In June 2008, Cedar Rapids, Iowa suffered a terrible flood. The Veterans Memorial Building was heavily damaged and after water submerged most of the town to its rooftop a Grant Wood stained-glass window was heavily damaged. This magnificent 20-by-24 foot window, valued at $3 million, cracked in more than 100 places from all of the water pressure. In a $150,000 effort, glass restoration specialists in Davenport have stepped up to the plate and and are disassembling the 1927 window's panels to clean, repair, and re-lead where necessary. The project should be completed by Memorial Day 2010.
Q: Who is Grant Wood?
A: Ever heard of the painting "American Gothic"? Well, that is one of Grant Wood's most popular paintings. Wood was an American painter, born in Anamosa, Iowa. He is best known for his paintings depicting the rural American Midwest and "American Gothic" is still one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. He was very passionate about the stained-glass window in Cedar Rapids, IA and traveled to Munich in 1928 to oversee its production in every detail.
Photos:http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/13/123613-004-40178311.jpg