RICHARDSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FLASHES AND SNARES AT COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL

Richardson Symphony Orchestra "Flash Mob" at Cottonwood Art Festival

Sunday, October 8, 2017 the Richardson Symphony Orchestra musicians, led by Maestro Clay Couturiaux, surprised art patrons at Cottonwood Art Festival with a melodious "flash mob."  Carrying instruments and wearing all black, the musicians nonchalantly walked into Cottonwood Park and one-by-one assembled into position.

Individuals browsing booths could suddenly hear the summoning of the snare and curiously followed the sound. There in the street everyone started to join the crowd that had formed a circle around the mysterious instrumentalists wearing dark shades and gazing at their sheet music.

The performance began with a single snare-drum relentlessly tapping out the introductory beats of Boléro by French composer Maurice Ravel. This one-movement piece originally premiered in 1928 in Paris and noted as Ravel's most famous composition. As each musician started to play the excitement of this impromptu artistic performance continued to build. 

"It was a tremendous opportunity to perform at the Cottonwood Art Festival and to provide symphonic music in an unexpected setting." 

Laurie Garvie

Executive Director and President, Richardson Symphony Orchestra

The Richardson Symphony Orchestra captured this five minute video at Cottonwood Art Festival during the event. It is also available on their Facebook page. This performance was funded in part by the City of Richardson through the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission.

 

ARTIST CALL FOR COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL SPRING 2018

Cottonwood Art Festival Artist Check-In 

Cottonwood Art Festival is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2018 show scheduled for May 5-6 in the beautiful Cottonwood Park located in Richardson, Texas. The online form is available through ZAPP and the deadline to submit is January 12, 2018 at midnight and the non-refundable application fee is $30 per category.  Artist may submit up to two different applications and must include a photo of their booth set-up along with photos of the work to be exhibited.

41ST HUFFHINES ART TRAILS IN RICHARDSON SHOWCASE 160 ARTISTS OCTOBER 28-29

This year, the 41st Huffhines Art Trails will showcase the creative hand work of more than 160  artists and craftsman including the featured artist Lisa Morales and 35 new artists, providing shoppers more to peruse, more to choose, and more to buy. Listen to live music all day from local cover bands in the Craft Beer Garden plus there's plenty of shaded seating to just sit and relax with a cold drink and enjoy the music and the people. Read on for additional info about this year's event. Featuring Over 160 Artists from All Over the Nation

CITY OF RICHARDSON PRESENTED 13 AWARDS FOR COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL

Serri Ayers and Dianna Lawrence

This year Cottonwood Art Festival was honored to receive 13 awards from the Texas Festivals & Events Association (TFEA) and the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA).  The prestigious IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards competition winners were formally announced at the 62nd Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat held September 14-16, 2017 in  Tucson, Arizona.  The TFEA Kaliff Marketing Awards were presented at the TFEA Convention & Trade Show on Saturday, July 29, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. 

"It is an honor for the City of Richardson and staff to be recognized by the IFEA as leaders in the festival world. Each of these awards is a true representation of the hard working staff , volunteers and supporters that make Cottonwood Art Festival such an exceptional event," says Dianna Lawrence, Community Events Manager with Richardson Parks and Recreation Department.

FOGHOUSE, AMIGOS, FRENCH GYPSIES, HIPPIES, FREE LOADERS & MORE TO TAKE THE STAGE OCT 7-8

Raquel Lindemann

Chaz Marie

La Pompe

Bob Culbertson

Devin Leigh

The entertainers taking the stage at the semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival offer a variety of genres, including rock, country, jazz, blues, swing and folk music. Performances are booked for the Lakeside Courtyard Main Stage and Food Court Stage the weekend of October 7-8 in Richardson, Texas. Craft beer, wine and frozen margaritas will be available for purchase.  Admission for all ages and parking is free!

Check out the full schedule of the line-up:

     SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017     

Courtyard Main Stage

• Raquel Lindemann (10:45 a.m.): A modern singer-songwriter affectionately known as “Hippie Songbird,” her music blends folk-rock sensibilities with blues harmonies and soulful storytelling.
• The 3 Amigos (12:15 p.m.): A North Texas-based acoustic music trio rocking favorite classic to current songs with three-part harmony. Band members include Trace Mitchell (vocals, guitar and ukulele); Joe Mansir (vocals, drums and percussion); and Randy Jeter (vocals, bass guitar and ukulele).
• Chaz Marie (2:15 p.m.): Known for her sultry, smoky, raspy vocals, Chaz has earned the reputation as a “fresh alternative to the formulaic country soul artists.” Her voice is a fusion of her musical influences in country, Delta blues, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll.
• The Free Loaders (4:15 p.m.): A Dallas-based blues/jazz band, The Free Loaders sing songs from 1900-2015, all in the vein of jazz, blues, swing and fun. Led by gravel-voiced crooner John Jay Myers, the band can morph from three to eight members depending on needs and budget. Their most common lineup is as a six-piece band including two singers, drums, guitar, keyboard, bass and two horns.

Food Court Stage

• RJ Ballard (11 a.m.): His music can be described as “comfort food for the musical soul.” RJ performs covers in addition to original composition for events from the most casual to the most formal.
• Davis & Rose (1 p.m.): A two-piece acoustic group who play “acoustic decaffeinated guitar music,” band members Chip Davis and Monte Rose’s music includes original songs and covers of many artists across different music genres.

          SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2017          

Courtyard Main Stage

• Bob Culbertson (10 a.m.): Culbertson is an influential Chapman Stick player, notable for his many recorded albums and extensive touring. He was an early adopter of the Chapman Stick, an electrical instrument in the guitar family with 10 or 12 individually tuned strings. His musical style ranges from world sounds of Celtic, Spanish, Eastern and classical to blues and The Beatles.
• La Pompe (11:30 a.m.): The band was named after the driving rhythm characteristic of French gypsy jazz and is led by multi-lingual vocals bringing the best of French wartime classics, American jazz standards and gypsy instrumentals. Band members are Kat Hackett (vocals), Maz Robertson (mandolin), Mark Deffebach (guitar) and Phil Minshew (bass).
• FogHouse Band (1:30 p.m.): The band is a solid five-piece Southern rock band bringing crowd favorites from artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
• Devin Leigh (3:30 p.m.): A Fort Worth-based singer-songwriter and guitarist, Leigh has been inducted into the Texas Blues Hall of Fame. Leigh is a true one-man band, incorporating percussion and harmonica into an already dynamic solo show.

Food Court Stage

• RJ Ballard (11 a.m.): His music can be described as “comfort food for the musical soul.” RJ performs covers in addition to original composition for events from the most casual to the most formal.
• Heather Little (1 p.m.): A Texas-based singer and songwriter, Little sings and writes songs in all genres, including rock, country, blues and earthy acoustic. She is the co-writer of Miranda Lambert’s songs “Gunpowder and Lead” and “Me and Charlie Talkin’,” among others.

Whether shopping for art, listening to music, enjoying the outdoors, or making art of your own – Cottonwood has something for everyone. For more information, go to:

• www.CottonwoodArtFestival.com
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/CottonwoodArtFestival
• Twitter – www.twitter.com/CAFRichardson

RICKY LOWE IS SHOCKING & NEW TO COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL

Sunshine Artist October 2017 featuring Ricky Lowe

FAQ FOR THE FIRST TIME VISITORS TO COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL

First time visitor or seasoned pro?

Whether it is your first time attending Cottonwood Art Festival or an annual event on your calendar, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions to enhance your festival experience. Date and Time  Saturday, October 7     10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday, October 8       10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location & Parking Cottonwood is located in Cottonwood Park at 1321 W. Beltline Rd. in Richardson, TX. Parking is available across the street from the park at Richardson High School Stadium. A free shuttle is provided each day of the festival from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. Click here to view a map.

LAKESIDE COURTYARD BEER GARDEN

Cottonwood Art Festival Craft Beer Garden

ARTSTOP BRINGS THE WORLD OF ART TO LIFE FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

Throwin' Mud at Cottonwood Art Festival

Gregory Arth - Featured Artist Fall 2017 Cottonwood Art Festival

Gregory Arth - Featured Artist Fall 2017 Cottonwood Art Festival

ARE YOU READY FOR COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL?

Are you ready for Cottonwood?

Artists are arriving, bands are tuning their guitars, and vendors are doing last minute prep. That's right...Cottonwood Art Festival is this weekend, May 6-7 at Cottonwood Park in Richardson, TX! To help you prepare, here are 5 things you can do for this weekend's event. 1. Check out the list of artist that will be in attendance at this weekend. With over 240 different artist, you are sure to have a full day ahead of you of some amazing art! Visit our full lists of Artist to pick our your favorites!

LIVE ART AND AMY BURKMAN RETURN TO COTTONWOOD

Cottonwood Art Festival is excited to welcome back Live Art with professional muralist and multi-media artist Amy Burkman.  Live Art is an extremely versatile show in which Amy transforms a large canvas into a beautiful painting in less than ten minutes. 

The music, energy and art create a dynamic performance that will leave you inspired!  Live Art is much more than fast painting, it's a special display of an exciting artistic performance! 

LOCAL TUNES TAKE THE COTTONWOOD STAGES

We have art, tasty drinks, cold beverages, and a fantastic Artstop for the kiddos, but did you also know that Cottonwood is also the home to many rocking performers found in the Dallas - Ft. Worth area and all over Texas? The festival features a variety of genres including rock, country, jazz, blues, and swing. Stop by the Lakeside Courtyard on Saturday morning as we kick off the festival with the acoustic duo Gunplugged at 10:45 a.m. The rock classics, played by members Jerry Don Branch and Steve Locke are a smooth Saturday sound everyone can enjoy!

CHRIS VANCE NAMED FEATURED ARTIST

Chris Vance - Featured Artist for Cottonwood Art Festival May 6-7, 2017 A world of bright, abstract characters For many artists, small details can inspire big ideas. For Chris Vance, an Iowa-based abstract expressionist, big ideas take form as larger-than-life monsters, crazy characters and lively vistas. Named featured artist of the City of Richardson's Cottonwood Art Festival, Vance's vivid work will be on display May 6-7, 2017 in scenic Cottonwood Park. A newcomer to North Texas' semi-annual prestigious art event, Vance is inspired by skateboard graphics, graffiti and children's art. His paintings celebrate the fundamentals of abstract expressionism: composition, balance, line and color. "It's a huge honor to have my work highlighted at Cottonwood this year," said Chris Vance. "I'm excited to show festival-goers how my art has evolved and all of the tiny details that people don't initially notice." As a graduate of Iowa State, Vance is influenced by other abstract expressionists, including Richard Diebenkorn. An avid skateboarder, Vance has turned his passion into fine art and now creates completely unique characters and quirky monsters. "I'm always surprised at how people respond to the characters I create," said Vance. "I can't wait to introduce them to the festival. When you see the artwork in person, it has a sticker quality." Vance's work will join hundreds of other museum-quality exhibits from around the country during the two-day juried art show. The festival will also include live musical performances, delectable dining options and a creative children's area. Visit chrisvanceart.com for additional information.

JEAN ADAS VISITS MOSS HAVEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jean Adas at Moss Haven Elementary School , Cottonwood Art Festival Visiting Artist Program

Watercolor artist Jean Adas presented to 5th and 6th grade students at Moss Haven Elementary School on Thursday, April 20, 2017 as part of Cottonwood's Visiting Artist Program. The visit was coordinated with Toni Crook who teaches art to all the students K-6 at this RISD school.

COTTONWOOD'S EMERGING ARTISTS & AWARDS

Cottonwood's Emerging Artists

Congratulations to the 10 students selected by a jury as Cottonwood's 2017 Emerging Artists sponsored by Neighborhood Credit Union.  The annual program exhibition, featuring works by these students, is open to the public April 1-30, 2017 in the Forrest & Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery inside the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts.  

Artists have the opportunity to sell their work at the semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival being held Saturday, May 6 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in Richardson, TX.

The Emerging Artists are as follows:

Melanie Baume - JJ Pearce High School
Sofia Conde - Richardson High School
Mary Grace Hearon - JJ Pearce High School
Anna Maupin - Richardson High School

Ivy Njoroge - Richardson High School
Amy Pham - JJ Pearce High School
Molly Queal - JJ Pearce High School
Roberto Ramos - JJ Pearce High School
Ashley Ubben - Richardson High School
Nicole Webster - JJ Pearce High School



Wednesday, April 12, 2017 a reception was held in honor of Cottonwood's Emerging Artists with a presentation of scholarship money from Neighborhood Credit Union and these additional awards:

People's Choice Award - from JJ Pearce High School, Mary Grace Hearon
Honorable Mention - From JJ Pearce High School, Melanie Baume

Honorable Mention - From Richardson High School, Anna Maupin
3rd Place - from JJ Pearce High School, Roberto Ramos
2nd Place - from JJ Pearce High School, Mary Grace Hearon
Best of Show - from Richardson High School, Sofia Conde

More information about Cottonwood's Emerging Artist Program is available:  http://www.cottonwoodartfestival.com/13.html and photos of the reception are posted on Facebook in this album: 2017 Emerging Artist Reception & Awards. 

SMITH MAP STUDIO FEATURED IN TEXAS MONTHLY

Smith Map Studio - photo taken at
2016 Cottonwood Art Festival

Christopher Alan Smith, the illustrator and owner of Smith Map Studio, was one of the 250 artists selected by the jury panel for Cottonwood Art Festival.  The semi-annual show was held the weekend of October 1-2, 2016 in Richardson, TX.  

This was also the exact date that Texas Monthly released their monthly issue featuring Smith Map Studio.  The two-page interview describes how he has always been a "map geek" and his childhood passion transitioned into a full career in 2008 after he held his first show and made $5,500 in sales.

ITALIAN APÉ RESIDES IN RICHARDSON

Wound Up Café - Mobile Coffee 

Have you met the guy in Richardson who owns an incredibly rare and slow moving Italian Apé?  These were first discovered in the 1940’s and the one Jason Hapka cares for happens to put off a super strong aroma.  Try pronouncing Apé as Ah-Pay and substitute three wheels for the pair of hairy legs you may have visualized. 

Five years ago, Jason tracked down this European scooter to start a new business, the Wound Up Café.  Cottonwood Art Festival invited him to participate as a vendor that same year and he continues to participate at the semi-annual show.