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Welcome Members
Welcome New Members

 


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



Membership will entitle you to:

  • Be able to enter the Annual Juried Exhibition.
  • Be able to enter the Member Open Exhibition. 
  • Be able to enter the Online Show and Sale.
  • Have priority knowledge and entrance to Semi-Annual Workshops.
  • Earn a chance to be a featured artist on our website.
  • Promote your work to the MSW membership.

Student Membership will include:

High School Students
Students enrolled in high school, who have not yet graduated from High School. No annual dues shall be charged to High School Students.

Post-secondary School Students
Students enrolled in a degree program, who have not yet graduated. Post-secondary School Students will be charged a reduced annual membership fee.

M.S.W. 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

M.S.W., 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