Paul's Random Acts of Kindness Spiders project began in 2020 as a result of Covid isolation, representing an expansion of the creative artistry he had already established through ceramics and the unusual craft of pine needle stitchery. The story has been reported in several local publications, including Cleveland Magazine (March 2023) and on this past May 4's The Land website. You may have seen his recycled glass, stone or computer components/jewelry wire/beads critters on desks or computers throughout City Hall and places all around the area. Each represents a gift recognizing an act of kindness by others--bestowed either directly by Paul to the person he observed, or by that person to another person who has given kindness.
The kind acts do not need to be large gestures. They might consist of nothing more than helping someone with a grocery cart in a parking lot, a store clerk showing exceptional friendliness or patience with a customer, thanking a volunteer for their efforts, or just doing something nice for a person who looks like they need a boost.
To date he has given away more than 3800 hand-crafted spiders which now reside in places throughout the world--Canada, Europe, Vietnam, China, and more. Each was "born" in Paul's home of 56 years at Bassett Road in Westlake. Each spider has been recorded in a journal with the recipient's name (perhaps its given name as well) and is accompanied by a formal "adoption" paper listing the rules of care that include daily feeding with smiles. The sheet directs those who wish to learn the story behind the spiders to a YouTube video (search Random Acts of Kindness Paul Johanni) produced by a team who met Paul at the Westlake Community Services Center, where he is a longtime volunteer. One of Paul's spiders was placed in the Center's time capsule at the new building's fifth anniversary celebration on July 15.
Kindness is not just something that Paul encourages by recognizing others; it is how he has always lived. After teaching social sciences at John Marshall High School for 30 years, he retired early to be a full-time caregiver for his disabled wife, with whom he raised five children. He was named to the school's Hall of Fame several years ago. Some of his former students still stay in touch with him and have nominated him as their favorite teacher there. He is constantly fixing things for others, applying his considerable woodworking and other craft skills. The list goes on and on.