Officials with the 55th Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson announced Gregory Story, a ceramicist, as the festival's featured artist.

Story operates a studio called Modern Clay in Chicago, according to a city news release, and is known for producing work such as yellow smiley faces; a collection titled “Ridiculous,” which includes alterations on household items; and wall sculptures.

The overview

Story has more than 200 pieces commissioned by companies, per the news release. He has also been a regular at art fairs since 2007, including the Cottonwood Art Festival, according to the release.

“The audience that comes to the show are sophisticated and interested in individuality and unique perspectives,” Story said in the release. “These folks aren’t also buying art at craft stores; they’re coming to Cottonwood for the real thing.”


What else?

Story’s designs will also be included in official merchandise for the festival, which includes a poster, tank tops, T-shirts and more.

This year’s festival will be held May 4-5 at Cottonwood Park, located at 1321 W. Belt Line Road. Admission is free and there will be live entertainment, more than 190 vendor booths and a beer garden, per the news release.

For more information about the Cottonwood Art Festival, visit its website.