The Mena Art Gallery is located in the arts district of the scenic mountain town of Mena, Arkansas in the heart of the 1.5 million acre Ouachita National Forest at the foot of the Talimena Scenic Drive, where boundless views from the mountaintops are incredible at very turn. It was founded and operated by the 501(c)3 organization, SouthWest Artists, Inc., established in 1945 by and for the strong community of local artists. Since that time it has continued to grow to the point that it is now nationally recognized. Funding is solely by donations and grants. It is manned by volunteers through various committees and managed by our Executive Director, Lynn Greenwade.

Arkansas is called the Natural State, and no place in the state offers more to artists and photographers than here, where Tourism is strong. Arkansas Parks and Tourism has designated Mena and the surrounding area as the center for Plein Air Art, due to it’s natural beauty. Mena and our Gallery receive visitors from all over the nation and abroad, seeking art and entertainment.

Over our 75 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, regional, national, and international exhibits. Artists from every state in the U.S. and abroad are invited to enter our competitions and shows and to attend receptions.

Our Gallery includes every aspect of creative fine art ranging from fiber arts, sculpture and photography to the finest in 2 dimensional art. Several special events and workshops are scheduled to introduce the gallery to an even broader range of visitors and artists. Guest judges and jurors contribute to the critical quality and versatility of the selected works in the national shows, providing a venue for artists working in a wide variety of media and subject. These shows attract entries from Master Signature Members of National Art Societies, bringing world class art to our Gallery. We are also expanding on-line promotion and sales.