Professional Crafts Coordinator Receives Artist Grant

Courtney Long, Coordinator of the Professional Crafts programs at Western Piedmont Community College was recently selected as a winner of the 2009 Regional Artist Project Grant competition. Sponsored by a five county consortium of arts councils and arts organizations, the grants are made possible with funds from the North Carolina Arts Council. The funds are matched by the Burke Arts Council and Rock School Foundation in Burke County.

The grants were awarded to artists who demonstrate excellence in their fields for projects that will advance their work professionally. Applicants were stringently reviewed in a competitive process by panelists from each of the five counties.

Courtney Long will use the grant award to purchase kiln equipment for firing her beautiful and unique pottery. Other winners include Ellen Ball of Hickory-jewelry fabrication;  Wyn Flo of Granite Falls for creating structure for sculpted birds; Robert Steadman of Hudson to record a classical guitar CD; Susan Taylor of Old Fort to attend classed in basket weaving; Mark Tomczak of Old Fort for construction of an indoor craft show booth; and Clayton Joe Young of Hickory for a photography exhibit in a museum gallery.

Regional Artist Project Grants are awarded annually for artwork in specific disciplines.