See you May 2-3, 2026 at Cottonwood Park!
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FEATURED ARTIST
EXHIBITING ARTIST
CHILDREN’S ARTSTOP
Julia Gilmore selected as Spring Cottonwood Featured Artist
Gilmore’s work is instantly recognizable for its exuberant color, gestural texture, and evocative subject matter. Using a palette knife and richly layered oil paint, she transforms familiar, often nostalgic objects into bold, iconic imagery that invites viewers to connect with memory, emotion, and the beauty found in everyday life.
Locate your Favorite Artist
View the full gallery of artists exhibiting at the Spring show!
Local Musicians Take the Stage
Sing, dance, and enjoy a weekend of live music at Cottonwood on the Lakeside Courtyard Main Stage and Acoustic Stage. View the line up and schedule below.
Introducing the 2026 Emerging Artist
The Emerging Artist Program recognizes the talent of ten local high school artists by offering them the opportunity to exhibit at Cottonwood and more!
Ride in and roll up with ease
The Cottonwood Arts Festival is excited to be partnering with our friends at Richardson Bicycle Coalition and BikeDFW to offer complimentary Bike Valet and Parking to make your visit smoother and more sustainable. Guests can check their bikes with on‑site attendants in a secure, designated area and enjoy the festival knowing their ride is safely looked after. It’s a convenient, eco‑friendly way to experience the art, music, and food in Cottonwood Park without the hassle of parking.
Volunteer with Us
Join the Cottonwood family as a volunteer! Cottonwood’s interactive children’s area, ArtStop, needs your help staffing activities, organizing materials and helping our pint-size Picasso’s create their masterpieces. Be prepared to laugh and have fun, as ArtStop is a memorable experience for kids of all ages.
Artist Application for Fall 2026 are now available!
Calling all artists! Cottonwood Art Festival is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 show. The deadline to apply is May 11.
Blog & News
BIG TEXAS ENERGY IN OFFICIAL SOUVENIR POSTER BY JULIA GILMORE
Some posters hang on walls. This one kicks the door open. Boots. Heels. Big Texas energy. Introducing the 2026 Cottonwood Art Festival official souvenir poster by featured artist Julia Gilmore. From first sketch to final statement piece, the 2026 Cottonwood Art...
COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL NAMES JULIA GILMORE AS FEATURED ARTIST FOR SPRING 2026
The Cottonwood Art Festival has selected acclaimed visual artist Julia Gilmore as the Featured Artist for the Spring Cottonwood Art Festival, taking place May 2-3, 2026, at Cottonwood Park in Richardson, Texas.
MEET THE JURY PANEL
Each year, the Cottonwood Art Festival is shaped by the expertise, discernment, and vision of a distinguished jury panel tasked with selecting the artists who will define the show. For the Spring 2026 festival, five accomplished jurors, Gregory Arth, Cecilia Labora,...
