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.

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

February 3, 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 1 – 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 30, between 1:00 – 6:00 pm and picked up on Monday, April 27, between 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Eisemann Center.

April 3, 6:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.: Emerging Artist Reception at the Eisemann Center 

May 1, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.: Cottonwood Art Festival Friday Night Artists Dinner, where Emerging Artists will be formally introduced.

May 2 – 3: 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 19, 2026. Selected students will be notified by Friday, January 23, 2026.

The following students were selected to participate in the 2025 program.