Art in the Heart of Cleveland: Three Artists Making an Impact

Cleveland has a thriving art scene that deserves to be explored and appreciated. At the forefront of this creative movement are three standout artists: Mike Miller, Stuart Goldlust, and Garrett Weider. While some may underestimate the impact of art, it plays a significant role in shaping lives, offering inspiration, and fostering creativity for both the creators and the audiences who experience it.

Mike Miller – Visionary Tattoo Artist and Painter

Mike Miller has been drawing for as long as he can remember. His artistic career began in the tattoo industry, where he has been working since 2009 after starting his apprenticeship. Today, Miller co-owns Green Light Tattoos and Arts Gallery with Derrick Black and his brother, Marcus Miller.

Miller is known for his thought-provoking paintings, and he considers his Einstein mural on West 10th Street his proudest accomplishment due to the many challenges it presented. His mission is to create art that makes the world a better place. He sees his work as a way to "leave his mark," much like his inspiration, Leonardo da Vinci. Miller recalls being awestruck by the crowds admiring the Mona Lisa, hoping to one day create pieces that captivate audiences for centuries.

Reflecting on his impact, Miller shared, “It’s beautiful—it’s more than I expected…I’m just grateful…it gives me an extra boost for sure knowing that it helps people, it inspires people just the appreciation that people have for it, it makes me wanna go even harder for sure.”

Ultimately, Miller aspires to leave the world a better and more beautiful place through

his art and actions. He believes painting has enhanced his skills as a tattoo artist, saying, “Painting has helped me with my tattooing more than tattooing with painting, but tattooing did lead me to painting for sure.”

For Miller, art is a powerful force. He believes everyone is capable of creation, explaining, “...I think everybody’s here to create…I derive my power from knowing that without me, whatever I’m about to create would not exist.” Looking ahead, Miller hopes his paintings will endure for centuries, much like the masterpieces of the past.

Follow Miller on Instagram: @mikexart

Email: Mikemiller@mikexart.com

Visit: www.mikexart.com to buy prints or inquire about having him paint a custom piece

Stuart Goldlust – Sustainable Woodworking Innovator

Stuart Goldlust is the owner of Xanadu Design Studio, specializing in sustainable woodworking. What started as a hobby five to six years ago has grown into a thriving business.

Before becoming a woodworker, Goldlust worked as a Training and Documentation Manager at NASA's Lewis Research Center. He continues to work as an IT Consultant but turned to woodworking as a way to engage his creative side.

The name "Xanadu" comes from a poem, representing a mystical, magical place. Goldlust explained, “[Xanadu] Is sort of a mystical, magical place so I looked at that when people walk into the studio. It's a unique studio at 78th street and they kinda get lost in all the different objects… I wanted to have a place that's kinda unique and out of the ordinary.”

Creating custom pieces is a meticulous process. The wood is first sawed to the client's specifications, then sent to a lumber yard to dry in a kiln for three to four weeks. Once the moisture is removed, the client finalizes their design. Goldlust then sands and applies a polyurethane finish to complete the piece. His pricing varies widely, with smaller items costing around $20–$30 and larger projects ranging from $200 to $5,000. Timelines depend on size, with large tables taking four to six weeks and end tables requiring two to three weeks.

Sustainability is a core principle of Goldlust’s work. He sources wood exclusively from dead or damaged trees in Northern Ohio, ensuring his craft is environmentally responsible.

Goldlust’s studio is located in 78th Street Studios, a space housing over 60 galleries. It hosts free gallery walks every 3rd Friday of the month for all to enjoy.  He credits the venue, and its owner Dan Bush, with providing artists the opportunity to showcase their work. Goldlust said, “Dan Bush has been really instrumental in helping Clevelanders have this beautiful venue to display their work…”

Cleveland has an art scene that is highly underappreciated. In response to Cleveland’s art scene Goldlust observed, “...I think that if people look at the high quality of art that's being produced here and the overall vision of everybody that's doing it, it can compare with any city in the United States.”

For Goldlust, creating art is about enhancing people's lives. He hopes his work adds beauty and comfort to homes, especially in an era where many are spending more time indoors. He said, “People are spending more and more time at home…so they really wanna make a space that they feel comfortable with and I hope that I can add to that lets say comfortability… because I make something that they help design and it's really custom made for them they just don’t go to a store and pick out a lazy boy couch that ya know a million other people have.”

Follow Goldlust on Instagram: @xanadudesignstudio                                                                  Email: stuart@xanadudesignstudio.com

Visit: www.xanadudesignstudio.com to inquire about a custom piece

Garrett Weider – Urban Muralist and Street Art Visionary

Garrett Weider is a Cleveland-based muralist and graffiti artist who has been drawing for as long as he can remember. His large-scale murals typically take about two weeks to complete and bring joy to those who see them, whether commissioned by a client or stumbled upon by passersby.

Speaking on Cleveland’s art scene, Weider shared, “We have a lot of amazing art happening here. People don’t think of Cleveland as an artistic city, but we have some really nice institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and MOCA…we’re not the biggest city but we got a whole lot goin’ on and so it's really cool to see.”

Living his dream, Weider finds immense fulfillment in his craft. He said, “I really like coming up with new ideas, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Art has played a crucial role in his life, providing an outlet for expression and helping him navigate difficult times. He credits art with keeping him grounded, saying, “It keeps me sane.”

For aspiring artists, Weider emphasizes the importance of passion and persistence. He believes that if an artist creates for the love of the craft, they will push through challenging times. Weider remarked, “If you're doin it for the love then you're never gonna stop….” He advises up-and-coming artists to stay motivated and maintain a strong work ethic, even when success feels out of reach. Weider shared, “I always thought that there are people out there that do this and I was like why can’t I be one of em’…that might be like half the battle is just being motivated…and be like I’m workin on a Saturday and a Sunday…”

Weider’s work has a profound impact on the community, bringing life to the spaces he transforms. He is particularly proud of murals he created in Old Brooklyn and on Denison Avenue. He has also collaborated with his girlfriend, fellow artist Eileen Dorsey, on murals for Barrio restaurant locations outside of Cleveland.

Like Goldlust, Weider has a studio at 78th Street Studios and speaks highly of the experience. He appreciates having a dedicated space to create and connect with other artists.

Follow Weider on Instagram: @garrettweider                                                                                 Email: garrettweider@yahoo.com

Visit: www.garrettweider.com/ to inquire about murals or to check out his work

Cleveland’s art scene is vibrant and ever-growing, with artists like Mike Miller, Stuart Goldlust, and Garrett Weider leading the way. Through their unique mediums—tattoos and paintings, sustainable woodworking, and large-scale murals—these artists are leaving an indelible mark on the city, proving that Cleveland is indeed a hub for creativity and artistic expression.