Right now I am in Washington State on a painting trip. Several years ago I painted a Water Color painting of a local church, and the painting was given to the paster of that church. Recently the church was broken into computers and checks and other things were stolen and a fire intentionally started. The think the fire was set by the thief (thieves) to cover the evidence. The painting was hanging in the church office where the fire occurred. Fortunately the fire was contained to the one office and the rest of the church sustained minor damage. With the exception of smoke and smell.

The painting did sustain some damage in the fire, so I picked it up from the church to see what I could do with it. The painting did not receive direct fire or water damage, but there is substantial smoke damage, and probably heat problems (I am only guessing, will find this out when I take the painting out of the frame and mat). The painting was given back to me, still in its frame, and it is all wrapped in a plastic bag. There is heavy soot, and smoke damage to the glass and frame (it got so hot that the glass broke). I have no intention on saving the frame or matting.

This is utterly ridiculous. What would prompt someone to rob a church and then set it on fire. Especially when the church is rather noted for its community outreach and services. Appalling.

*update*

I have removed the painting from the frame, and I took pictures all along the way. I think the painting is not repairable. After I removing the framing and matting, as you will see in the upper right corner, there is heavy discoloration that is where the glass broke from the heat. The painting was so hot that it almost ignited, it also caused discoloration on the reverse. There is discoloration over most of the painting, and the paper feels like it has become brittle. There is probably very little I can do, or what can be done. I have attached some photos.