Event Information
Cottonwood Art Festival Spring 2025
http://www.cottonwoodartfestival.comEvent Pages:
Location:
undefined, undefined
972-744-4583
REQUIREMENTS:
Accepted Application Types:
Artist
Images: 5 (a booth shot is required)
Application Amount:
You can submit up to 2 applications for this show.
Emerging Artists:
This application does not accept applications from emerging artists.
The application deadline has passed.
Dates & Deadlines
Open Date
Application Deadline
Purchase Deadline
Event Start
Event End
Select a link below to jump to that section
EVENT INFORMATION
Cottonwood Art Festival located in Richardson, Texas, just minutes from Dallas, is an award-winning juried art show where over 193 artists exhibit their work among towering oaks with lakeside beauty. This event has been ranked one of the best fine art festivals in the nation and continues to uphold its extraordinary reputation as a first-rate show rich in history. Artists and patrons have enjoyed this extraordinary event for over 56 years. Produced by The City of Richardson, Cottonwood Art Festival welcomes a vibrant, culturally diverse audience of loyal collectors and art enthusiasts to a community rich in artistic growth and sustainability. Live entertainment on two stages, a Friday night gala for the artists and guests, an interactive children’s art area and much more, round out this perfect weekend in the park! Cottonwood invites you to apply now to exhibit and participate in the show, May 3-4, 2025.
RULES/REGULATIONS
Artist Selection
All submitted applications through Zapplication are reviewed and juried before acceptance is offered. Previous Festival participation does not guarantee acceptance and each Applicant understands that the city may reject an Applicant for any or no reason. Artists may jury in more than one category, but not with the same body of work. Only one application may be submitted per body of work with a jury fee for each category. An artist must use the same name for both applications. It is the work of the artist that is juried; therefore, any change will require approval from the Festival Director before the show. Absolutely no consideration will be made if the work is of a different category. The jury committee or Festival management reserves the right to refuse the exhibition of work that is not consistent with the submitted images. The City reserves the right to grant exclusive rights to any product/item deemed appropriate for the festival.
Artists whose work is selected in multiple categories will exhibit in one booth space. Submitted application and signature on the Artist Agreement (for those invited) confirm acceptance that noncompliance can result in expulsion from the current Festival and ineligibility to exhibit for at least two years.
Artist Eligibility
Artists may only exhibit work in the medium(s) in which they are juried, and all work exhibited must be original art produced by the exhibiting artist(s). Work done by a production studio, in classes or workshops, “Buy-Sell” and/or imports, work from kits, commercial designs, and derivative work is prohibited. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other forms of mass production are permitted on all work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, and papermaking. No factory-produced wearable items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, may be exhibited. The Festival Director reserves the right to refuse the exhibition of work that is not consistent with the application submitted images and festival rules. If an artist is removed from the show for noncompliance with the rules, no booth fee refund or compensation will be made.
Only limited edition, signed, and numbered reproductions of artworks are allowed. Artists must define “limited edition” through their Artist Statement and must disclose their process to the buyer. Original art must occupy more than 75% of the applicant’s booth space. Postcards, t-shirts, books, note cards, posters, or any other offset reproductions are not permitted. Cottonwood Art Festival will have the right to identify the Artist as a participating Artist and use the Artist’s name and trademarks in advertising and promoting Cottonwood Art Festival.
Artist Payment
Booth fees and a signed Artist Agreement are due by July 15, 2024, to confirm participation. All payments will be made on ZAPP. Artist payment to the festival is not tax-deductible under federal income tax laws or otherwise.
Booth Assignments
Booth assignments are made after receipt of payment and artist agreement. Booth locations are assigned by the Festival Director and artists will have the option to provide up to three preferred booth location requests at the time of payment. Requests will be viewed in order of payment received; however, location requests are not guaranteed. Artists requesting a double booth must purchase a double booth, available on a first-come, first-served basis starting the day the acceptance emails are sent. No booth assignment changes will be honored on-site.
Booth Space
Booth spaces are approximately 13’ x 13’ depending on location. All artists must be present on-site during the entire festival and exhibit during the festival hours. No spouses or other representatives will be permitted in place of the artist. Cottonwood does not allow sharing of booths except under extraordinary circumstances and ONLY if prior approval is provided in writing from the director. Absolutely no consideration is given if the request is made at the time of set-up or during the show. No consideration is given if the request is made at the time of set-up or during the show. The booth and display must remain intact during all hours of the show.
Tent
Artists are not permitted to use cheaply made, lightweight, accordion-style pop-up tents. Tents must be clean, WHITE, commercial, or professional grade, fire retardant, with at least 40 pounds of weight securely fastened (not dangling) on each corner and with stabilizing maneuvers that provide maximum safety. “In-ground” stakes, such as straight or hammer-driven, will not be permitted without additional weights. Any variation is prohibited and will result in the artist being excluded from the festival without compensation or consideration.
An artist may rent a tent through the City of Richardson tent vendor, Bright Rentals. Please contact them at 972-602-3303 or at sales-dal@bright.com to confirm your rental. Rentals must be rented and confirmed 2 weeks prior to the show.
Electricity
Electricity must be requested and paid for at the time of acceptance. If requested, artists are allotted one 110v/20a per booth for $100 a booth. Maximum wattage is 400. If incorrect amperage is used, the Artist will be responsible for any damages to the festival as well as additional expenses required to make the artist’s booth functional. Costs incurred by the festival will be charged to the artist and must be paid at the festival’s conclusion. Generators are prohibited. Only outdoor-rated extension cords are permitted and must be a minimum of 12 gauge with grounds for any source.
Sales and Sales Tax
The artist is responsible for collecting and safekeeping its money and property and the festival assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen money. Cottonwood will not provide change for the Artist. The artist is responsible for collecting and reporting all taxes for sales made during the festival and reporting them as being sold in Richardson, TX. The state sales tax rate is 8.25%. For more information on filing call 1-800-252-5555 or visit www.window.state.tx.us.
Insurance
Artists are responsible for proper insurance and protection of work during Festival hours and set-up. The City of Richardson or Cottonwood Art Festival will not be responsible for damage to work or set-up for any reason. All artists are encouraged to maintain insurance.
Security
Security will be present throughout both days of the festival. Merchandise may be left overnight at the artist’s risk and responsibility. Cottonwood will provide after-hours security for the festival area only.
Check-In
A picture ID is required at artist check-in by all participating artists, including collaborators and partners. Artists may not set up until they have provided proof of their presence at the check-in location. Artists must wear a Cottonwood identification badge at all times throughout the show and may not load in without it.
Load-In Schedule
Thursday - 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Vehicles 40 ft or longer,
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Open to all
Friday - 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Open to all
Saturday - 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Open to all
Each Artist will have one hour to unload and must move their vehicle to artist parking once complete. No vehicles are allowed to park on the grass or sidewalks. Unloading is done from the curb; a dolly is highly recommended. A Boy Scout Troop is available on the festival site to assist Artists during load-in. To schedule in advance or if you would like more assistance information, please call 214-693-0934.
Load-Out
No early breakdown is allowed; the festival officially closes Sunday at 5 p.m. and due to safety concerns, the street will not be opened until patrons have cleared the roadway. Artist vehicles are not allowed on site until the street is opened and Artist has obtained a load-out pass. Passes are issued by the Boy Scouts once the Artist booth area is completely broken down, packed up, and ready to load out.
Artist Parking
Artist parking on Saturday and Sunday is located across from Cottonwood Park at the Richardson High School football stadium parking lot (located on Belt Line Rd.). Thursday and Friday parking after set-up is located on the west side of Cottonwood Park. On Saturday and Sunday, festival staff will be available in the stadium parking lot to check Artist in starting at 7 am. Artists can NOT park on any residential or adjacent streets to the park or Festival grounds. RVs or unhitched trailers of any kind are ONLY allowed to park in the festival Artist's designated parking lot.
All submitted applications through Zapplication are reviewed and juried before acceptance is offered. Previous Festival participation does not guarantee acceptance and each Applicant understands that the city may reject an Applicant for any or no reason. Artists may jury in more than one category, but not with the same body of work. Only one application may be submitted per body of work with a jury fee for each category. An artist must use the same name for both applications. It is the work of the artist that is juried; therefore, any change will require approval from the Festival Director before the show. Absolutely no consideration will be made if the work is of a different category. The jury committee or Festival management reserves the right to refuse the exhibition of work that is not consistent with the submitted images. The City reserves the right to grant exclusive rights to any product/item deemed appropriate for the festival.
Artists whose work is selected in multiple categories will exhibit in one booth space. Submitted application and signature on the Artist Agreement (for those invited) confirm acceptance that noncompliance can result in expulsion from the current Festival and ineligibility to exhibit for at least two years.
Artist Eligibility
Artists may only exhibit work in the medium(s) in which they are juried, and all work exhibited must be original art produced by the exhibiting artist(s). Work done by a production studio, in classes or workshops, “Buy-Sell” and/or imports, work from kits, commercial designs, and derivative work is prohibited. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other forms of mass production are permitted on all work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, and papermaking. No factory-produced wearable items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, may be exhibited. The Festival Director reserves the right to refuse the exhibition of work that is not consistent with the application submitted images and festival rules. If an artist is removed from the show for noncompliance with the rules, no booth fee refund or compensation will be made.
Only limited edition, signed, and numbered reproductions of artworks are allowed. Artists must define “limited edition” through their Artist Statement and must disclose their process to the buyer. Original art must occupy more than 75% of the applicant’s booth space. Postcards, t-shirts, books, note cards, posters, or any other offset reproductions are not permitted. Cottonwood Art Festival will have the right to identify the Artist as a participating Artist and use the Artist’s name and trademarks in advertising and promoting Cottonwood Art Festival.
Artist Payment
Booth fees and a signed Artist Agreement are due by July 15, 2024, to confirm participation. All payments will be made on ZAPP. Artist payment to the festival is not tax-deductible under federal income tax laws or otherwise.
Booth Assignments
Booth assignments are made after receipt of payment and artist agreement. Booth locations are assigned by the Festival Director and artists will have the option to provide up to three preferred booth location requests at the time of payment. Requests will be viewed in order of payment received; however, location requests are not guaranteed. Artists requesting a double booth must purchase a double booth, available on a first-come, first-served basis starting the day the acceptance emails are sent. No booth assignment changes will be honored on-site.
Booth Space
Booth spaces are approximately 13’ x 13’ depending on location. All artists must be present on-site during the entire festival and exhibit during the festival hours. No spouses or other representatives will be permitted in place of the artist. Cottonwood does not allow sharing of booths except under extraordinary circumstances and ONLY if prior approval is provided in writing from the director. Absolutely no consideration is given if the request is made at the time of set-up or during the show. No consideration is given if the request is made at the time of set-up or during the show. The booth and display must remain intact during all hours of the show.
Tent
Artists are not permitted to use cheaply made, lightweight, accordion-style pop-up tents. Tents must be clean, WHITE, commercial, or professional grade, fire retardant, with at least 40 pounds of weight securely fastened (not dangling) on each corner and with stabilizing maneuvers that provide maximum safety. “In-ground” stakes, such as straight or hammer-driven, will not be permitted without additional weights. Any variation is prohibited and will result in the artist being excluded from the festival without compensation or consideration.
An artist may rent a tent through the City of Richardson tent vendor, Bright Rentals. Please contact them at 972-602-3303 or at sales-dal@bright.com to confirm your rental. Rentals must be rented and confirmed 2 weeks prior to the show.
Electricity
Electricity must be requested and paid for at the time of acceptance. If requested, artists are allotted one 110v/20a per booth for $100 a booth. Maximum wattage is 400. If incorrect amperage is used, the Artist will be responsible for any damages to the festival as well as additional expenses required to make the artist’s booth functional. Costs incurred by the festival will be charged to the artist and must be paid at the festival’s conclusion. Generators are prohibited. Only outdoor-rated extension cords are permitted and must be a minimum of 12 gauge with grounds for any source.
Sales and Sales Tax
The artist is responsible for collecting and safekeeping its money and property and the festival assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen money. Cottonwood will not provide change for the Artist. The artist is responsible for collecting and reporting all taxes for sales made during the festival and reporting them as being sold in Richardson, TX. The state sales tax rate is 8.25%. For more information on filing call 1-800-252-5555 or visit www.window.state.tx.us.
Insurance
Artists are responsible for proper insurance and protection of work during Festival hours and set-up. The City of Richardson or Cottonwood Art Festival will not be responsible for damage to work or set-up for any reason. All artists are encouraged to maintain insurance.
Security
Security will be present throughout both days of the festival. Merchandise may be left overnight at the artist’s risk and responsibility. Cottonwood will provide after-hours security for the festival area only.
Check-In
A picture ID is required at artist check-in by all participating artists, including collaborators and partners. Artists may not set up until they have provided proof of their presence at the check-in location. Artists must wear a Cottonwood identification badge at all times throughout the show and may not load in without it.
Load-In Schedule
Thursday - 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Vehicles 40 ft or longer,
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Open to all
Friday - 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Open to all
Saturday - 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Open to all
Each Artist will have one hour to unload and must move their vehicle to artist parking once complete. No vehicles are allowed to park on the grass or sidewalks. Unloading is done from the curb; a dolly is highly recommended. A Boy Scout Troop is available on the festival site to assist Artists during load-in. To schedule in advance or if you would like more assistance information, please call 214-693-0934.
Load-Out
No early breakdown is allowed; the festival officially closes Sunday at 5 p.m. and due to safety concerns, the street will not be opened until patrons have cleared the roadway. Artist vehicles are not allowed on site until the street is opened and Artist has obtained a load-out pass. Passes are issued by the Boy Scouts once the Artist booth area is completely broken down, packed up, and ready to load out.
Artist Parking
Artist parking on Saturday and Sunday is located across from Cottonwood Park at the Richardson High School football stadium parking lot (located on Belt Line Rd.). Thursday and Friday parking after set-up is located on the west side of Cottonwood Park. On Saturday and Sunday, festival staff will be available in the stadium parking lot to check Artist in starting at 7 am. Artists can NOT park on any residential or adjacent streets to the park or Festival grounds. RVs or unhitched trailers of any kind are ONLY allowed to park in the festival Artist's designated parking lot.
BOOTH INFORMATION
Upon acceptance, artists may purchase a single booth for $500, or a double booth for $1,000 (first-come, first-served basis, with limited availability.) Each artist will be provided a 13” x 13” booth space for your tent. Artists are to provide their own display booth, racks, and/or tables in order to display their work in an outdoor environment.
Thank you for your interest in the Cottonwood Art Festival. For additional information please contact Dianna Lawrence, CFEE, Festival Director at dianna.lawrence@cor.gov. We look forward to seeing you in May!
Thank you for your interest in the Cottonwood Art Festival. For additional information please contact Dianna Lawrence, CFEE, Festival Director at dianna.lawrence@cor.gov. We look forward to seeing you in May!
REFUND POLICY
Artists wishing to cancel participation must do so in writing to dianna.lawrence@cor.gov by March 17, 2025, to receive a 50% refund of the booth space and 100% of electricity (if applicable).
JURY DETAILS
Average number of applications submitted each year:
800
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event:
190
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event:
10
How returning artists are selected:
Selected by show director or board
Vendors that are excluded/ineligible:
Work done by a production studio, in classes/workshops, “Buy-Sell” and/or imports, work from kits, commercial designs, and derivative work is prohibited. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other forms of mass production are permitted.
How images are viewed by jurors:
Computer monitor
Within a medium category, applications are sorted and viewed by:
Application ID (number generated when application is started by artist)
Jurors score applications using the following scale:
Yes, No, or Maybe
Number of jurors scoring applications:
5
The show organizes the jurors for a:
Single jury panel that scores applications for all medium categories
Jurors score
Separately from various locations
Am I allowed to observe the jury process?
Jury process is closed
