Who is Levi Johnson?
In the summer of 2019, Art x Love created the "Who is Levi Johnson?" chalk mural for the Historic Warehouse District’s Take a Hike program in Cleveland’s Flats East Bank. 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.
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.
The chalk mural was embraced by the community and remained intact for 2 years. Following the success of the “Who is Levi Johnson?” chalk mural, Art x Love was engaged again to create a "Rockefeller Snow Scene" chalk mural for the Historic Warehouse District’s winter programs.
“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
Read more:
”Cleveland chalk mural still here, brightening the space under the Main Avenue Bridge”
– Channel 19 News, Cleveland
