CLEVELAND, Ohio— The last Saturday of May will be remembered for what began as a peaceful demonstration in downtown Cleveland in reaction to the death of George Floyd. When it turned violent, many businesses here were vandalized, including GV Art + Design.
What You Need To Know
- GV Art + Design was one of the downtown businesses effected by vandalism after the protest for George Floyd
- The business stunned supporters when they choose to react with messages of love and support
- Recently, the company launched their newest t-shirt, which represents love, unity and inclusion
The owner says this business was built on love and unity. And despite what they’re calling a minor setback, that is the message they’re choosing to share.
“We got the notification Saturday night that you know, our store was broken into and there was a lot going on. We were getting people sending us videos, you know, from across the way in the different apartments kind of saying, hey you know just a heads up, your store is being broken into, so we kind of knew a little bit what to expect and just went down there Sunday,” said Greg Vlosich, owner GV Art + Design.
GV Art + Design’s artwork is known and recognized worldwide, but almost all of the company’s apparel and merchandise is dedicated to Cleveland sports teams, its landmarks and its love of the city.
“People kind of look to us now for any big event, you know, what’s going on, what’s GV Art saying, what’s the new shirt or what’s our take on it,” said Vlosich.
When fans and loyal customers heard GV Art + Design was one of the businesses affected by Saturday’s events, they were understandably upset, but also surprised that the owners were spreading messages of positivity and support for those who took part in peaceful protest.
“We were getting a lot of people that were, you know, frustrated for us and kind of looking, I think, for us to also be frustrated and we wanted to kind of send that message of, you know, you don’t know the reasoning behind why it happened and kind of who was the cause and, you know, it’s unfortunate that the message is getting swayed away from why they’re protesting,” he said.
Vlosich says it’s been a challenging few months for downtown business owners who were already closed due to COVID-19 and then forced to remain closed to clean up and rebuild after last week’s protest. He says the businesses, including GV Art + Design, are encouraged to see many community members come together to help them bounce back.
“Seeing the whole city and a lot of volunteers coming in, you know, to help clean up. And so it was, you know, sad to see the city really smashed up like that, but at the same time it was neat to see the true Clevelanders really coming together and, you know, helping clean up,” he said.
Recently, the company launched their newest t-shirt, which represents love, unity and inclusion.
