[CPProt.net] Art thief must be lacking direction

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

Art thief must be lacking direction


'Mapmaking' stolen from Glenwood shop

 
Ryan Graff
Post Independent Staff
July 28, 2005

Folks with bad juju usually don't have to worry about it hanging on their
wall, but at least one art shop visitor earlier this week may have just that
problem. 

On Monday, a thief took advantage of a crowded store and a busy salesperson
at the Artists Mercantile on Cooper Avenue and swiped the 12-inch-by-12-inch
painting "Mapmaking," by local artist Lynette O'Kane.

Store owner Maria Sippola left the store about 2 p.m. to run errands. When
she returned at 5 p.m. the painting had disappeared from an easel near the
counter. 

"They were kind enough to put a print back where the painting was," said a
sarcastic and irritated Sippola.

Monday was the second theft Sippola has had since moving her shop a year ago
from a space beneath the Sunlight Ski Shop.

The theft of the $450 painting was doubly irritating because O'Kane, who
sells art on consignment at Sippola's shop, is often willing to work with
people on the price or work out a payment plan.

Both women hope the thief will step forward - even an anonymous return would
be welcome - or that someone with information on the painting's whereabouts
will call. A reward is being offered.

Until then, "(the painting) is going to be bad juju on their wall," said
O'Kane.

If you have information call Sippola at 947-0497 or the Glenwood Springs
Police at 384-6500.



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