Cottonwood Art Festival
Richardson, Texas

When: early October

Where: Cottonwood Park in Richardson, Texas.

Fast becoming a Texas traditions since its inception in 1968, art enthusiasts who gather to gaze at the works of local and nationally-recogniged craftsmen each spring in Richardson Park find themselves returning in the fall as artists once again set up booths beneath the shade trees to showcase colorful canvases and soul-stirring sculpture, woodwork and photography for a two-day festival which melds musical and artistic mastery.

Perched on the gently swaying branches of the trees and that call the park home, mockingbirds and sparrows add their voices to those of regional musical acts who take the mic in the courtyard to perform a potpourri of musical styles for an appreciative audience. Rock, country, jazz, folk and blues tunes provide a soundtrack for festival attendees as they go in search of treasures created by over 240 artisans.

Children's Activities: Promising Picassos have a place where their creativity can flourish at ArtStop, where 100 volunteers help kids express themselves in clay, paint and colored paper.

For more information:

• visit www.cottonwoodartfestival.com