I went to this place to see the Dead Sea Scroll exhibit in 2003. Someone probably torched this place today; ruining lots of history in the art world.
Fire breaks out at religious arts center
06/28/2005
By JAMIE STENGLE / Associated Press
A fire destroyed much of a religious arts center's collection Tuesday.
The Biblical Arts Center's signature piece, a 124-foot-by-20-foot painting depicting the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, "looks like it's totally burned," said museum director Scott Peck.
"Tremendous loss. It's devastating," Peck said as he stood near the entrance, its hall blackened by fire. "It's a loss for the city of Dallas."
More than two dozen pictures were leaning against a wall outside the museum after being rescued by firefighters Tuesday afternoon. A handful of sculptures were also sitting nearby.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Peck, who estimated that only about 10 percent of the collection was rescued, said that the fire seemed to start back by the center's main piece of art, the painting "Miracle at Pentecost" by Torger Thompson. The painting was shown several times a day, along with a sound and light show, according to the center's Web site.
There were about 30 patrons in the center when the fire broke out about 11 a.m. Plumes of white smoke billowed into the sky as about 130 firefighters battled the six-alarm blaze into the afternoon. Temperatures outside approached 100.
"There was actually a group inside taking a tour, and that group smelled smoke inside, so they notified the staff," said Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Lt. Joel Lavender. "The staff made sure that everybody was evacuated without hurt, harm or danger."
Authorities said they don't know what caused the fire.
Peck said the museum hosted several traveling exhibits. In 2003, the nonprofit, nondenominational center drew thousands to the exhibit "From the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Forbidden Book," a $15 million collection of manuscripts and Bibles.
"It's a center for interpreting the Bible and its history," said Eric White, curator of special collections at Birdwell Library at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
He said the Thompson painting is the center's most noteworthy piece. He said the center, which holds programs and hosts exhibits, serves mainly as an educational experience about religion.
Capt. Jesse Garcia of the Dallas Fire Department said that the fire was under control by late Tuesday afternoon. He did not yet have a damage estimate. "Obviously, it's going to be significant," Garcia said.
He said that at the very least, every piece received some smoke damage.