ABOVE Renowned chalk artist Lorelle Miller will be one of the featured artisans at this year's Chalk Festival. INSET Lori Antoinette will join other pros, students, experts and amateur artists at the Chalk Festival on Main Street in Old Town Newhal

Sometimes, simple tools can create the most complex masterpieces. That's the concept behind the Santa Clarita Chalk Festival, presented by the Old Town Newhall Association in conjunction with the City of Santa Clarita.

Held Friday, September 21 through Sunday, September 23, and starting at 10am each day, the excitement will transform a block of Main Street from 6th Street, to the roundabout in Newhall.

Joel Yau will be creating a chalk masterpiece at the Festival, running September 21 to September 23.

Watch artists, students, experts and amateurs as they progress through their pieces, pastel chalks in hand - or make your own chalk art. Whatever your fancy, be sure not to miss the presentations on Sunday for photo opportunities of the final works of art. Nationally-recognized featured artists will be creating 10-by-10 foot masterpieces, but you and the kids can try your hand with the medium on portable chalk art boards and chalk paper.

"Our purpose is to cultivate community appreciation and promote inclusion through art making, learning and exposure," says Old Town Newhall Association Chairman Sue Bird. "The theme of the festival, 'Wonder, Wit and Whimsy,' allows for myriad interpretations like fantasy, history, humor, experience and identity. We can't wait to see what develops!"
otna.org

Work from Santa Clarita Artists Association Artists to be Featured at Chalk Festival: Jennifer Sher & Naomi Young

Santa Clarita Artists Association Artists to be Featured at Chalk Festival
Four members of the Santa Clarita Artists Association will collaborate together to recreate a 10-foot by 10-foot masterpiece, as well as provide art activities for children in front of the SCAA gallery in Old Town Newhall, two of these artists are featured here.

Jennifer Sher's art is about authenticity. A mixed-media artist, she wants to give hope to other aspiring artists, saying, "Anybody can do this - it's never too late to start!" jennifersherart.weebly.com

Israeli-born artist Naomi Young's preferred mediums include oil, acrylics, water colors and chalks - but she is also an award-winning sculptor and mosaic artist. naomiyoung.com

Coming Soon to Old Town Newhall The Old Town Junction Restaurant
Opening in late September on Main Street, The Old Town Junction is the culinary brainchild of celebrated SCV Chef Daniel Otto. The Santa Clarita local, who is also an associate professor in the department of culinary arts at College of the Canyons, has helmed some of the most innovative dining establishments in the region, but The Old Town Junction is different. "We're going to have the most ambitious, revolutionary menu Santa Clarita has seen yet," says Otto. "It will be entirely driven by the finest seasonal ingredients and everything, right down to the ketchup, will be made onsite from scratch. This is comfort food the way it was meant to be experienced, in an ambience that's real, tactile and evocative. Marble, brass, walnut wood, brick, leather, deep-seated booths and a classic bar... Everything comes together to give diners the authenticity they crave."

The Old Town Junction is also highly anticipated because of the distinct cocktail menu. "It's all culinary driven. If a drink features a piece of smoked jerky, or a gummy bear, those elements are made to our high-end specifications in-house," explains Otto. "Every minute detail has been considered in order to provide every guest with the ultimate experience, from our service to our food."
theoldtownjunction.com



MIX by RJI
24263 Main Street 678-0034
MIX by RJohnson Interiors is a curated selection of home furnishings and decor hand chosen by interior designer Rebecca Johnston. Score statement lighting, hard-to-find designer fabrics, accent pieces, custom window coverings and more for a home that makes a lasting impression.

CASI Ceramic Artist Studio, Inc.
22504 6th Street 260-2274
CASI is where novice-to-professional clay artisans go to grow their craft - and you should visit during the Chalk Festival, because you'll be able to take a peek into the studio while artists are creating, as well as tour the facility to check out the kilns and works in progress. Like what you see? Sign up during the concurrent Open Enrollment and receive 50 percent off your clay, too.

Green Thumb
23734 Newhall Avenue 259-1071
Green Thumb's massive selection of plants, outdoor decor and more is impressive - but it's the staff, many of them with professional gardening certifications, that make Green Thumb such a special place to be. If you're ready to spend more quality time outside, head over during the Festival - or before. Their Patio Clearance Sale starts on August 31; take up to 50 percent off selected accessories and gift items and 40 percent off the regular price of quality outdoor furniture.

Douglas Furniture
23661 Newhall Avenue 255-8366
Celebrating 43 years in Old Town, one of Santa Clarita's oldest retail establishments has some of the newest styles of high-end furniture and home decor you'll find anywhere. Not sure what will work best in your home? Douglas offers free interior design services. Visit during the Chalk Festival to take advantage of their end-of-summer sale pricing - and check out the "made in" on your favorite pieces, too. Douglas is known for supporting and promoting American craftsmanship.

Barn & Charm
22700 #A, Lyons Avenue 255-5466
Barn & Charm offers truly-unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that are custom made or handpicked by one of their 15 specialty dealers. Offering workshops year-round, swing by during the Chalk Festival for a demo with their DIY clay-based paints and Iron Orchid Design products. While you're there, explore the collection of custom furniture, natural beauty care and more; shoppers take 10 to 25 percent off marked items during the Festival.

Organic Sweat Shack
24363 Main Street 678-0880
Far-infrared sauna sessions aren't the only things worth checking out at Organic Sweat Shack while you meander through Main Street's big Chalk event. The sweat boutique also boasts a sweet collection of faith-themed clothing, natural-health supplements, an expansive holistic beverage bar and self-care treats like organic lotions and candles. Struggling with a health concern? Ask to make an appointment for a private wellness session with Owner Jenifer Felan, a certified organic health practitioner.

Results Fitness
24420 Walnut Street 799-7900
One of the Top 10 gyms in America, Results Fitness is regularly featured in both Men's and Women's Fitness magazines and boasts highly-sought trainers who travel the country training other fitness pros. Drop in to grab an all-natural shake at the cafe and, while you're there, ask about their Metabolism Makeover beginning September 1.

Mac's Pool & Spa Supply
24316 Main Street 255-5468
Celebrating 26 years in Santa Clarita, Mac's is where to go when you need the perfect pool float, cleaner, equipment - or perfectly-balanced pool. (They offer free water testing!). Take $15 off your purchase of $100 or more when you mention "Inside SCV" during the Chalk Festival - and through September.