The fall edition of the City of Richardson’s Cottonwood Art Festival will be held October 3-4. This juried show will bring some of the country’s top artists to a festival that includes energizing live music, craft beer, and a variety of enticing food options. Now in its 46th year, the festival attracts guests with museum-quality art, and keeps them coming back year after year, as the event becomes a family tradition.

The free event held in Richardson’s scenic Cottonwood Park will exhibit work from 240 artists. These top artists are chosen from more than 800 applicants. Categories include mixed media, ceramics, drawings/pastel, jewelry, metalwork, painting, photography, and much more.

“This is the perfect place to shop for exclusive art that will make an impact in your home or office,” said Serri Ayers, director of the Cottonwood Art Festival. “While you are here, you may enjoy live music from some of the top local bands, while sipping a cocktail and enjoying a meal in our relaxing courtyard.”

For the children and families, an interactive children’s area, ArtStop, offers mini-Monet’s a chance to experience the wonderful world of art first-hand. Complete with life-size paintbrushes and staffed by more than 100 volunteers, ArtStop offers dozens of activities for children and their families to encourage imaginations to run wild. At ArtStop, it’s OK for the kids to work on a giant ball of yarn, throw mud on an electric potter's wheel, paint a masterpiece and chisel away on a large block of plaster.