Dance, drama, painting and more in store for Children’s Art Festival

Families will have an opportunity to explore cultural performances and artistic activities just in time for summer break.

The second annual Children’s Art Festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 31 at Centennial Hills Park, 7101 N. Buffalo Drive.

“The purpose of this festival is not only to celebrate the arts and entertainment but to showcase our diverse community,” said Brian Kendall, cultural supervisor at the Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs. “We want to provide a marketplace of different family agencies and programs that children can get involved in — whether they be through performance or hands-on activities.”

Festivalgoers will have a chance to talk to different representatives from various children’s programs and introduce their children to new activities.

Organizations such as the Girl Scouts of America, Clark County Children’s Choir, Friends of Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, Clay Arts Las Vegas and Sign Design Theatre are set to be at the event.

The festival plans to include ethnic and educational experiences, activities, exercises and programs, according to Kendall, including performances by Ballet Folklorico dance groups, Japanese Kaminari Taiko Drummers and Lohan School of Shaolin.

“This year, we will focus on local performing groups, dance, theater class demonstration and choirs,” Kendall said. “We won’t have any bands performing. We thought it would be best to have our own community perform.”

In addition, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary and the Discovery Children’s Museum will be present.

JDRF will be at the event educating families about Type 1 diabetes research, which can affect children or adults at any age.

Children will also have a chance to participate in make-and-take art activities using recyclable items, science projects and enjoy face painting, balloon artists and bounce houses.

“We’ve always worked hard to promote the arts and culture here in Las Vegas,” said Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross. “There are a lot of beautiful museums here that children can engage in. We hope they carry their love of the arts and culture throughout their lifetime.”

Kendall estimates 2,000 people will attend the festival.

Pumping up the crowd will be Clark County firefighter Anthony Johns, also known as DJ Tony.

“I get the biggest kick out of seeing families coming out,” Johns said. “I’m a big kid myself. I try to get the kids moving because once parents see their kids having fun, then they start to have fun. It’s contagious.”

The festival also will include a marketplace with an eclectic mix of local, family-oriented businesses, organizations and food vendors.

Admission is free.

For more information on the festival, call the Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs at 702-229-6383 or visit artslasvegas.org.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.