Grillo speaks with KJ after Notre Dame Cathedral fire

Michael Grillo, an associate professor of art at the University of Maine, was interviewed by the Kennebec Journal for the article, “Effect of Notre Dame Cathedral fire felt in central Maine.” Grillo said the cathedral often is discussed among art historians. “Then something like this happens and you realize that everyone is affected,” he said, referring to the April 15 fire. “You realize that even though it’s not everybody’s focus, everyone feels this loss. Christian, non-Christian, secular, whatever, this was a cultural marker and it meant so much to so many.” Grillo, who has been to Notre Dame several times, said that though the roof burned and the spire fell, the structure is “incredibly well engineered.” “I really do think this building is going to survive relatively well,” he said. “Any loss is a horrendous loss; there’s no question. The outpouring that’s happening now (with more than $700 million pledged for the restoration effort by press time), I’m hoping it sustains the restoration, which will take a decade.”