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Artist loses 100 pieces in studio fire

The artwork was lost in a fire that damaged a three-story house he lived and worked in.
Credit: Portland Press Herald/Shawn Patrick Ouellette
Portland artist Zoo Cain, seen in 2015, said Tuesday's fire caused extensive damage to his Valley Street studio and gallery, but he was thankful that no one got hurt.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A Maine artist has lost about 100 pieces of artwork in a fire that badly damaged his Portland studio and gallery.

Artist Zoo Cain tells the Portland Press Herald he nearly collapsed when he saw the aftermath of the blaze on Wednesday. The fire damaged the three-story house that included Cain's studio and apartment.

Portland Fire Capt. John Brennan says all the building's tenant's escaped safely. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries.

Related: Crews respond to two Portland fires within hours

Cain says he's grateful no one was killed in the blaze. The 66-year-old artist, who is known for his abstract kaleidoscopic paintings, says he was able to salvage a few pieces from his studio.

A friend of Cain's has started a fundraising page to help with fire expenses.

The cause of the fire is unclear.

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