Outdoor Summerlin Art Festival set for Oct. 13, 14 in Centre Community Park

Valley residents of all ages are invited to participate in the 18th Summerlin Art Festival, which will be held Oct. 13 and 14 at Summerlin Centre Community Park, 1800 S. Town Center Drive.

The popular outdoor event features the works of nearly 100 artists and craftsman as well as sidewalk chalk art masterpieces. The event is free and open to the public.

Professional or aspiring artists are encouraged to register for the annual chalk art competition. Winners will be awarded in a variety of categories, including best reproduction and most original. Individuals interested in participating in the competition must register online by completing the form on the "chalk art registration" tab on www.summerlinartfestival.com. The deadline for registration is Oct. 1.

Chalk art squares also will be available at the event for artists who want to participate in the fun without competing. The $5 cost includes sidewalk space, chalk and a knee pad.

"The chalk art component of this festival is one of the event's most popular draws," said Kevin Orrock, executive vice president of master-planned communities for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin. "It's impressive to see the creativity and skill level of several aspiring artists of all ages that live right here in our valley. We're so grateful they continue to share their talents with us year after year as it contributes so much to the overall charm of this event."

Returning again this year as the local featured chalk artist is Donovan Fitzgerald, owner of Fitzgerald Artworks. Fitzgerald has participated in the Summerlin Art Festival since 2007 and is well-known for his classical reproductions.

In addition to the chalk art, Summerlin Art Festival will feature music and dance performances, food and ice carving demonstrations and roving entertainers. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

The master-planned community of Summerlin, in partnership with CBS Radio, is sponsoring this event.

Summerlin began to take shape in 1990. For nearly two decades, national and regional studies have ranked it in the country's top 10 best-selling master-planned communities.

Located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin encompasses 22,500 acres with about 7,500 acres still remaining to accommodate future growth within the master plan.

The community is currently home to nearly 100,000 residents.

Amenities include more than 150 neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 miles of the Summerlin Trail System, 26 public and private schools, 14 houses of worship, nine golf courses, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks.

Homes are available in a variety of styles - from single-family homes to townhomes, condominiums and lofts - priced from the high $100,000s to more than $1 million.

For more information on Summerlin, visit www.summerlin.com or www.facebook.com/summerlinlv.