Small Works on Paper is a juried, touring, visual art exhibition that showcases 2D artwork created by Arkansas artists that is no larger than 18-by-24 inches. 

The Small Works on Paper exhibition travels to up to 10 venues throughout the state in a yearlong show and offers Arkansas artists an opportunity to showcase their artwork to patrons all over the state. An out-of-state juror selects a maximum of 40 pieces of artwork for the exhibition. Scroll down to see the 2026 exhibition schedule.

SUBMISSIONS OPEN JULY 15, 2026. The deadline is Aug. 23. 

Small Works on Paper Entry Requirements

ELIGIBILITY

SWOP is open to all visual artists who are Arkansas residents, aged 18 years or older.  

Current Arkansas Arts Council advisory board members, staff of the Arkansas Department of Heritage, Parks and Tourism (ADHPT) or members of their immediate families are not eligible.

JURIED ARTIST DIRECTORY

Artists chosen by the juror to be part of Small Works on Paper have the opportunity to be added to the Juried Artist Directory, which was created to support, market and recognize creatives who have earned awards and recognition through the Arkansas Arts Council. 

PURCHASE AWARDS

Up to $2,000 may be available for juror-selected awards. Artwork selected by the juror may be considered for purchase by the Arkansas Arts Council for the price listed by the artist at the time of entry. The artwork may then become part of the SWOP permanent collection.  

ENTRY FEES

$15 for one entry, $20 for two entries, or $25 for three entries.

SPECIFICATIONS

All work must be original, on paper, and completed within the last two years. Eligible mediums include painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and collage. No reproductions or copies will be accepted. Artwork created by using reference material must be significantly different from its source.

Dimensions of actual work can be any size, but if work is accepted, it must be matted or mounted and fit within a frame of one of the following sizes: 18" x 18" or 18" x 24" (H x W or W x H). Matted or mounted work, plus backing board, must not exceed 1/2 inch thickness to fit in frames. Frames will be provided by the Arkansas Arts Council for accepted artwork.

Artwork may be refused if the submitted image is not an accurate representation of work presented. Host locations reserve the right to determine the number of works shown and layout of the exhibition at their local sites. Some locations may not display the entire exhibition.

Every year, an out-of-state juror selects artwork for Small Works on Paper. The Arkansas Arts Council reserves the right of approval of any work submitted, and in its editorial discretion, any work that is deemed offensive or political in nature will not be accepted. Host locations reserve the right to determine the number of works shown and layout of the exhibition at their local sites. Some locations may not display the entire exhibition. 

JUROR                                                                                        

As a Taiwanese American artist, Kathy Liao looks for patterns and repetitions that weave through the immigrant families’ experience in her mixed-media work. She is the recipient of various recognitions, including the 2023 Joan Mitchell Foundation Fellowship, 2022 21c KC Artadia Award, 2020 Charlotte Street Foundation Visual Artist Award, and a public art commission for the new Kansas City International Airport. As a mentor and educator, Liao has lectured and presented at multiple institutions and conferences nationwide. Her work was shown in galleries and museums in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Kansas City, and many other cities nationally and internationally. Formerly, Liao was Director of the Painting and Printmaking department at Missouri Western State University. She was nominated “Most Influential Professor” in 2019. She is currently the organizational services program officer at Mid-America Arts Alliance.

SALES

Please indicate the value of each work submitted. All work is considered for sale unless the artist indicates work is not for sale (NFS). If the artwork is not for sale, please list a monetary value. Commissions are not taken on sales, so all sale proceeds go to the artist.

LIABILITY

Reasonable care will be exercised in handling the artwork. Artists may wish to provide their own insurance.

ARTIST NOTIFICATION

All artists will be notified regarding the status of their entries in the fall.

2026 Small Works on Paper Touring Schedule

The exhibition travels to venues throughout Arkansas in a yearlong show, which offers Arkansas artists an opportunity to showcase their artwork to patrons all over the state and allows Arkansans to see artwork they may not have had the opportunity to see anywhere else.

For a list of 2026 participants, Click Here

2026 Touring Schedule for Small Works on Paper

June 9-July 26
University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
Center for Humanity and Arts (CHARTS)

Aug. 5-30
Arts Center of the Grand Prairie
Stuttgart, Arkansas

Sept. 4-30
Opening Reception: 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 4
Delta Cultural Center
141 Cherry St.
Helena-West Helena, Arkansas

Oct. 8-29
DeltaArts
Arkansas State University
Mid-South Reynolds Center
West Memphis, Arkansas

Nov. 2-30
East Arkansas Community College
Forrest City, Arkansas