About the Festival

Cottonwood Art Festival is a bi-annual event which features works from the nation's top visual artists. Located in scenic Cottonwood Park in Richardson, Texas (map), this prestigious art show has been a part of Richardson life for over forty years. The next festival will take place on May 5-6, 2012. Admission is free.

Cottonwood Art Festival is a juried show. This year approximately 1,400 artists submitted their work for consideration. For each show, jurors select over 240 artists to exhibit their museum-quality work. The artists compete in 14 categories: 2D Mixed Media, 3D Mixed Media, Ceramics, Digital, Drawings/Pastels, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metalwork, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Wood. A list of this year's artists can be found on the Event Artists page.

The featured artist is chosen to represent Cottonwood’s marketing pieces, including t-shirts and posters. More information on the artist and his work can be found on our Featured Artist page.

Cottonwood isn't just about the art, though. The festival also features local bands who perform the best in rock, country, jazz, blues, swing and folk. Be sure to check out the courtyard, where you can sit in the shade by the lake and relax while you enjoy the music. Food and spirits are also available in the courtyard. The beautiful atmosphere and ambience of the courtyard is created and designed by Donal McKinney, owner of Green Sculptor.

ArtStop is the childrens' area at Cottonwood. By heading across the bridge our pint-size Picasso’s will enjoy a wide array of art and craft activities. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to create a sculpture hat from scrap, design a masterpiece in plaster, add to an enormous collage, or practice their hand at sculpting clay on a real potter’s wheel.

Whether you're shopping for art, listening to music, enjoying the outdoors, or making art of your own, Cottonwood has something for you:

Fast Facts / Frequently Asked Questions

When?
Saturday, October 1, 2011: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, October 2, 2011: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Where?
Cottonwood Park, centrally located in the metroplex at 1321 W. Belt Line Rd. Richardson, TX (just one block east of Coit Rd).

Click on Map for detailed directions

Admission:
Admission to Cottonwood Art Festival is free.

Recorded Information Hotline: 972-744-4581

ATM Location: ATM machines are located outside the permanent pool house by the concession area on the main street of the festival. Festival merchandise and most artists accept major credit cards.

ArtStop Children’s Area: By heading across the bridge our pint-size Picasso’s will enjoy a wide array of art and craft activities. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to create a sculpture hat from scrap, design a masterpiece in plaster, add to an enormous collage, or practice their hand at sculpting clay on a real potter’s wheel.

Emerging Artists: The Emerging Artist Program is an innovative and resourceful tool that mentors high school aged students in the art world. Students are encouraged to express themselves artistically and learn the process of exhibiting. This program only takes place in the spring and is proudly sponsored by Opportunity Bank Link in Richardson.

Lakeside Courtyard: The Courtyard is located near the center of the park directly off the main festival street. The Courtyard is home to Cottonwood’s Boutique, Art Aroma Café, The Main Stage, Festival Headquarters and General Information Booth. Sit and relax while you enjoy food, spirits and live music while taking in this beautifully landscaped courtyard that borders Cottonwood Lake. The exquisite courtyard landscape was designed and donated by Donal McKinney owner of Green Sculptor. 

Food and Beverage: Food and beverages are located throughout the festival with the main locations being in the Courtyard and on the south end of the main festival street. Beverages include an array of Coca-Cola products and Dasani water. Alcoholic beverages are sold only in the Courtyard area. Regulations require that alcoholic beverages must be kept in the Courtyard area only. Cottonwood also offers a tantalizing selection of unique and tasty culinary delights that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located throughout the park; along Belt Line on the east and west side of the park, south of the courtyard on your way to ArtStop, children’s area, permanent and portable restrooms are located on the south side of the park near the pool house.

T-Shirts and Posters: T-shirts and posters are being sold at the Cottonwood Boutique inside the lakeside courtyard.