Kim Melton

At 2:21 am on Friday, February 15, 2013, the sixth floor of Pratt’s Main building caught fire for reasons unknown.  I awoke to the sounds of sirens and shouts from the crowd that had already grown outside. After digesting the initial shock, I could think of nothing else to do but go out and document this tragic event.  The fire was contained by 4 am, and the NYFD reported that sixth floor studios were unoccupied.  This floor is home to the work of the senior and graduate painting students.  Although this is a great loss to the fine art department, as well as the individuals who have lost work, it is also a blessing that no lives were taken tonight.
Tonight was the most terrible and humbling experience that I have ever witnessed.  We can never forget the impermanence of feelings, material possessions, and most importantly ourselves.  We must always remember that there are things far worse than our daily issues, and to not take the negative in our lives so seriously.  There is always room for improvement and good will come in due time; be thankful for what you have today, for the future is uncertain.

All photos are © Kim Melton.  All rights reserved.  Please do not claim these photos as your own, distribute, or market them.