Small Works On Paper

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. Submitting artists must be on the Artist Registry.

The Artist Registry is a free service provided to visual artists living in Arkansas.

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 2024 exhibition schedule or to submit work for 2025.

2025 Small Works on Paper Entry Requirements

ELIGIBILITY
SWOP is open to current members of the Arkansas Artist Registry. (Non-members submitting an entry are required to join the Registry at time of entry.) The deadline to submit is July 26.

ARKANSAS ARTIST REGISTRY
The Arkansas Artist Registry is free and open to all visual artists who are Arkansas residents ages 18 and up. It is an excellent tool for visual artists who would like a web presence, and for arts enthusiasts and supporters to discover the rich variety of visual artists in Arkansas. Artist Registry members receive our e-newsletter and e-blasts as well as information about workshops, competitions, calls for entry and other postings.

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. Accepted artworks must be at the Arkansas Arts council office by Nov. 8.

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].

2024 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 2024 Small Works on Paper artists, click here.

Jan. 4-26

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

501 W. Ninth St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Opening reception 6 p.m. Jan. 4.

February 2-23

Ouachita Baptist University,

the Rosemary Adams Gallery,

410 Ouachita St.
Arkadelphia, AR 71998

March 1-29

River Valley Arts Center,

1001 E B St.

Russellville, AR 72801