CLEVELAND — It's been a long time coming for Cleveland muralist Garrett Weider to find the right space for an art studio, but he's finally done it.
On Friday, Garrett will welcome art lovers in to his brand new spot inside of 78th Street Studios on the lower level, coinciding with the space's monthly Third Fridays party.
"It’s the most vibrant place for artists in the city," Garrett told me. "This really nice space opened up so I had to snag it! Getting a studio there had been on my mind for a long time."
The timing couldn't be better for Garrett, who is excited to launch his studio during such a popular event. "Third Fridays is always bumpin'," he said. "Plus they’re always having events, weddings, fundraisers. And that means eyeballs on my work! People can see right in my window, even when I’m not here."
There are lots of places all over Cleveland to see Garrett's work when he's not in his studio space. Odds are you've already seen it while driving around town, perhaps on the old gas station at Bridge Avenue and West 48th Street that's now covered in a colorful, floral display. Or a similar design for the nonprofit North Coast Community Homes, at 14221 Broadway Avenue in Garfield Heights. In South Euclid, Garrett just put the finishing touches on a mural for the 100 year anniversary of the fire department. That piece includes an illustrated history of fire engines over the years.
Most recently, Garrett has been beautifying the waterfront. "I just finished painting three bike boxes in the Flats," he said. "They are shipping containers converted into bike racks."
When asked how long he's been working as an artist in Cleveland, Garrett explained that it's more than a job, and it's always been a part of this life.
"Some of my earliest memories are drawing and making things," he said. "Sometimes it’s in you from the beginning and not a career choice."
Up next, he's heading west. "I’m about to start a big wall for Hyland Software out in Westlake," he said. "Plus there are a bunch of other things percolating that aren’t set in stone yet."
With such an illustrious body of work, it must be nearly impossible to choose a favorite piece. But there is one project that stands out to him as one of his most meaningful works of art.
"Last year I painted a huge wall dedicated to people with disabilities," he said. "It’s the 'More Alike Than Different' mural at West 161st and Puritas. Many people with disabilities helped paint it up. Then I painted flowers all over it. It was super fun and meant a lot to so many people."
In addition to his solo work, Garrett also partners on projects with his girlfriend, Eileen Dorsey (who has her own studio space on the main level at 78th Street Studios), like the three floral foliage murals they created near their home in Old Brooklyn.
"We have a collaborative show up at The Metropolitan at the 9 right now!" he said, while sharing how much he enjoys working with Eileen. "A lot of people say, 'I could never do that. I could never collaborate painting with my partner or whoever!' But before we painted anything together, we said, No ego. Don’t care what the other person does. Don’t care if something changes or gets covered up. Don’t be precious. Just go with it.' We are both confident in our abilities and trust each other. Plus, it helps that we are both established artists doing our own things."
This dynamic duo are both certainly doing lots of things! With everything that Garrett has going on, there's one day each month when you'll be guaranteed to get some face time with Garrett and his work at 78th Street Studios. "I'll be there every Third Friday for sure," he said. "Mostly by appointment other times. I have a crazy schedule working murals on locations all over the place. So my schedule at the studio will always be different."
When you swing by, he says you'll find yourself in a "fun and inviting art space." He added: "I love bringing color and positivity to all the art I do so I hope my space reflects that. Plus it’ll be an ever evolving space. I’ll be adding murals to the outer hallways. I’m always creating new work, too!"
Third Fridays take place at 78th Street Studios on the third Friday of every month, from 5 to 9 pm.
"It’s a lot of fun," Garrett said. "All the galleries open up plus there’s a ton of vendors in the common spaces. There’s usually food and music, too. It’s a really neat, old building to explore."