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 2025 exhibition schedule. Calls for entry will open June 1, 2025.

Small Works on Paper Entry Requirements

ELIGIBILITY

SWOP is open to all visual artists who are residents of Arkansas, 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 will 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 will be available for juror selected awards. Selected works will 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 digital image is not an accurate representation of work. 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 Samll Works on Paper. A maximum of 40 works may be selected.

JUROR

The 2025 juror is Mario A. Robinson, a full-time professional artist based in Long Branch, New Jersey. Originally from Oklahoma, Robinson attended the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He is a figurative painter who works in pastel, watercolor and oils. He is the author of "Lessons in Realistic Watercolor," a comprehensive guide of watercolor techniques. His work has been featured in The Artist's Magazine, The Pastel Journal, Watercolor Magic, American Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur and on the cover of American Artist magazine. Robinson's work is widely collected by private and public collectors.                                                                              

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.

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.

INFORMATION

For questions, please contact Cheri Leffew at 501-324-9767 or at [email protected].

2025 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 the list of 2025 Small Works on Paper artists, click here.

2025 Touring Schedule for Small Works on Paper

https://ualr.edu/art/galleries/

Community Creative Center
505 West Spring Street
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
https://communitycreativecenter.org/

Mena, Arkansas 71953
https://www.uarichmountain.edu/index.html