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, attend professional development workshops and receive first-class mentoring from respected, commercially successful visual artists.

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, ceramics)
• 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 which includes their interest in being a 2026 Emerging Artist and an explanation on how they created their artwork and their inspirations.

Deadline to apply for the program was January 19.  

The following students have been selected to participate in the 2026 program.

The following students received the distinction of Commended Artist by our jury