Retiring from Colorado State University and moving from Loveland, Colorado to Mena, Arkansas 3 years ago has brought tremendous change to Jim Pawley’s life.

When time permitted, between being husband, father and community volunteer in Colorado, he tried to sneak in an art class either on the college or private level. Experimenting with different media gave him a real respect for the challenges an artist faces. Jim’s interest in art was put on hold when horses came into his life. After retirement and the move to Mena the horse went to Indiana with our daughter and the artist emerged again.

The Mena Art Gallery and the Southwest Artists welcomed Jim and his wife Pat right from the start. Jim and Pat have always been avid nature lovers and with the help of the very talented local photographers, outdoor photography has become Jim’s passion.

They advised him on the right equipment and techniques. And the photography classes they offer at the Mena Art Gallery have given Jim the encouragement to expand and experiment; always looking for that perfect picture, color, or something different to put in front of his lens. Selling his photographs at art and photography shows gives him, almost, as much pleasure as his horse show ribbons.

However, as the Executive Director of the Mena Art Gallery and his association with our many local artists, the urge to paint comes back frequently. You never know what the man will do next.