For 55 years, Cottonwood Art Festival has elevated local artists every May and October. What started as a small get-together of creatives blossomed into a full-fledged fine arts festival that draws tens of thousands out to Cottonwood Park in Richardson each spring and fall.
The juried festival makes fine art accessible to the masses — and their furry friends, too — because pets are welcome at the public park. Attendees can wander through booths showcasing the work of nearly 200 artists, who were selected from thousands of submissions. From blown glass to sculptures to steampunk watches, Cottonwood has a medium for everyone.
Each year in the spring and fall, the award-winning festival picks an artist to highlight. Fall 2024’s featured artist is Jay Long. Check out Long’s “The Owltlet,” featuring an owl with two electrical outlets on its midsection.
No festival is complete without food, drinks, and live entertainment. From Big D Kettle Corn to Big Shucks seafood, festival-goers can lunch locally, sip on wine, a margarita, or a local craft beer, and listen to local music artists on two stages.
Know someone whose artwork you think should be featured at the festival? Send this article to a friend and encourage them to apply.