Empowering Women/Femme Artists to Embrace Their Next Chapter
The Next Collective uplifts and celebrates Northwest Arkansas women/femme artists over 40 as they courageously step into new phases of their creative journeys, inspiring connection and growth within the art community.
Why Apply to The Next Collective?
The Next Collective is more than an art group — it’s a space to be seen, supported, and celebrated as a woman/femme artist boldly stepping into her next chapter.
This is for you if:
- You’re ready to grow, share, and exhibit your work in a meaningful way
- You began your professional visual art career later in life – this is your second act.
- You live in Northwest Arkansas or the greater Ozarks region
- You’re seeking a community of like-minded women who value collaboration over competition
- This is for women/femme over 40
What You Recieve:
- Inclusion in a professionally curated group exhibition(s) in 2026
- 3-4 gatherings (virtual and/or in-person) to build community and share progress prior to the exhibition
- Discord group to enable connection in between gatherings
- A dedicated artist profile on our collective’s website and promotion through group media
- A supportive collaborative community throughout your art career during the year
Cost + Commitment
- Artists are expected to attend scheduled gatherings, contribute to the collective’s shared goals, and participate in the final exhibition(s)
- $350 fee upon acceptance (covers exhibition expenses, marketing materials, meeting facilitation, website, and collective admin costs)
- Working with the group to collaboratively install the exhibition on site and market the opening
- 1-year commitment – January 2026 – December 2026
Empowering Women Artists to Flourish
The Next Collective was co-founded by Suzanne Reed, a metal and glass artist and owner of Artnik’s, and Jackie Wolven, a multidisciplinary artist from Do Good Work Studio. United by a shared passion for creative emergence later in life, Suzanne and Jackie envisioned a connected ecosystem of women artists over 40 in the Ozarks—one where experience, reinvention, and artistic growth are deeply valued. Together, they created The Next Collective as a space to foster collaboration, visibility, and shared opportunities for visual artists entering the next chapter of their creative lives.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
November 15, 2025
WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
All applicants will be notified by December 10th.
WHAT MEDIUMS ARE BEING ACCEPTED?
The Next Collective is open to any 2D or 3D artists. This includes, but is not limited to: painters, photographers, fiber artists, glass and metal, potters, sculptures – if you are ready to develop a collection to be shown you are ready for The Next Collective.
CAN MEN PARTICIPATE IN ANY WAY?
Our core focus is women artists, but allies can engage via events and supportive activities.