Pam White, Interim Director of UI Museum of Art, comments on the flood

Few bright spots are easily visible amid the heartbreaking images of flooding and destruction. Thankfully, because of an immense effort by a dedicated team of staff members, outside experts, student employees and museum volunteers, I am able to report that the UI Museum of Art is one of those fortunate bright spots.

Working nearly non-stop during the week of June 9, we were able to evacuate artworks totaling approximately 99 percent of the value of our collection. That figure represents nearly 80 percent of the 13,000 works of art in our collection—all evacuated in less than four days.

This is an incredible success story, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the proactive planning of the university and the massive outpouring of support from UIMA and Pentacrest Museums staff, student employees, and volunteers.

Moving the collection was a monumental task, and it is impossible to stress enough just how important the joint efforts and cooperation of staff, student employees, and volunteers have been throughout this process. We have saved the priceless art collection that serves as a resource for so many. We look forward to your continued support in the coming days, and we know that together we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

Read the entire statement HERE.