Small Works on Paper submissions open Monday

The Arkansas Arts Council, a division of Arkansas Heritage, will accept artwork submissions for the 2021 Small Works on Paper touring exhibition from Monday through July 24.

“Small Works on Paper is an opportunity for Arkansas artists to have their work seen and appreciated statewide,” said Patrick Ralston, director of the Arkansas Arts Council. “Every year, the exhibit showcases the best art in Arkansas and is just one way the Arkansas Arts Council supports Arkansas artists.”

Now in its 34th year, Small Works on Paper is a competitive, juried, visual art exhibition that showcases original artwork by Arkansas artists that is no larger than 18 by 24 inches. Each year, more than 300 artworks are submitted to the competition — only up to 40 pieces are selected.

To participate, artists must be members of the Arkansas Artist Registry, which is an online gallery that features the work of Arkansas artists. Membership to the Arkansas Artist Registry is free and open to all artists ages 18 and older.

An out-of-state juror selects the artwork for Small Works on Paper, which will travel to up to nine venues statewide in 2021. The juror also selects recipients of purchase awards, which can total up to $2,000. Selected artwork will become part of the Arts Council’s permanent collection.

Arkansas artists may enter up to three works of art on paper for a fee of $10 per entry or $25 for three entries. Works must be original, not a reproduction of any kind, and must have been completed within the past two years.

More guidelines and an online submission form are available at www.arkansasarts.org . A virtual gallery is also available for the 2020 Small Works on Paper . Artists whose work is selected for the 2021 exhibition will be notified in September. The exhibition will open in January 2021 at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City.

For more information, call Cheri Leffew at (501) 324-9767.