SEVEN HILLS, Ohio -- Much more than art in the park.
That’s what Seven Hills Resident Artist Rachel Kuznik has been providing all around the community for the better part of a half-decade.
“I’ve created numerous pieces around the city, including murals, fun fire hydrant paintings, custom flyers and many more to come,” Seven Hills native and Parma resident Kuznik said.
“The community has been beyond supportive and engaging with each project. It’s been really cool to see the inquisitive nature and willingness to help from so many kids, and adults too.”
The artist’s latest effort is adding a permanent solar system sidewalk mural at John Glenn Park that includes stars, a spaceship and an astronaut.
The self-taught artist, who has been drawn toward innovation and creativity, started her small business, RK Customs, while still in high school.
Today, she’s thrilled to be Seven Hills’ official resident artist.
“One of my favorite aspects of working around the city is witnessing the pure excitement people express when offered to add strokes to each project,” she said.
“It’s also been an absolute joy to see people connect in various ways when visiting. That’s a large reason why I’m so passionate about art -- to connect and bring people together.”
Seven Hills Director of Recreation Jen Burger said the community arts effort came together during the early days of the pandemic as a way to spread joy.
“If you come up Civic Drive, the Dairy Queen fire hydrants are painted like ice cream cones,” she said.
“There’s another one outside the rec center that is painted like Mike Wazowski from ‘Monsters, Inc.’
“Then outside of Hillside Middle School, there’s one painted like a tiger.
“It’s just something extra that really adds to the community.”
The recreation director said Kuznik is an hourly city employee who also works at the recreation center.
However, there are plenty of projects looming that require her brush and creative imagination.
“I love what she’s doing. It just adds pops of color all over,” Burger said.
“She’ll keep going down at the splash pad concession stand next year. We’re going to call it the Snack Shack.
RECOMMENDED•cleveland.com
BrightView Health celebrates three years of compassionate care in Parma: Sun PostingsOct. 28, 2024, 6:58 a.m.
Parma City Schools creates special education series to guide parents through processOct. 30, 2024, 6:54 a.m.
“She’s going to paint some artwork on that building to make it pop out and to make sure people recognize it’s a concession stand.
“The idea is to drum up some business. We’re going to keep her busy.”
Read more news from the Parma Sun Post.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.