Ten RISD high school artists have been selected for the Cottonwood Art Festival’s 2026 Emerging Artist program, sponsored by Neighborhood Credit Union. The Emerging Artist Program is an annual innovative mentoring program that gives art students real-world experience in the professional art world, including getting the chance to sell their work at the spring Cottonwood Art Festival and part of a month-long exhibit at the Eisemann Center (exhibit began this week; see below under Arts/Eisemann Center for more information).
The 2026 Emerging Artists are as follows:
Berkner High School
Ray Hunter
J. J. Pearce High School
Elia Villaseñor
Mako Weathers
Lake Highlands High School
Leira Myers
Charlotte Williams
Banner Roby
Max Young
Richardson High School
Ellie Schneider
Daijah Smith
Lana Wong
Festivalgoers are encouraged to stop by the Emerging Artist booths to support the students’ work. The Cottonwood Art Festival will take place May 2-3 at Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Rd.
Website: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com
