The 78th Street Studios, a warren of creative-minded businesses located at 1300 W. 78th Street, recently welcomed a new showroom run by environmental artist Susie Frazier.

Three years ago, Frazier designed the logo and public art elements for the $3.5 million Gordon Square Arts District streetscape, which perk up Detroit Avenue between W. 58th and W. 73rd streets. From markings she'd observed along the Lake Erie coastline, she created unique crosswalk patterns, amoeba-shaped benches and a distinctive new logo.

Now, under the brand of "earthminded art," Frazier is launching a new line of up-cycled home products and gifts, including tables and lamps made from salvaged wood, decorative pillows and note cards printed with earth images, and rings made from Lake Erie driftwood.

"Today, architects and homeowners are selecting art that's modern and simple, but reinforces their love of nature," Frazier explained in a press release announcing the new showroom.

Frazier also creates original fine art that she sells to collectors. By using natural fragments from different habitats, she creates textural art that highlights the repetitive patterns that she identifies in nature.

The 78th Street Studios, located in a renovated loft-style warehouse that once housed American Greetings' creative studios, contains an eclectic mix of arts-related businesses. The studios are located at the western edge of Gordon Square, a lively district with restaurants, galleries and shops anchored by Cleveland Public Theatre and the Capitol Theatre, a three-screen independent movie house

Frazier's new studio highlights the continued growth of the 78th Street Studios, which developer Dan Bush has renovated to feature exposed brickwork, vibrant colors and a contemporary industrial aesthetic. Bush also recently opened the smART space at 78th, a 6,000-square-foot venue available for short-term rentals such as private parties and benefits.

In addition to their regular business hours, the businesses in the 78th Street Studios host festive open houses with wine and snacks every third Friday of the month from 5-9 p.m.

Source: Susie Frazier
Writer: Lee Chilcote