Program Directory

Applause - Billie Lawless, Artist

Applause

These days Franz Welser-Most, the Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra is addressing a bit of a different crowd, by doing something that the orchestra hasn't done in decades, performing in the auditoriums of the Cleveland Municipal School District. The goal is to nurture the next generation of young classical musicians and build new audiences among those who may have heard of the Cleveland Orchestra, but have never actually attended a performance.

One of Northeast Ohio's biggest political figures recently got out of rehab, and he's looking 15 years younger. You can see for yourself, the next time you're in the vicinity of East 18th and Chester in downtown Cleveland. He's a sharp dresser...his hair glistens in the wind...and he stands THREE STORIES HIGH.

In 1994, satirical artist Billie Lawless began work on a mechanical sculpture that he called "The Politician --- A Toy". He designed this enormous political cartoon as a colorful children's pull-toy, and it has prompted quizzical looks from passers-by, ever since. But, after all those years in the rain...and the snow...and the sun, the Politician was starting to look a little shabby, so Lawless has now totally refurbished the piece.

October 29, 2009