Art for All

Cottonwood Art Festival paints Richardson with creativity this fall

Each fall, the Cottonwood Art Festival transforms Richardson's Cottonwood Park into a celebration of creativity, community, and culture.

On October 4–5, the award-winning event will return for another inspiring weekend filled with world-class art, live music, mouthwatering food, and plenty of craft beer. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it one of North Texas’ most accessible cultural events.

This year’s festival will feature more than 200 artists showcasing their work across a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to jewelry, ceramics, photography, and beyond. Visitors can expect to stroll through a vibrant outdoor gallery, discovering new favorite pieces, meeting the artists behind the work, and maybe even taking home a treasure or two.

Cottonwood Art Festival Photo by Cece Liekar

The 2025 featured artist is David del Solar, whose story is as colorful as his art. Born in Pamplona, Spain, del Solar first dipped his brush into the world of creativity at just nine years old, when he began attending weekly oil painting classes. That early spark of inspiration grew into a lifelong passion for capturing light and emotion on canvas.

After moving to the United States in 2002 with his wife, del Solar settled in North Richland Hills, where he's now raising four children while balancing his love of family and art.

For years, del Solar and his family attended Cottonwood as visitors, never imagining that one day he’d be featured at the very festival they admired.

“It is totally unexpected and humbling to be the featured artist and have my little booth side-by-side with some of those more seasoned artists,” he says.

Festivalgoers will have the chance to experience his luminous, inspiring work up close, as well as purchase official Cottonwood Art Festival merchandise — posters, T-shirts, stickers, and more — featuring his artwork.

Of course, Cottonwood is about more than just visual art. Live entertainment will fill the air throughout the weekend on the Imagery Courtyard Stage and Acoustic Stage, offering a soundtrack as diverse as the artwork on display.

Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Art Festival

Bring the whole family.

Music lovers can settle in with a cold brew from the craft beer garden or a bite from one of the many food trucks while soaking in the performances.

For families, ArtStop stations provide interactive, hands-on activities that let kids of all ages unleash their own creativity, ensuring the next generation of artists feels just as inspired as their parents.

The festival runs Saturday, October 4, from 10 am-7 pm, and Sunday, October 5, from 10 am-5 pm, at Cottonwood Park (1321 W. Belt Line Rd., Richardson).

Whether you’re an art collector, a casual browser, or simply someone looking for a fun and free weekend activity, the Cottonwood Art Festival promises something special for everyone. Learn more at cottonwoodartfestival.com.

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A Familiar Face

Dallas Theater Center names Jaime Castañeda as new artistic director

Photo courtesy of Dallas Theater Center

Jaime Castañeda is the Tony-winning theater's new artistic director.

The Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center has found its next artistic director: Jaime Castañeda, who has a long history with both DTC and North Texas, will become the regional theater's sixth artistic director beginning July 2026. The 2026-27 season will be the first chosen by him.

Jonathan Norton, DTC’s resident playwright, is currently serving as interim artistic director and will continue to lead the remainder of the 2025-26 season, which culminates in the world premiere of his play Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem in May.

“DTC is committed to artistic excellence and community engagement, and we believe Jaime’s experience, creativity, bold vision, and proven leadership, coupled with his dedication to innovation, will guide DTC into an exciting new chapter in the life of the theater," says board chair Lynn Pride Richardson in a release.

In 2012, Castañeda directed DTC’s production of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity by Kristoffer Diaz. But he began his career more than 20 years ago in Dallas-Fort Worth by founding Firestarter Productions while still attending Texas Christian University. In addition to directing at DTC, other local theater credits include Kitchen Dog Theater, Amphibian Stage, and Circle Theatre. Castañeda is a recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Directing Fellowship, and holds a BFA from Texas Christian University and an MFA in Directing from University of Texas at Austin.

Most recently, Castañeda directed at such leading theaters across the country as American Conservatory Theater, South Coast Repertory, Huntington Theatre Company, and La Jolla Playhouse, where he previously served as associate artistic director from 2014-2018. He was also artistic associate at Off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company from 2009-2014.

"Jaime brings a bold, visceral artistic vision, a deep commitment to new voices, and a collaborative leadership style that inspires artists and audiences alike,” says DTC executive director Kevin Moriarty. “With his Texas roots and national experience, I am thrilled to welcome him home as DTC’s new Enloe/Rose artistic director. I have known and admired his work since 2007, when he was already one of the most exciting emerging directors in North Texas, and I later saw him create unforgettable work for DTC on the Wyly stage and at leading theaters nationwide.”

As artistic director, Castañeda will lead the theater’s artistic vision, direct and produce plays and musicals, oversee DTC’s Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, and partner with Moriarty, the staff, and the board of trustees to advance DTC’s mission, vision, and values.

Castañeda joins a distinguished line of artistic leadership at Dallas Theater Center, including founding artistic director Paul Baker, Adrian Hall, Ken Bryant, Richard Hamburger, and Moriarty, who served as artistic director from 2007-2022.

“We are extremely pleased with a successful national search that brings Jaime to Dallas Theater Center,” says DTC board member Chris Luna. “His energy is contagious and he understands Texas and Dallas. We look forward to collaborating with Jaime as he continues his innovative approach to regional theater.”

Castañeda was selected for the role following a national search led by Management Consultants for the Arts. The search committee was co-chaired by Luna and Richardson, and included Moriarty, Norton, Jennifer Altabef, Diane Brierley, Lauren Embrey, Sam Holland (Dean, SMU Meadows School of the Arts), Sharron Hunt, Randy Kender, Julie Kosnik, Deborah McMurray, Sam Megally, Liz Mikel (DTC Brierley Resident Acting Company member), Andy Smith, Lily Weiss (executive director, Dallas Arts District) and Donna Wilhelm.

“Growing up in Texas, Dallas Theater Center was one of the first places where I saw what professional theater and excellence looked like,” Castañeda says. “I’m thrilled to come back and build on the history of artists and leaders who have been a part of this organization. I’m eager to join Kevin, the board, and our staff to create lasting theatrical experiences for our audiences.”

Dallas Theater Center's current production of A Christmas Carol runs through December 27 at the Wyly Theatre.

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