I found out from former Merrick House director, Gail Long, that the lot was gifted to the organization in ‘72 or ‘73 by a now long gone bank in the Slavic Village area.   A few years after that, Ohio Bell donated the money for a ubiquitous 1970’s tot lot.  Years progressed, kids grew up and moved away, and all that remained of the Ohio Bell donation were the solid round cement shapes that were originally designed for climbing, sitting, and checking out that great view of the city.  Cut to 10 years ago, and the then emerging, now internationally known artist, Radke, was painting on various natural billboards all over the neighborhood, including garages and the outside walls of businesses. Scott and Merrick House partnered, and the murals still stand today, representing that wild, renegade type of art that doesn’t exist much anymore.  ( See The Temple of  Lost Love.)

As mentioned, Scott has developed an international following. This could make for some great auction.  I am excited and curious to see who antes up on these.  Ideally, they should stay in Cleveland.  It  would be remarkable to have them remain in Tremont.

]]> http://www.blackheartcleveland.com/2009/06/26/super-awesome-news-on-the-scott-radke-public-art/feed/ 1 http://www.blackheartcleveland.com/2009/06/22/40-year-anniversary-of-the-spontaneous-cuyahoga-river-fire/ http://www.blackheartcleveland.com/2009/06/22/40-year-anniversary-of-the-spontaneous-cuyahoga-river-fire/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:02:27 +0000 Amy Weahry http://www.blackheartcleveland.com/?p=101 I find it interesting that BLACKHEART chose the day of the 40th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River fire for us to launch this blog.  In 1996 or 97, I was a bridesmaid for a friend who lived in Charlotte.  Some douchebag, who I now know was trying to impress me, made a derogatory comment about Cleveland being dirty, the burning river, pink flamingos, P.O.C. beer, etc.  At the time, I had no idea about this piece of Cleveland history.  ( I am a transplant who has gained ALOT of knowledge in the past 11 years.) At 27, I was still so impressionable, I actually ended up hooking up with the dude.  Present day, I would wither said douchebag with a look, and IF he were still standing I would give 86,000 supah dupah fly reasons that Cleveland rocks.

BTW, dude is now a judge in Arizona and lives with his partner of 7 years, Gary.