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Police: Woman Urinated Near, Damaged $30M Still Painting

DENVER (CBS4)- A woman accused of damaging a painting at the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver has been formally charged with criminal mischief.

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey claims Carmen Tisch visited the museum Dec. 29, 2011 at about 3:30 p.m. There, she allegedly approached a painting and proceeded to scratch, hit and lean against the painting.

According to the Denver Police report, Tisch then pulled down her pants while leaning against the painting and urinated as she sat on the floor. It is unknown whether any urine got on the painting.

The value of the painting is estimated between $30 and $40 million. The estimated cost to repair the painting is as much as $20,000.

Tisch remains in custody in the Denver County Jail on a $20,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 6 to be formally advised of the charges.

The Clyfford Still Museum at 1250 Bannock Street opened to the public Nov. 18, 2011. Still was among the first generation of abstract expressionists following World War II. He died in 1980. His will specified that his estate go to an American city willing to establish a museum of his work. His widow, Patricia Still, selected Denver as the site in 2004.

Clyfford Still Museum inside
Clyfford Still Museum (credit: CBS)
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