Mary Kay Thomas—U and I of Euclid Ave: A Gateway to East Cleveland
From the artist: The U and I of Euclid Avenue is a gateway project to brighten and empower East Clevelanders who live, work and play in this community. Covid-19 has forced many in the community into their homes but we are determined to find ways to safely get folks out and create beauty in our community. East Cleveland deserves a beacon of beauty, energy and a celebration of reframing- a new vision of civic pride. We envision fifteen moveable mural pieces done by professional artists, East Cleveland residents and students, installed at businesses along the main corridor of Euclid Ave. in East Cleveland. The project will be a gift for the next generation, through murals that celebrate the history and storytelling of the past. By seeking out images of pride from the city’s newspapers and historical archives a new sense of energy will be inspired by over 100 artists and city residents. The majority of vacant buildings in disrepair directly impact viable business and will greatly benefit from this community project. An extravagant welcome will capture the ethos and energy for what was once called The Grand Promenade of Cleveland. Live music and painting at the weekly Summer Market is the needed consistency to add to the other events. Strengthening the community with more city-supported visual art will be an optic change for the city.
