Downtown Summerlin Unveils Public Mural by Local Artist Bonnie Kelso

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The Howard Hughes Corporation, developer of the Summerlin master planned community, announced the selection of artist Bonnie Kelso to create the largest public mural in Downtown Summerlin. The mural will be on the north- and west-facing exterior walls of the parking garage of 1700 Pavilion. The design measures more than 120 feet long and more than 54 feet wide on both sides.

Kelso, a Summerlin resident since 2013, was chosen from the more than 20 artists who submitted a proposal. Her design’s clean simplicity and use of color reflects the nearby Red Rock Canyon and Summerlin’s active, outdoor lifestyle.

“My design was inspired by what I love most about living in Summerlin—from listening to music in the park and dining outdoors, to exercising along the many trails and playing with my children in parks filled with beautiful native plants and wildlife,” said Kelso. “My design also includes a nod to our local Air Force and Howard Hughes Jr.’s passion for aviation. I hope these elements combined with the majestic ridgelines of nearby Red Rock Canyon convey Summerlin’s strong sense of community and appreciation for nature.”

Kelso attended the Rhode Island School of Design and worked for many years as an exhibit designer, contributing to projects for NASA, National Geographic, the Newseum, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. After backpacking throughout the world for a few years, she moved to Las Vegas in 2004 and started painting full time. Today, she is a teaching artist with the Nevada Arts Council and conducts workshops in the Las Vegas area for students of all ages, including teens and adults in addiction recovery. She is also an author and illustrator of books for children.

Kelso’s design will be installed by Wall Print Las Vegas the first week of August.

“We are committed to the power of public art to help define a sense of place and identity, and this mural has provided an ideal opportunity to highlight our Southern Nevada talent and select an artist whose design reflects her strong passion for our community,” said Danielle Bisterfeldt, SVP, Marketing & Consumer Experience, Summerlin.

The 1700 Pavilion office building was designed by Hart Howerton. The project is being built to target LEED Silver standards. KGA Architects completed the production documentation for the parking garage. Whiting Turner is providing construction management services. The building is estimated to complete construction in fall 2022.

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