More graffiti and vandalism, as seen on March 9, 2023, mars the Renzi art on what used to be the Fagbule Glass House. (GV Wire/David Taub)
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A famed Fresno artwork that survived a January fire continues to be the victim of vandalism.
Flames destroyed the Fagbule Glass House on Shields Avenue near Highway 41, on Jan. 29 just before midnight. The fire destroyed the building. One wall remained, containing a 288-tile artwork by famed Fresno artist Clement Renzi. The piece, “A Day in the Park,” was not damaged.
But what fire could not, vandals have — practically destroying the 42-year-old artwork. Even a tarp covering the art could not prevent vandals.
GV Wire obtained surveillance video showing what appears to be two vandals spray painting the art. Things have gotten worse since.
Two suspects appear from behind security fencing and start spray painting the artwork. It happened around 9:45 p.m. on Feb. 9 and lasted for about five minutes. The video below is an edited time-lapse version.
“Unfortunately, there are no leads on this case,” Fresno Police Lt. Bill Dooley said.
Dooley said solving such cases is a “tricky world.”
“There are those who just ‘vandalize’ without purpose — they just mark stuff up with no other purpose. Then there are those that throw up their moniker to get noticed … but determining an identity from that moniker can be difficult for detectives. Some may brag about it online, making it easy to identify them — others may not, so unless we can catch them in the act or find graffiti indicia on a search and tie a specific moniker to that person, their identity remains a mystery,” Dooley said.
Owner Seeking Help
Pastor Steve Fagbule, owner of the art and what remains of the building, set up a GoFundMe account to help preserve the Renzi.
“Despite all our efforts to protect the artwork, vandals are now defacing it with graffiti and this is breaking my heart. I will love to relocate this artwork, restore it and reposition it somewhere it can still be accessible for public viewing. The quote I got for clearing the debris from my burnt-down building and relocating the artwork is about two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00). This is too much for me to handle by myself. I am reaching out to well-meaning people to help me preserve this artwork before it is completely defaced and destroyed. Your help is urgently needed,” Fagbule wrote.
Curiosity drives David Taub.
The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices.
Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read.
Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man).
Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl.
When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue!
You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
