ABOUT US
Who is the Artists of Northwest Arkansas?
Our Mission
Our Mission is to sponsor, encourage, assist and promote enjoyment and understanding of the Visual Arts in Northwest Arkansas.
Our History
Originally, the group began in the home of Beth Vacanti, who, after discovering the lack of a supporting group of artists in Fayetteville, decided to start an association similar to others she was familiar with in California. The first meeting was October 14th, 1991, at the Fayetteville Public Library.
The goal of this group is to provide a way for artists to meet and share experiences, plus increase awareness in the community of the diversity of artistic talent in this area. The name chosen was the Fayetteville Art Association (FAA). Members participated in the Grand Opening of the Walton Art Center in April of 1992 where they recruited members for the new group. In the next few years the FAA grew in membership and enjoyed a variety of speakers, shows and activities. In December 1996, the group included artists from so many surrounding areas, the name was changed to the Artists of Northwest Arkansas (ANA), and a new logo was adopted.
In 1997, the Annual Regional Art Exhibition was expanded to become a 10-state, regional show then held at the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale, Arkansas. Because of the generous support of the Bank of Fayetteville and NBC 24/51, we were able to fund the first show and start our scholarship fund which is now awarded to (at least) two promising art students annually in conjunction with the show.
The Artists of Northwest Arkansas meet monthly to host speakers, workshops, etc. These venues are offered free to the public. The specifics, places and times are noted in our monthly newsletter, which is found here, on our website. Please join us at one of our meetings and share in our love of the visual arts and in promoting the rich talent of artists in northwest Arkansas.
Signature Members
Signature members have been juried into five ANA Regional Art Exhibitions and maintain current membership status in ANA. The first year members were eligible for Signature Membership was 2001.
Carolyn Bailey
Sandy Barksdale
Bill Barksdale
Johnny Bowen
Dorothy Campbell
Carol Cooper
Terry Dushan
Susan Edgmon
Amy Eichler
L.S. Eldridge
Karolyn Farrell
Virginia Haines
Diana Harvey
Helen Hellweg
Joe Ray Kelley
Brenda Laney
Judy Maurer
Willis Miller
Rosanne Nekuda
Erika Nelson
Laverne Nelson
Leslie Newman
Victor Parkerson
Martin Peerson
Gloria E. Pendry
Ann Powers
Carol C. Roberts
Beth Schindler
Sharon Simmons
Trena Ward
The ANA Building
The Artists of Northwest Arkansas is proud to announce we have a new home in downtown Rogers. We have secured a building that will be the home of the ANA Gallery and Studio, located at 300 N. 2nd Street, just 2 blocks from our original gallery in the RXH at Walnut and 2nd Street. This is a 3,500 square foot building with a separate gallery and studio for educational use. We are excited about the opportunity to expand our educational programs and events. The ANA Gallery as an opening receptions the second Thursday each month as part of Art on the Bricks in downtown Rogers from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. There are refreshments, drinks, live music, plenty of wonderful art to enjoy, and the opportunity to visit with the artists.
Hats off and a big thank you to Jacob Hart and Sharum’s Garden Center in Springdale, AR for the amazing landscaping work at the ANA Building. With our new building signage and lanscaping, you can say we have arrived.
See how you can get involved. Please volunteer to work on committees and programs at ANA.
