Artist Information and Registration
An art project celebrating nature and the beautiful state parks of Arkansas
In March of 2022, Heart of America Artists Association kicked off the Painting the Arkansas Parks project which will last for over three years. The first part of the project will include a series of plein air (outdoor painting) events in the five major geographical regions of the State of Arkansas to honor the state parks. It all finishes with a glorious traveling exhibition throughout the state of Arkansas. In the exhibition, artists will be exhibiting an artwork (maximum width 36″), and along with it will be a smaller étude (study) that inspired it, acquired from their participation in one of the state park events. We are very excited that these events will be in coordination with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Plein Air Event Locations and Dates
Event #5 – Historic Washington State Park
March 15-17, 2024, Washington, AR
Artists, we think you’re going to enjoy this one. Historic Washington State Park has 101-acres featuring 54 pioneer-era buildings. An important stop on the Southwest Trail, James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett famously traveled through Washington, Arkansas. James Black, a local blacksmith, actually forged the legendary Bowie knife. From 1863-1865, it served as the Confederate capital of Arkansas.
You will paint throughout the park March 15 and 16, and the public is invited to watch as you create. On Sunday, March 17th, everyone will present their best pieces for judging, exhibit and sale, open to the public.
Artist Registration for Historic Washington State Park Event
We are so excited for you to join us again for our fifth Painting the Arkansas Parks event. Below you will find important dates and how to register.
Registration is below. Entry requires membership. If you are a current 2024 member all you have to pay is the entry fee. The entry fee is in addition to membership dues, and is $35 for artists, and $25 for students.
Event Registration for Artists
If you’ve completed event registration, and paid the membership dues, the final step is to pay entry fee below:
Important Dates:
8-9am – Check-in for Information and to get your Canvas or Panels stamped (check back for locations)
8-9am – Check-in for Information and to get your Canvas or Panels stamped
8-9am – Check-in for Information and to get your Canvas or Panels stamped
3pm – Deadline for Painting Turn-in (please supply your own easel for display)
3:30-4pm – Judging (Judging for this event is in your hands! Artist’s Choice will determine all winners)
4-5pm – Exhibition and Sale
4:15pm – Awards (over $1,000 in cash awards. $500-1st, $300-2nd, $200-3rd. Honorable Mentions included)
5pm – Artists remove unsold artwork
Event #2 – Petit Jean State Park (Completed)
October 28-30, 2022, Morrilton, AR
Petit Jean State Park was an amazing place for artists to capture the essence of the great Arkansas Parks. Petit Jean is a 3,471-acre park in Conway County, Arkansas located atop Petit Jean Mountain adjacent to the Arkansas River in the area between the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark Plateaus. The park has a large waterfall, impressive architecture and many geological features; not to mention big landscape views.
The exhibition and demonstration were both well attended by patrons and artists alike.
Event #1 – Hobbs State Park (Completed)
March 24-26, 2022, Rogers, AR
The Hobbs event was a great place to kick off the Paint the Arkansas Parks project. Artists spread out and “fished” for some beautiful landscapes. Hobbs is Arkansas’s largest state park, spanning a 12,054-acre tract of Ozark landscape along the southern shore of Beaver Lake. Thank you to the artists, volunteers and park administration for all you did to make this a successful event.
Anticipated Future Event Locations
Hot Springs National Park, Ouachita Mountain Region – Spring 2023
Cane Creek State Park, Mississippi Alluvial Plain Region – Fall 2023
Historic Washington State Park, Coastal Plain Region – Spring 2024
Mississippi River State Park, Arkansas Delta Region – Summer 2024
Buffalo National River, Ozark Mountain Region – Fall 2024
Traveling Exhibit Locations
Locations for the traveling exhibit will be announced prior to the final year of the project. Please keep checking back for exciting updates.