Mid-Southern Watercolorists was founded and incorporated in Little Rock, Arkansas by five artists; Doris Williamson Mapes, Bruce R Anderson, Josephine Graham, Edwin C. Brewer and Catherine Tharp Altvater, in 1970. MSW is a non-profit organization with approximately 275 members in 17 states in 2007. 36 annual juried membership exhibitions have been hosted in Little Rock, Arkansas at locations including the Arkansas Arts Center, the Central Arkansas Library System’s Showcase Arkansas Gallery, the Historic Arkansas Museum, and the Arkansas Art Center’s Terry Community Gallery.  
 MSW was formed to elevate the stature of watercolor and educate the public to the significance of watercolor as an important creative, permanent painting medium. MSW is dedicated to the highest aesthetic standards and furthers the interest of painters in watercolor by its programs and competitive exhibits, and encourages its study by art students and others engaged in watercolor painting.