Frisco is often hailed as Sports City USA, but its emerging art scene is equally captivating. With a plethora of talented artists and remarkable public works, the city is making a name for itself in the art world. On October 4, 2024, Kaleidoscope Park opened its grand doors, becoming a new destination for arts, entertainment, and community events. The centerpiece of the park is the massive Butterfly Rest Stop installation by Janet Echelman, a true attraction that draws visitors from far and wide.

Art Events and Initiatives

Just a few weeks after the park's opening, it became the start and finish line for the 7th Annual Frisco Arts Walk and Run organized by the Frisco Arts Foundation. The foundation, which advocates for local arts organizations and manages the city's arts tourism grant program, had its best race ever this year. With 800 participants, a 200-participant increase from last year, the event was a huge success. The annual event features artistic exhibitions along its 5K route, adding to the cultural vibrancy of the city.

Growing Art Organizations

The Visual Arts Guild of Frisco (VAGF) is also seeing significant growth. Founded in 2001, the nonprofit guild promotes nearly 400 artists through various programs and exhibitions. President Suad Bejtovic explains that the guild is diverse, with artists from different backgrounds and mediums coming together. Both new and experienced artists participate, and the guild has even started collaborating with similar groups in neighboring cities. "I think it's a market that is growing," says White of the visual arts scene in Frisco.

Upcoming monthly meetings at thegallery8680 on 8680 Main St. are a regular event. VAGF hosts regular rotating exhibitions across different venues in Frisco, including three annual juried art exhibitions at the Frisco Discovery Center. Select pieces from the Crème de la Crème exhibition are now on display at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. VAGF is also hosting an exhibition and sale at Venture X Fairview – Allen titled "Go BIIIG!" with artworks 36 inches and up. A Meet the Artists reception is scheduled for December 11.

Founded by Robyn Parker Feehan in 2009, thegallery8680 hosts regular exhibitions highlighting local artists. The gallery is preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its "RED" exhibition, which challenges artists to create unique interpretations of the color. An opening reception is planned for February 7. Additionally, the gallery serves as a meeting place for VAGF and hosts single-artist exhibitions and art workshops.

Art Support and Distribution

The Frisco Arts Foundation has been supporting a wide range of artistic endeavors since 1996. Chair Karen White says the nonprofit distributed over $302,000 in grant money in recent years to support local arts organizations and cultural celebrations. This is a significant increase compared to 2018 when the foundation distributed about $175,000. In addition to grant distribution, the foundation hosts the annual Frisco Arts Walk and Run and offers different artistic educational opportunities within the city. The goal is to empower and elevate the artist community while raising awareness about the arts.

Public Art in Frisco

HALL Park is home to more than 200 pieces of art, including the Butterfly Rest Stop installation at Kaleidoscope Park. Inspired by the annual migration of monarch butterflies, the installation resembles a milkweed flower, the food source for monarch caterpillars. The park also includes the Texas Sculpture Garden, a private collection of Texan artists' works available for public viewing. With 20 outdoor and indoor pieces, it adds to the artistic charm of the park.

The city of Frisco maintains more than 60 commissioned public art works through its public art program established in 2002. It partners with VAGF on En Plein Air Frisco, an event in its third year where artists create works outdoors in city parks. The upcoming event will take place on April 25-27. There are also frequent art exhibitions inside the Frisco Discovery Center's two public art galleries, currently hosting the Art in the Atrium exhibition selected by the Arts & Culture Advisory Board. Throughout the year, the center hosts other events like VAGF juried exhibitions and the Frisco ISD Faculty Art Showcase.

This guide is just the beginning of exploring the beautiful art spread across Frisco. Stay tuned for more insights into the Plano art scene and the McKinney art world in Local Profile's guides. Don't miss anything local. Sign up for our free newsletter.