Two artists from area awarded grants by SMAC board

The Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Board of Directors has voted to award nearly $7,700 in grant funds to two local artists.

Andrea Duarte-Alonso of Worthington has been awarded $2,695 for creating a professional, comprehensive website that effectively showcases her identity and her work as a writer, storyteller, and organizer, and purchasing an iPad to serve as a mobile and accessible workspace.

Suree Sompamitwong of Round Lake has been awarded $4,000 for completing and publishing her first book, "Broken Heart into Art", a memoir that interweaves personal narrative, poetry, artwork, and reflections on healing.