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
“PRETTY BIRD” BY KRISTIN DESANTIS IS CRESTED CROW OF COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL
Cottonwood Art Festival is a semi-annual juried show, and among the 240 artists selected to participate only one is chosen as the featured artist. “Pretty Bird” by artist Kristin DeSantis was recently announced as the crested crow to represent the Spring show being held May 7-8 at Cottonwood Park. Elongated talons and eyelashes intentionally convey the personality of “Pretty Bird” and DeSantis explains, “she is a sexy, slightly demure princess.”
FEAST FOR THE SENSES: COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL MELDS FOOD, MUSIC AND ART
Museum-quality art works from more than 240 visual artists from across the nation are the big lure to the prestigious Cottonwood Art Festival, but a mix in live music, fresh food, a children’s ArtStop creative area, homegrown craft beer, cocktails and wine will also be available to enjoy while taking in the sights or listening to the live music.
COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL RETURNS TO DRAW CREATIVES FOR ALL AGES
The Richardson art scene will be filled with excitement October 3-4, when the semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival – and more than 240 of the nation’s top artists – arrive at scenic Cottonwood Park, transforming it into a fine outdoor gallery.
