Membership

Mena Art Gallery is a part of SouthWest Artists (SWA), a local non-profit 501(3)C organization which has been devoted to promoting the arts in Mena since 1945. We welcome your support. Take an art class, come to see our exhibitions, attend our monthly meetings, become a member of the association.

SWA showed the work of local artists in the mezzanine of the First National Bank for almost two decades, but in 2002 we acquired our own building at 607 Mena Street. We now have 9 to 10 exhibits a year, most of which are open to members and non-members of all ages.

 

Every year SWA offers classes in a wide variety of media and styles such as painting and drawing, photography, and three dimensional work such as wood, clay, and metal.  Our instructors include local and guest artists recognized for their skill and experience in these areas. For details, please see our Events schedule.

 

To continue these activities and begin the many new ones we are planning to add in the coming months, we must reach out to new constituencies for support and participation. We hope you will join in our mission to bring art to the people of Polk County by becoming a member today. Call (479-394-3880) for information or come by the gallery at 607 Mena Street.

or You may download the membership application form here.

 

Mena Art Gallery Membership Levels Explained:

 

1. Supporter – $25/year

Ideal For: General supporters of the arts who want to stay connected and show support without needing artist-specific benefits.

- Monthly newsletter (email or print)

- Invitations to gallery events & receptions

- Voting rights at the annual member meeting

- Early notice for calls for art (non-gift shop)

 

2. Individual Artist – $50/year

Ideal For: Active local artists looking to sell and promote their work.

- Everything in Supporter, plus:

- Eligibility to submit items for sale in the Gift Shop

- Free or discounted entry to workshops

- Artist features on the website or social media once per year

- Artist's name listed on the Gallery Member Wall

  

3. Family/Household – $75/year

Ideal For: Families who participate in gallery events or have multiple artists in the home.

- Everything in Artist, plus:

- Membership benefits for up to 4 household members

- Family listing on the Member Wall

- 1 free art class per year for a child or adult (as available)

- 20% Discounts on youth or family art events

  

4. Patron – $150/year

Ideal For: Established artists, patrons of the arts, or collectors who want to deepen their involvement and receive extra exposure.

- Everything in Family/Household, plus:

- May Sell Items in the Gift Shop

- Recognition on the front page of the website

Signature Membership Guidelines

Signature Member status in SouthWest Artists, Inc. (SWA) identifies those members who have achieved consistent recognition in National or Regional SWA Competitions. Members must apply for this status by completing, signing and submitting an application. Only those awarded signature status by SWA may use the SWA logo to sign their work. To maintain signature status, SWA membership must be kept current. To qualify for signature status, The applicant must have: received 2 awards OR been accepted in 3 SWA National Competitions, Or received 3 or more awards in any category in SWA Regional Competitions.

 

Currently the SWA competitions include The Art of the Heartland National Competition, the Ouachita Expressions Regional Competition, and Small Works National Competition. Signature Status can be applied for retroactively for past awards back to 2011 and posthumously. Additional competitions may be added in the future. Contact Mena Art Gallery for more information.