WaPo: Fire at home of Peggy Cooper Cafritz Scorches Washington's Cultural Landscape

[Heidi]

Fire Scorches the City's Cultural Landscape, Too
Cafritz Home Was Art Showplace and Social Hub
Friday, July 31, 2009

Few residences transcend their original functions of hearth and home in as splendidly public fashion as 3030 Chain Bridge Rd. NW.

When fire gutted Peggy Cooper Cafritz's house Wednesday night, it wasn't just a woman losing her abode. A neighborhood lost its signature architectural landmark, styled like a summer manse with its gables, columns and big, welcoming porch. A city lost one of its more memorable artistic, political and social salons -- a vital interracial crossroads where problem-solvers and creators could mingle and brainstorm.

The international arts community lost a stunning assemblage of African and African American art that Cafritz displayed throughout the eight-bedroom house. And a generation of young artists -- many of them nurtured at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, which she helped establish -- lost a refuge where they were celebrated and inspired, and where their art was sometimes displayed for patrons and admirers.

Fire officials said the cause was still under investigation.

The blaze also reignited concerns over D.C. firefighters'

Read more

[hfojvt]

1. damn, that is really sad

Insurance money can replace some things, but not uncopied works of art. Maybe a set of photos exists somewhere. Not the same, of course, but better than nothing.

[Heidi]

2. My heart breaks a little bit every time something like this happens.

Maybe I enjoy art and culture too much. :(

Mornin', hfojvt. Long time... :hi:

[hfojvt]

3. it is awful when something that could have lasted for hundreds of years

is destroyed and perhaps lost forever. But I guess whatever joy was created during the creating process and whetever value it provided to the people who saw it will live on in ways unseen.

But aren't you getting my journal updates?