About Heart of America Artists' Association
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a renowned association of American artists who create two-dimensional works, with exhibitions and education available primarily to Arkansas and surrounding states.
Our Mission & Purpose
Our mission is to create and conduct exhibitions of exceptional paintings and drawings by our members, and to provide educational opportunities to artists of all skill levels, for the purpose of 1) encouraging creativity, 2) building relationships within the art community, and 3) improving the state of art appreciation and patronage in Arkansas and surrounding states.
How We Got Started
The Heart of America Artists’ Association was created by Todd Williams and John P. Lasater IV, two artists who have a vision to grow the appreciation of two-dimensional fine art, and promote the culture of the Midwest to the fine arts community nationwide.
In 2008, inspired by travels, the idea for a top notch artists’ association in the “heart of America” was born. Partnering with local organizations, two plein air events were held in 2009 and 2010 in the city of Bentonville, Arkansas. After some patient seeking, in 2013 a new partnership was gained with the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, who wished to see the beauty of the region promoted through art. Out of this desire was born the Illinois River Salon Exhibition which ran for 5 years from 2013-2017.
Heart of America Artists’ Association became a non-profit in 2018 and the board members began immediately working on future events.
Our Board
Todd A. Williams
President
Viviana Pagan
Julie Hayes
Secretary
Bobby Martin
Vice President
Becky Christenson
Treasurer
Langley Burton
John Lasater
Marketing and Design
Brooke Davis
Executive Director