swa Competitions / Calls for Entry
Subscribe to our monthly email
2026 Art of the Heartland (AHL) National Competition
Show Dates: 7/8/2026 - 8/29/2026
Art of the Heartland, in its 12th year, is a national juried and judged competition. Mena Art Gallery’s goal is to showcase the finest representational art works in North America.
The jurying process will select work demonstrating highest quality draftsmanship, color, and composition. A diverse range of representational styles and subject matters will be considered.
Cash Awards:
1st Place: $2,000
2nd Place: $1,000
3rd Place: $700
All entries must be the original work of the artist created after April 8, 2022, done without the supervision of an instructor, mechanical copy aides, computer programs or AI involvement. Work painted from reference photos must be created from the artist’s own photos.
Work must be two dimensional only. Mediums are not restricted.
PLEASE SEE OUR PROSPECTUS FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF RULES.
We welcome your entries. If you have questions you may direct them to email: maggie@gmail.com
www.southwestartists.org
www.menaartgallery.org
2026 Small Works
We welcome you to the 10th Annual Small Works National Competition. Please read the prospectus carefully for complete information. However, here are some quick facts:
Entries Close: March 8, 2026
Show Dates: April 8 to May 30, 2026
Entry Fees: 1st entry: $40; following entries: $20 ea.
Maximum size: including frame: 16 inches in any direction NOT including frame.
Deadline to receive in gallery: April 1, 2026
Cash Awards:
Best in Show $800
1st Place $250
2nd Place $150
3rd Place $100
Arkansas Artist $150
People's Choice Award $100
We welcome your entries. If you have questions you may direct them to our Juried Shows Committee Chairman, Theresa Laird
www.southwestartists.org
www.menaartgallery.org