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
ITALIAN APÉ RESIDES IN RICHARDSON
Have you met the guy in Richardson who owns an incredibly rare and slow moving Italian Apé? These were first discovered in the 1940’s and the one Jason Hapka cares for happens to put off a super strong aroma. Try pronouncing Apé as Ah-Pay and substitute three wheels...
ARTIST CALL FOR SPRING 2017
The semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2017 show being held May 6-7 in Richardson, Texas. There is a non-refundable jury fee of $30 and the deadline to submit is by midnight on January 13, 2017. The jury will review all applicants January 17-20 to fill an estimated 250 booth spaces.
ARTIST DRAWS SMILEY FACE IN 10 MINUTES
Today is the first Friday of October and also celebrated as World Smile Day since 1999. The history of the smiley face dates back decades but the iconic yellow image was created by an American commercial artist Harvey Ross Ball. Harvey started off as an apprentice for a local sign painter before deciding to study fine arts at Worcester Art Museum School.
