Sioux Falls-based visual artist Hector Curriel was born in Lima, Peru. His passion for the arts stared when he was very little, a routine that he expressed with keen enthusiasms during his youth. He studied architecture in Lima, Peru, where he continued perfecting his artistic skills. After moving to the US in 2001, Curriel studied art at the Art Instruction Schools in Minneapolis, MN. In 2005 he started to work as an editorial cartoonist for newspapers around of the United States. At the same time, he became a book illustrator with more than ten books published and fine artist as well.In 2009 he won a second place Award in the Charles Schulz Cartoon Art Competition, in 2011, a first place Professional Award at Art Instruction Schools. and the Midwest Book Award Winner as a book illustrator. His most recent book is a graphic novel about an American Hero, Joe Foss published in 2022 by the South Dakota Historical Press. As a fine artist many of his paintings are located in private and public collections in the States, and he have been featured in various exhibits at venues such as the California State Library, Augustana University, Minnesota West Community College, etc.

Additionally, he have been working for more than seven years as an accomplished artist presenter and holds frequent art workshops as part of Artists in Residency Program for the South Dakota Art Council.