Water damages Dixie College art
"The expectations are very high that the collection will come back in good condition," said Dixie spokesman Chris Taylor of the 750 pieces of art transported to the Chicago Conservation Center for restoration. "Some may be returned in even better condition."
The damaged artwork was stored in a special collections room in the Eccles Fine Arts Center when a climate-control system malfunctioned, Taylor said.
"Our best guess is that the problem began about 10 to 14 days before it was noticed," he said. "All of the college's artwork that isn't being displayed elsewhere is stored there. The humidity-control system malfunctioned and created a condition where there was water damage. Water was even dripping from the ceiling."
There was no alarm system installed in the collections room that would alert officials to the water problems, a fact that still has Taylor and others scratching their heads.
"The Eccles building was built in 2004. The humidity-control system was meant to maintain a constant temperature and humidity level to maintain and prolong the life of the art," he said.
The water damage was only discovered after a fire alarm was disturbed and sent out a trouble signal to college maintenance crews.
"The initial reaction for everyone was heartbreak. Once we had time to assess the situation. the mood changed to one of optimism," he said.
College officials immediately notified the Chicago Conservation Center, a renowned private art restoration and conservation authority, for consultation on the damaged art. Taylor said the firm had earlier assisted Brigham Young University with a similar problem.
"They came out almost immediately and all the pieces were packed and transported to their facility, where they were placed in a triage room, inspected and prepared for restoration," said Taylor. "Each piece was placed in a climate-controlled vault to bring the humidity levels down, which is very important."
Mark Petersen, executive director of cultural arts for the college, said he was "horrified" when he first heard of the water damage.
"You can't be involved with art and not become attached to it," he said. "We have some very important pieces and you kind of get a personal feeling for them. Preserving that art and caring for it, knowing of the trust that people place in your ability to do that, is very important to us."
Some of the visual damage included warped frames and some water damage to various paintings.
"We were all surprised that there wasn't more damage," said Petersen, who called donor families to inform them of the situation. "We assured them that any damage can be repaired. They were very relieved and grateful."
Comments
- 'Potter' reflects on Hogwarts childhood 12:32 p.m.
- U.S. 'gesture' could win release? 12:32 p.m.
- Carrey to be a grandfather 12:26 p.m.
- UFC's milestone event 12:23 p.m.
- Sentencing for con man moved 12:19 p.m.
- New lobbyist reports due Friday 12:08 p.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested 11:49 a.m.
- Power.com sues Facebook 11:40 a.m.
- Stocks falter 11:39 a.m.
- Mandela stays away from exhibition 11:38 a.m.
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- Okur signs two-year extension
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Mall owner seeks to retain zoning
- Jazz rally for OT win at Orlando
- Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
140 - Letters: Palin mistreated
139 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
135 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
124 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Moon landing: Let's hear from you
79 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
73 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
72 - Letters: Single-payer system best
70
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
Get on with it.The building needs to be moved. From what I know, Layton's a...
With so many cases along these lines popping up, I'm content to wait until...
I love my remote. I can change the channel or turn off the Tv without getting...
I would love to see Boozer go but not for Thomas.. Bosh yes and we could...
Here's a trade idea 3 team trade with utah golden state and charlotte ...
I think it ironic that people wave Mexican flags at rallies to get rights in...
it all. The Neo-Con Republicans who wear their phony patriotism on their...
how is queen nancy the gullible going to punish these miscreants?
Lone Peak... he's a good man. I don't believe any of this.
Thank you Deseret News for telling us the truth when the event failed to do...


You can be the first to comment on this story.