Strachov has created more than 3,500 works of art since 1974. His paintings of stones and landscapes are what he loves the most and a subject he returns to time and time again. His work has been praised as “among the most beautiful images that can be experienced.” His series on war, the Holocaust, human subjects and human emotions have won the respect and attention of the academic and art communities.
The artist knows the importance of the Cottonwood Art Festival. “I do only a few of the best shows in the country. [This] is one of the best shows,” he said. “A quality art event such as [this] legitimizes [artists’] efforts by offering original work of high quality and variety. I look forward to the show.” Strachov and all other Cottonwood artists will be at the art festival in person to meet art lovers and discuss their work. Meeting the artists and learning about their work is part of what makes this festival such a unique event. This year, Cottonwood jurors have selected over 240 artists from among 1,000 who submitted their museum-quality work. Artists competed in 14 categories: 2D Mixed Media, 3D Mixed Media, Ceramics, Digital, Drawings/Pastels, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metalwork, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Wood. Cottonwood’s beautiful courtyard/café area borders Cottonwood Lake, the perfect stop to enjoy food, spirits and live music. The lakeside stage will host a variety of local and regional bands. For mini Monets and pint-size Picassos, ArtStop is the festival’s hands-on interactive children's area, and will feature life-size paint brushes and activities no child could resist. Now in its 42nd year, this prestigious show is rated the fifth best art festival in the United States and is the premier fine arts event in North Texas. The festival is set for 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8, 2011, at Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Beltline Road, one block east of Coit Road in Richardson, TX. Parking and admission are free. For more information, check out Cottonwood Art Festival’s website or Facebook page. MEDIA CONTACTS Jo Trizila