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from the issue of January 25, 2007
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Car fire results in flood for Hewit Place galleries
BY KELLY BARTLING, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Fast action from UNL staff, including some student workers, helped save valuable artwork and quilts on exhibit in the Great Plains Art Museum and Lentz Center for Asian Culture Jan. 20.
Shortly before 1 p.m., firefighters responded to a car fire in the Que Place parking garage, located at 12th and Q streets. The fire spread to two more vehicles before being extinguished. Water from the fire suppression effort poured into the Hewit Place galleries, which are adjacent to the parking garage.
According to Ted Weidner, assistant vice chancellor for Facilities, Management and Planning, the water drained from uncapped standpipes located in the parking garage stairwells, flooding the galleries through a common wall.
Great Plains Art Museum director Reece Summers said students and staff noticed the water coming in to the gallery. They were able to move threatened artwork, alert other staff who ran to storage rooms near the garage, and began a few hours of cleanup.
"Fortunately almost all artwork that was on the floor and could be damaged had been moved to a higher location," Weidner said.
Custodial Services helped remove the water, positioned drying fans and dehumidifying equipment.
Summers said Great Plains Art Museum's storage room has been cleared out, with the collection moved to another site. He said it would be at least two weeks before the storage room could be used again.
At press time, both galleries remained closed as water was being drawn from carpets and walls.
Summers hoped to reopen the Great Plains Art Museum by Jan. 26 or early in the week of Jan. 29.
GO TO: ISSUE OF JANUARY 25
NEWS HEADLINES FOR JANUARY 25
From the hand of Willa Cather
Car fire results in flood for Hewit Place galleries
Gallup, UNL form D.C.-based program
Water leaks flood Oldfather Hall, Hewit Place
African-American leaders summit Jan. 26
Enron whistleblower to speak Feb. 12 at Lied Center
Gene-silencing work may help fight viral, other diseases
Paper focuses on role of cysteines in proteins
Partnership offers tax assistance for low-income families
Regents propose 280-hour vacation time cap
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