History in Chalk

Art

Feb 3

In the summer of 2019, Art x Love created the "Who is Levi Johnson?" chalk mural for Cleveland’s Take a Hike program in the Historic Warehouse District. Our work included cleaning and repainting the vandalized walls, and working with the Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation to create an iconic mural to support tourism and local events. The mural was designed to last for several weeks, was embraced by the community, and remained unspoiled for 2 years.

Levi Johnson came to Cleveland in 1809 and was famous for building ships and homes for early settlers. In 1812, he built the first courthouse and jailhouse in Cuyahoga County, on the northwest corner of Public Square. In 1830 he built Cleveland's first lighthouse, and is remembered as an outstanding ship builder who contributed to the growing trade business throughout the Great Lakes. By the time of his death in 1871, he had continuously lived in Cleveland longer than any other person. He is buried in Woodland Cemetery.

“We’ve got such a positive response. It draws awareness and pride to historic aspects of the neighborhood”
– Eileen Cassidy, Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation

Following the success of the “Who is Levi Johnson?” chalk mural, Art x Love was engaged again to create a "Rockefeller Snow Scene" mural for the Historic Warehouse District’s winter programs.

John D. Rockefeller, the famous industrialist and philanthropist, came in Cleveland in 1853 and was an assistant bookkeeper who rose to become one the wealthiest men in the history of the United States. Rockefeller organized and directed Standard Oil Co., and was involved in numerous local business ventures including the Cleveland Arcade Co. and the construction of the Rockefeller Building in 1905 (pictured in the mural). His charitable donations were extensive and include more than $865,000 worth of land donated to the City of Cleveland for use as parks. The mural depicts Rockefeller with his grandson, Fowler McCormick, walking through the streets on a snowy night.