Fri 6/5 @ 5-9PM
Sat 6/6 @ noon-9PM
Sun 6/7 @ noon-5PM
Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood was its first artist neighborhood, way back in the last century, before the block upscale apartment buildings and Lego row homes started to pop up and crowd out some of the historic family homes once occupied by generations of Italian immigrants, many of whom came here to work as stonemasons and bricklayers and help build Lake View Cemetery.
Still, it’s proven impossible to squelch the charm of this historic neighborhood, anchored by Holy Rosary Church (which hosts the annual Feast every August — this year will be its 127th) and featuring such beloved institutions Guarino’s Restaurant, more than 100 years old, and the nearby eatery Mama Santa’s opened in 1961, and the traditional bakeries Corbo’s and Presti’s. They’ve been joined by new restaurants, wine bar and shops. And even if galleries and artist studios no longer dominate, you’ll still find creative businesses tucked away on Mayfield and Murray Hill roads.
The neighborhood comes alive not only during the jam-packed feast, but in a more manageable fashion during its three-day Art Walks, such as the spring art walk this weekend. You’ll find galleries and shops open longer hours, and street artists and musicians in nooks and crannies. Be sure to stop in the Murray Hill School which houses studios of artists such as veteran portraitist Tricia Kaman, who diligently promoted the art walks during the years when they were mostly overlooked. (She’ll be in her studio from 5-9pm Friday and 1-5pm Sunday if you’d like to meet her; her studio will be open all weekend). Be sure to leave time to enjoy some of the multiple varieties of Italian food available.
Yes, we know parking can be challenging there, but the neighborhood has provided a map of where to park.