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About MSW

Mid-Southern Watercolorists (MSW) is a non-profit organization incorporated in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1970. It was founded by five artists; Doris Williamson Mapes, Bruce R. Anderson, Josephine Graham, Edwin C. Brewer and Catherine Tharp Altvater. The organization has approximately 200 members in 13 states, Puerto Rico, and Japan.

Our goal is to enrich the stature of watermedia and encourage the recognition of its significance in our culture. This organization furthers the interest of painters and patrons by its programs and by its competitive and non-competitive exhibits. It also provides opportunities for study by art students and others engaged in art making and in appreciation of arts.

MSW exhibitions have been hosted in Little Rock, Arkansas at locations including the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts the Central Arkansas Library System’s Showcase Arkansas Gallery, the Historic Arkansas Museum, the Arkansas Art Center’s Terry Community Gallery, and the Hot Springs Convention Center, as well as other prestigious institutions in surrounding areas of the state.

Members and Non-Members are welcome at the Paint-ins of MSW. There is a suggested donation of $10.00. These are informal gatherings and attendees may arrive at 9:30 am and stay till 2:30 pm or as long as they wish to participate. Paint-ins are held six to seven times a year on Saturdays in North Little Rock at the Levy Church of Christ.

Guests are always welcome! Meetings consist of a brief business session and announcements, followed by a community-oriented watercolor activity such as a lecture, painting demonstration, or a MSW reception. Socializing and refreshments round out the monthly gatherings.

To learn more about founding member Doris Mapes you may click here. (coming soon)
To purchase or view Doris's work you may visit the website built by her great granddaughter here.

Click here to join Mid-Southern Watercolorists, or to renew a current membership.

Membership will entitle you to:

Enter all MSW art exhibitions.

Receive discounted fees and early access to workshops led by nationally recognized watercolorists.

Promote your accomplishments and upcoming events through our app, website, and membership emails.

Receive free access to MSW’s app.

Exhibit your works in the online Member Gallery as well as your personalized biography page on our website.

We provide connections with other art organizations and their events.

Have the opportunity to become a part of MSW’s community and interact with artists.

Have opportunities to be of service and work closely with watercolor enthusiasts.

All of our volunteers are eligible to have a written profile, paintings, and a link to their website on our home page as a Featured Artist.

Join our Working Artist Initiative and learn from others in the field.

Education Membership

If you are a teacher or student in elementary, secondary, or college, you are entitled to all benefits of MSW for yearly dues of $15.00

MSW, Signature Membership

Those active members whose work has been accepted in three (3) Mid-Southern Watercolorists Annual Juried Exhibitions shall be designated “MSW” Signature Members and shall be entitled to display the “M.S.W.” signature on their work

MSW, Diamond Signature Membership

Those active members whose work has been accepted in five (5) Mid-Southern Watercolorists Annual Juried Exhibitions shall be designated "MSW, D.S." Signature Members and shall be entitled to display the "MSW, D.S." signature on their work