Our Latest Community Muralist: Rafael Valdivieso

Rafael Valdivieso is an Ecuadorian-born artist who has made Cleveland his creative home. Born in Quito, he studied painting, printmaking and graphic design in his homeland and later moved to the U.S. via Israel in 2000. His early training deeply influences his art today.

Rafael is prolific in public art and community-based projects: his work colors benches and tables in Coventry Village, adorns the Pivot Center in Ohio City, and is featured in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Community Arts Center, among others. He also crafts papier-mâché sculptures for Parade the Circle and participates annually in Day of the Dead festivals.

His art is dense and richly detailed: large murals and smaller works alike are filled with figures, faces, flora, fauna and symbols interwoven in vibrant color. These compositions explore themes of human joy and struggle, migration, identity and the liminal spaces between his Ecuadorian roots and his life in America.

Take a stroll down to St. Clair Ave. & East 75th St. to catch Rafael's mural in progress!

Restaurant of the Month: Apple Cart

Apple Cart offers a uniquely nostalgic experience through soft serve ice cream. A notably cash-only spot, Apple Cart is known in Cleveland and beyond as one of the best spots for soft serve ice cream… and it’s in our neighborhood!

Visit Apple Cart at 4313 Superior Ave.

*Open Mon-Sat, 12-7pm

In Our Neighborhood... Maple Lanes

Tucked in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood since 1940, Maple Lanes is more than just a bowling alley—it’s a living time-capsule.

Its lanes are built of 76-year-old maple wood, riddled with cracks and ridges, each imperfection adding character and lending the alley a challenging, one-of-a-kind feel. Unlike modern bowling centers, Maple Lanes still uses manual pinsetters, one of fewer than a dozen in the U.S. recognized by the Bowling Proprietors Association for this practice. Even scoring is analog—pencil and paper, no digital boards. It’s a place where history clinks against pint glasses, wood slats whisper, and bowling becomes more ritual than sport.

Barb Rodgers, the current owner of Maple Lanes, is doing some things differently than those who have run Maple Lanes in the past. Barb doesn’t view, or operate, Maple Lanes as a simple business; Barb operates Maple Lanes as a way to reach her community in St. Clair Superior. Barb is currently growing produce in a garden across the street from Maple Lanes that she then provides to her community for free through the OSU Extension Program.

Thank you, Barb, for all you do in and for St. Clair Superior!

What's Been Going On in St. Clair Superior?

SCSDC Back to School Event

Our Celebrating Students on St. Clair Plaza back-to-school event was a vibrant success! Families from across the neighborhood gathered for an afternoon of music, games, and community connection.

Highlights included:

• Free school supplies that helped hundreds of students start the year prepared.
• Splash water play, snacks, and music that kept the plaza lively and fun.
• Local partners (The Foundry, Board of Elections, Chess with Trey, 1000 Ties, Step Forward, Cleveland Public Library, Ingenuity) and volunteers who shared resources and encouragement for students and parents.

Thank you to everyone who came out, Together, we showed our young people that St. Clair Superior is united in supporting their education and bright futures.

St. Clair Superior Silent Disco

What a night to remember! The inaugural St. Clair Superior Silent Disco brought neighbors and friends together for an evening of music, movement, and community spirit all while supporting local programming.

Highlights included:

• Guests danced with wireless headphones, choosing their favorite channel from multiple DJs.
• Proceeds from the event went directly toward St. Clair Superior Development Corporation’s community engagement programs, helping us keep neighborhood events free and accessible.
• A lively mix of residents, families, and visitors made the plaza glow with energy and connection.

Thank you to everyone who danced, donated, and celebrated with us! You helped make this fundraiser a true success for our community!

And, a special thank you to Hardold Stallworth of 4030 Studios and Robert Johnson who were our DJs at this event!

One World Day 2025

This year’s One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens was a vibrant celebration of global cultures and neighborhood unity. Thousands of visitors filled the gardens to enjoy music, dance, and traditions from more than 30 nationalities.

Highlights included:

• Parade of Flags showcasing the rich diversity of Cleveland’s communities.
• Authentic food, art, and live performances representing countries across the globe.
• Interactive cultural booths where families could learn, taste, and create together.

Thank you to the performers, volunteers, and guests who made One World Day 2025 unforgettable. Your energy and enthusiasm continue to show that Cleveland’s strength is its diversity!

The Sun's Still Shining... Get Fishing!

St. Clair Superior resident Charles Williams was awarded a NeighborUp! Neighborhood Action Grant for his St. Clair Superior Fishing Club.

Join neighbors young and old for a new fishing club designed to bring generations together through fun, learning, and community connection. Whether you're a seasoned fisher or just getting started, all are welcome to cast a line and enjoy the great outdoors.

For more information: Contact Charles Williams at 216-408-5834 or Britiny Hubbard at 216-777-3185 / bhubbard@stclairsuperior.org.

The Power in Our Community

Shout-out to the fathers and father-figures in our community who showed up and showed out for their kids at Cuyahoga County's Annual Fathers Walk!

St. Thomas Aquinas (pictured here) and St. Francis (video here) in particular had great turnouts, showing the power of our fathers and father-figures joining together to support their children's education.