Susan Lewis

The use of collage as a form of fine art is traced to 1912, when early 20th-century artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque began gluing objects onto their paintings.  WRTI's Susan Lewis considers the evolution of collage as fine art and as a socially relevant form of personal and political expression.   

It was 100 years ago that legendary conductor Leopold Stokowski stepped onto the podium as music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra. WRTI's Susan Lewis considers the legacy of Stokowski, who is credited with shaping the distinctive "Philadelphia Sound."

As the National Collage Society presents its 28th Annual Juried Exhibit at Ursinus College's Berman Museum of Art in Collegeville, PA, WRTI's Susan Lewis explores the medium of collage. The exhibition runs from June 9th to August 12, 2012.

Flutist Mimi Stillman founded her own chamber ensemble, Dolce Suono, in 2005.  In its seven seasons, Dolce Suono has performed 23 premieres by leading composers, while still embracing the classic Baroque repertoire.  WRTI's Susan Lewis looks at how this innovative chamber group is using a range of music, played in this intimate form, to connect with music lovers of all ages.

WRTI's Susan Lewis looks at the life and legacy of Charles Dickens as the Free Library of Philadelphia continues its year-long Dickens celebration with special exhibits and programming.

The Philadelphia-based chamber music ensemble, founded in 2005 by flutist Mimi Stillman (the group's artistic director), is profiled by WRTI's Susan Lewis. Information Here

The Philadelphia Orchestra made history in 1973 as the first American orchestra to perform in China. This week, the Orchestra - led by Chief Conductor Charles Dutoit - is in Beijing for a residency in collaboration with China's National Center for Performing Arts. This marks the ensemble's fifth visit to China.

WRTI's Susan Lewis looks at how the Orchestra is engaging in activities beyond the concert hall, and expanding its relationships with the people of China. 

The Philadelphia Orchestra has filed its plan to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, in which it has agreed to pay $5.49 million to creditors. Just over a year after seeking relief in bankruptcy court, the Orchestra has realigned key financial obligations by moving from a defined benefit to defined contribution retirement plan, renegotiating its lease with the Kimmel Center, and ending its relationship with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.

The extraordinary art collection created by the late Dr. Albert C. Barnes has moved from his suburban mansion in Merion, PA to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. WRTI's Susan Lewis looks at the role of the new Barnes in continuing the legacy of its founder.   

We hear from architect Todd Williams, landscape architect Laurie Olin, Barnes President Derek Gillman, and Joseph Neubauer, vice chair of the Barnes Foundation's Board of Trustees.  

The Barnes Foundation website

ART in the OPEN celebrates the Philadelphia landscape as both inspiration and as an open-air studio for artists from May 18th to 20th. The natural beauty and urban character of the Schuylkill River - from Fairmount Water Works to Bartram's Garden -  are explored.

WRTI's Susan Lewis considers how public art-making events, such as this weekend’s ART in the OPEN, can change our sense of place.