[CPProt.net] Art stolen from Hudson Hospital

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

 Art stolen from Hudson Hospital 
 July 31, 2005
 
Inside a Hudson, Wis. hospital, on the walls, you'll find artwork to sooth
the soul.

But you'll also find a void, a big empty spot. In fact, you'll find two very
empty spots.

"They're absolutely not replaceable and we're so sad," said Julie Schmitz, a
nurse at the hospital. 

A thief, who was caught on camera, made off with two Jim Burnley originals
from the hospital hallway two weeks ago. They were two western pieces that
Burnley said are very important to him. The total value of the painting is
estimated at around $15,000. 

"Its just hard to believe, it's such a tragedy, he's such a wonderful man,"
said Schmitz. "They were the largest ones, which is amazing."

Burnley has been painting from his Hudson studio for more than 70 years. He
paints just about everything.

One of the stolen works --Hotel Bethany--is especially important to Burnley.


That painting was inspired by one of Burnley's memories from 1921, when he
was only 7-years-old. It was a memory of his first visit to a hotel. 

"I couldn't believe it to begin with because why would anybody take those
paintings, much less, take them from a hospital where they were doing some
good," Burnley said. 

It seems there's a lot people in Hudson who would like to talk to the art
thief. They say they just want the paintings back, and the thief can just
leave them on the doorstep, no questions asked. 

Security cameras caught the thief in the act, but did not get a clear shot
of his or her face, making it hard for police to get an accurate
description. 
 

Photos:
http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S9617.html?cat=1