Broadway drama; Sharon Sharp, visual artist, to fund Web site production for book art; Steve and Ruth Smith, musician, to purchase advertising and press kit to expand booking opportunities and CD sales; Teddy Wilcox, visual artist, for publishing and marketing of microphotography images; Shannon Wurst, musician, to fund production of an audio CD. An orientation session and reception for the recipients will be held at the Benton Hall in North Wilkesboro on Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. A multi-disciplinary panel from the four county region judged 23 applications in visual arts, music, film and literature. There was $21,098 requested and $5800 was granted. 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 your local arts council or 336-846-ARTS.