John Rivera-Resto, Neighbor
- Lakewood, OH
- Website
John Rivera-Resto is a prolific, self-taught Puerto Rican-American internationally known artist for large-scale murals, paintings, theater work (acting, directing, design), writing, and design in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Often called the "Muralmaster" for his vibrant, detailed works capturing diverse themes, from history to culture, engaging directly with communities through public art and lectures. He's recognized for iconic local pieces, including large public murals and interior designs for businesses, and balances his visual art with performing arts, film, and design projects. Scene Magazine named him “One of Cleveland’s most interesting people” and his award-winning landmark mural “It’s up to us -the people” was voted public art of 2015.
Key Aspects of His Work & Career:
• Murals: Famous for massive, detailed murals, like the early "El jardín del Eden" in Puerto Rico and later Cleveland works such as "It's Up To Us".
• Versatility: Works across many mediums, including painting (traditional & digital), design (architectural, interior, theater), writing, and film.
• Community Focus: Known as the "People's Artist," he aims for community impact, often teaching and lecturing in English or Spanish.
• Theater & Performing Arts: A collaborator with Babel Box Theater, with past involvements with the LatinUs Theater Company and The Cleveland Public Theater, writing, producing, acting, directing, or designing for productions.
His first English-language play, Death of a Mercenary, was the 8th place finalist in the International Play Script Competition in London, UK (1993), and his most recent cinematic live-performance production of his own work, Trópico Macbeth (2024), has already been added as a study course at several colleges.
• Background: Born in Cleveland, raised in Puerto Rico, he returned to Cleveland, becoming a significant cultural figure.
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In essence, John Rivera-Resto is a multifaceted artist whose career spans decades and mediums, leaving a significant visual and cultural mark on Northeast Ohio.