[CPProt.net] Canada: Cops seek stolen painting

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

July 19, 2005 

Cops seek stolen painting 
By Andrew Seymour, Ottawa Sun

Ottawa police are hoping the public will be able to help track down a
valuable Canadian painting stolen a month ago. 

The painting by Montreal artist Michael Smith, titled Horizon and valued at
$4,300, was one of four in a series painted last year following a trip by
Smith to Newfoundland. 

Police say the painting was purchased on June 16 by an Ottawa woman from an
art gallery in Halifax and made it as far as Mechanicsville before it was
stolen. 

The painting was last seen July 8 when it was tracked to the possession of
an Ottawa man. Maurice Golka, 62, has been charged with possession of stolen
property. 

The painting has since disappeared again. Police have no idea where it went
but they believe it is still in Ottawa. 

Ineke Graham, owner of Studio 21 Fine Art in Halifax, said the painting is a
reflection of Smith's feelings after viewing the seascape. "It's as much
about the paint as it is about the image," she said. "It's a memory of a
seascape." 

Graham said the gallery has provided the Ottawa buyer with a different
painting but wants to recover the stolen piece. 

The painting is described as being oil on board and is 19 by 24 inches.
Anyone with information is asked to call 236-1222, ext. 5453 or Crime
Stoppers at 233-TIPS.