The Emerging Artist Program recognizes the talent of young local artists and offers them opportunities to participate in Cottonwood Art Festival and to grow professionally.  

 It is through the generosity of our sponsor, Neighborhood Credit Union, that students have the chance to participate in a month-long exhibit at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and sell their work at the festival alongside professional artists. Emerging Artists can also win awards and scholarships and attend professional development workshops.

Submission Requirements:

• All applicants must be high school sophomores, juniors or seniors and must either attend a Richardson ISD school or live in the City of Richardson.
• Students can apply with any visual art (E.g. painting, photography, pottery)
• The following must be included in the application:
  • Five (5) digital images of the student’s artwork (.jpeg format only). If chosen, student must exhibit submitted images at the Eisemann Center.
  • A brief artist statement or bio (paragraph) explaining their interest in art or medium of choice and their future plans, if any, to pursue an art degree. 

Each selected emerging artist is required to participate in the following events:

January 21, 5:00 p.m.: Mandatory informational meeting. Parents and/or teachers are welcome to attend and must attend in their student’s place if student is unable to attend. 

April 2 – April 27:  Finalist artwork is displayed at the Eisemann Center in the Forrest and Virginia Green Mezzanine-Gallery. Work must be delivered to the Eisemann Center Monday, March 31, between 1:00 – 6:00 pm and picked up on Monday, April 28, between 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Eisemann Center.

April 4, 6:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.: Emerging Artist Reception at the Eisemann Center 

May 2, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.: Cottonwood Art Festival Friday Night Artists Dinner, where Emerging Artists will be formally introduced.

May 3 – 4: Cottonwood Art Festival Emerging Artist Booth – Emerging Artists have the ability to sell their artwork alongside professional Cottonwood Artists in a provided tent and booth space.

Deadline to apply is Monday, January 6, 2025. Selected students will be notified by Monday, January 13, 2025.

The following RISD students were selected to participate in the 2024 program.