For local artist Kristina Kuhn, residing downtown is probably the best living situation she has ever had.
“It’s really exciting living downtown,” she says. “There is always a lot to do in a very small area. But I especially like the visuals. I can see the skyline from the back of my building.”
Kuhn lives and works on her art at the old Tower Press Building at 1900 Superior Ave. in the heart of the growing Superior Arts District. She loves the building because it has a lot of character. The historic building was renovated by the GBX Group and turned into apartments, as well as lofts and workspaces for local artists.
“I feel real lucky getting a place in here,” says Kuhn, who studied sculpture and expanded media at the Cleveland Institute of Art, but now focuses more on painting. “They had an open unit, but were very selective. They wanted a viable artist that was actually working. I saw the space and wanted it right away. So I immediately signed a lease, and I was approved!”
Kuhn, who has had pieces in art galleries throughout downtown, likes being close to the action. She will be displaying and selling her artwork during the upcoming SPARX City Hop on Aug. 17.
“The arts scene in Cleveland is incredibly diverse,” says Kuhn, who grew up in Parma and lived near University Circle while in college. “There are just so many different places where shows are going on. You can show your work at a high-end gallery or you can show at a little coffee shop. There is always something happening.”
Kuhn also works at A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts, a store which recently opened at the Shoppes at Parma. So she does the reverse commute from downtown on days she works there.
“Getting out there only takes about 15 or 20 minutes,” Kuhn says. “I also like working in Parma, because it gives me a chance to visit my parents after work.”
Her parents also like visiting her when she’s downtown.
“My dad loves baseball and we listen a lot on the radio,” she says. “Every time he comes down, it seems like a game is just starting or letting out.”
Kuhn also enjoys the vibrant daytime lifestyle of downtown living.
“My sister works downtown at a food place, so we sometimes during the day hang out in the Euclid area and go to the park by Public Square,” says Kuhn. “During the day, you are never bored, if you just want to get out and get some fresh air. In Parma, it seemed like there was never all that much to do except go to shopping centers.
“I don’t go out to bars much, but when I do there are always a lot of options. There’s not a lot to do in Parma after 10 p.m.”
A vibrant arts scene, a home with a lot of character and exciting visuals have created the ideal home for this budding artist.