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
OIL PAINTER BETTY NASH RETIRING FROM FESTIVALS
Oil painter Betty Nash has announced that she is retiring from the festival circuit this year. Nash was first selected by a jury panel to show at Cottonwood Art Festival in October 1999 and October 2018 was her final farewell to festivals. Although Nash is a native Texan, she and her husband traveled to fine art shows across the country for decades.
COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND FIVE PINNACLE AWARDS
Cottonwood Art Festival is honored to have been recognized at the 63rd Annual International Festivals & Events Association Convention, Expo & Retreat in San Diego, California. The City of Richardson Parks & Recreation accepted five prestigious IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards for the Festival.
ARTIST CALL FOR SPRING 2019 COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL IN RICHARDSON
Applications are being accepted through January 11, 2019 for the Spring 2019 Cottonwood Art Festival to be held on May 4-5, 2019 in Cottonwood Park at Richardson, TX. The award-winning festival is a juried show for which artists must apply and be...
