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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Dance News

Dallas Black Dance Theatre makes interim artistic director permanent

Photo by Aleah Pilot

Richard A. Freeman Jr. became the new artistic director October 24, 2025.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has officially named Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as its new artistic director, ushering in a new era of leadership for the dance company as it approaches its 50th anniversary season.

Freeman, a longtime member of the DBDT family, has served as interim artistic director through the company’s recently completed 48th and current 49th seasons. His appointment, effective October 24, 2025, marks a natural progression for the former lead dancer, resident choreographer, and artistic project coordinator, whose career within DBDT spans more than a decade of creative and organizational leadership.

“Richard has been an integral part of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's artistic fabric for years, and his extraordinary leadership during his time as interim artistic director made this decision clear,” says Heidi K. Murray, a member of DBDT’s board of directors, in a release. “His dedication to artistic excellence, his deep understanding of our mission, and his vision for the future of contemporary modern dance make him the ideal person to lead DBDT into this exciting new chapter.”

DBDT founder Ann M. Williams echoed the sentiment, calling Freeman’s appointment a full-circle moment for both artist and company. “Richard embodies everything Dallas Black Dance Theatre stands for: artistry, excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting our community through dance,” she says in the release. “I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a gifted dancer into an inspiring leader and visionary artist. His dedication to preserving our legacy while boldly charting new artistic territory gives me tremendous confidence in DBDT’s future.”

During his tenure as interim artistic director, Freeman guided DBDT through seasons marked by artistic innovation and expanded community engagement, but also staff shake-ups and legal issues.

In October 2024, accusations of retaliation surfaced after 10 DBDT dancers, its entire main company, were fired following their decision to unionize in May and demand better working conditions. This led to an unprecedented "Do Not Work" order by the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Dallas City Council ultimately voted to withhold $248,000 in city funding due to labor violations, and DBDT later settled for $560,000 with the National Labor Relations Board.

In response, DBDT formed a 17-member advisory stakeholder task force co-chaired by Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., and Shawn Williams, vice president of public affairs at Allyn. The group has been working with DBDT leadership to review the organization’s policies and practices, propose changes that foster an accountable environment, and put in place safeguards to prevent future concerns related to talent.

In September 2025, executive director Zenetta Drew announced her retirement after nearly four decades with the company. A national search for her replacement will start in early 2026. Williams retired in 2014.

As artistic director, Freeman will oversee all aspects of DBDT’s artistic operations, from performances to educational initiatives, and continue to expand its reach throughout Dallas and beyond.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation established by the vision of Ann Williams,” Freeman says. “This company has a unique power to move, inspire, and unite communities through dance. I look forward to working with our talented dancers, staff, and board to create unforgettable artistic experiences and to nurture the next generation of dance artists.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Freeman began his training with the District of Columbia Youth Ensemble and the Washington Ballet before graduating from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University. His performance credits span acclaimed companies and productions, including Elisa Monte Dance, Houston Grand Opera, Porgy and Bess, and The Wiz.

Freeman’s choreographic works have been featured by leading institutions such as Texas Ballet Theater School, Texas Christian University, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He has also shared his expertise through master classes and workshops nationwide, reinforcing his commitment to DBDT’s educational mission.

Founded in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest and largest professional dance company in Dallas and one of the most acclaimed Black dance institutions in the U.S.

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