See you May 2-3, 2026 at Cottonwood Park!
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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
RICHARDSON ISD STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AS TOP 10 EMERGING ARTISTS
Cottonwood Art Festival recognizes Richardson students as the top 10 visual artists for the 2024 Emerging Artist Program. The following RISD students were selected to participate: Berkner High SchoolRicardo Flores J. J. Pearce High SchoolKate DawsonLuisa LaraOlivia...
GREGORY STORY ANNOUNCED AS SPRING FEATURED ARTIST
Ceramic sculptor Gregory Story creates smiley wall balls and expands "Ridiculous" clay collection for 2024 to be shown at festival.Ceramicist Gregory Story is the featured artist for the 55th Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson on May 4-5. Story grew up in South...
CITY OF RICHARDSON WINS BEST IN TEXAS MARKETING AWARDS FOR COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL
The City of Richardson won 29 Best In Texas Kaliff Marketing Awards for Cottonwood Art Festival and Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival at the Texas Festivals & Events Association (TFEA) Conference held Nov. 12-19. The annual TFEA/Kaliff Marketing Awards program...





