SouthWest Artists (SWA) was started in 1945 after the terrible years of war and depression to bring art and beauty back into the lives of people in our region. SWA continued to grow over the years into a thriving organization that attracted members from Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma, incorporated as a non-profit, 501(C)3 organization, purchased its own building in the center of Mena, AR, and established the Mena Art Gallery.

The Mena Art Gallery is the center piece of our developing Art District here in Mena, which is located in the heart of the 1.5 million acre Ouachita National Forest. The Gallery is at the foot of Rich Mountain, the second highest mountain in Arkansas, at the entrance to the Talimena National Scenic Drive. We are surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains, one of the rare ranges in the world that runs east and west and provides endless opportunities for photographers and artists in addition to outdoor activities.

Over our more than 70-year history, our mission has grown from helping local artists and bringing art to the people of southwestern Arkansas to include workshops, seminars, classes, art shows and regional and national competitions and exhibits. Check our web page (www.MenaArtGallery.org) for details. We are now dedicated to bringing the best of art in all media to this area and attracting artists and collectors to come to what some referred to as “fly over country.” We give you a reason to come and enjoy not only the natural beauty of the area but also to share in the tranquility and world class art that it inspires. Below are a few of the entries in our 2015 Art of the Heartland national painting competition. To see all of the art from the 2015 competition, please check http://theartoftheheartland.com.