SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A devastating fire that ripped through the upper floors of a downtown Springfield building this afternoon also destroyed irreplaceable art, artifacts, and documents from the former Pillsbury Mills site.
Moving Pillsbury Forward confirmed that works from the PILLSBURIED art exhibit were being stored in the building at 413 E. Adams St.
"The exhibit included all of the historical artifacts that have been recovered over the past two years from the Pillsbury factory, as well as numerous pieces of art fashioned from material salvaged from the factory," stated a release from Team Pillsbury. "Three tons of artifacts and art were lost in the fire."
Robert Mazrim curated the exhibit and created artwork for it along with the graffiti artist known as “Shock."
PILLSBURIED was part of a larger art project supported by Moving Pillsbury Forward in an attempt to salvage and recycle the aesthetic potential of the abandoned factory.
Charitable donations to support the art program are being accepted by Moving Pillsbury Forward. Donors are asked to make a note if the donation is intended for the art program.
"Curator and artist Robert Mazrim wishes to thank the community for its gracious support during this terrible event, and is heartened that so many people from the community were able to share in the unique experience."
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