West Seattle Crime Watch: Art theft in The Junction

| Crime | West Seattle news

Just out of the WSB inbox from Erin at Twilight in The Junction (immediately west of Easy Street):

At some point between noon and now, someone managed to steal 3 pieces of art RIGHT OFF THE WALL at Twilight Artist Collective. 2 5×7 encaustic collage paintings (with Lemurs or a Monkey in the image) with black frames ~ $200 each, and a 5×7-ish painting of a crane on canvas ~ $100. This must have been a quick and nasty grab, probably while I was busy wrapping a purchase at the counter.

This is SO LAME, especially in these already hard economic times. Not only is this a blow to our business, but also to the local artists they stole from.

If ANYONE has information, or sees these art pieces out there, please contact Twilight immediately. We’ll gladly take them back, and in return we won’t have the thief arrested.

ART THEFT IN THE JUNCTION ~ please spread the word so other local businesses know to tighten up a bit, even during the holiday merriment.

Erin is looking to see if they have any images of the stolen items, but wanted to get the word out fast without waiting for that.

sam December 22, 2008 (6:24 pm)

that’s absolutely appalling. hopefully these pieces are returned soon.

goodgraces December 22, 2008 (6:28 pm)

Oh no! That’s so sad! I was in the gallery around 3 or 4 on Saturday afternoon, and I think they were there then — I was admiring the Lemur one (I think). They were on the west wall, yes? Gosh, stealing art is SO LOW (and extremely bad karma!!!!).

ANDREW 206 December 22, 2008 (6:45 pm)

There is an especially hot hell for people who steal musical instruments and art

shutch December 22, 2008 (8:33 pm)

That’s terrible, but sadly not surprising in these times. I hope you’ll consider spending (or maybe someone could donate) a small amount of money for a webcam and computer for monitoring the shop. It is a small investment; an old recycled computer, mouse, keyboard and a little $5.00 camera would be enough to record thieves in action and get them on tape! My husband, a computer guru would even donate his time to set it up for you! I do believe those responsible will pay in karma VERY BADLY. They didn’t just take from a gallery, but from the hearts of the artists that created them and all that admire and enjoy the art. SHAME ON THEM!!!!!!

Mags December 22, 2008 (8:34 pm)

I guess that the snow hasn’t stopped the thieves.

DM December 22, 2008 (8:38 pm)

Very sorry to hear about it! I feel bad for the Artist’s who’ve had their work and potential income stolen, and the artist’s collective!

Lots of folks have been reading this blog, especially in the past week, and I hope some one spots the pieces.

Traci December 22, 2008 (8:44 pm)

I’m SO with Andrew. WTF!?

RobertSeattle December 22, 2008 (9:18 pm)

Christmas morning…
“Honey look at these wonderful pieces of art I got you”

“Dear, you do know I read the West Seattle Blog, right?”

Pete December 22, 2008 (9:31 pm)

Why is stealing art different from stealing anything else….stealing is stealing….. period

flourescent carl December 22, 2008 (11:22 pm)

PETE, because artists, especially visual artists are poor! Stealing anything is wrong… but I personally feel a special empathy for the person who poors there heart into the creative process and tries to get a small something for it… $200 retail $100 to the artist typically, for me this is different than say a dvd player… Pete Life isn’t always black and white?

Everybody benefits from viewing Art… most artist do it for next to free.

A neighbor December 22, 2008 (11:37 pm)

I hate that for anyone/anyplace.
My only non conforming comment would be that shopkeepers need to be vigilant in thier surveilance. That doesn’t mean you have hound or pester people, or tag along behind them. You should, at least, greet or aknowledge people entering your space. A casual comment will also let visitors know you are aware of them. I am saying this because I have been in this gallery several times, and unless I struck up the conversation, there was no greeting, checking, or farewell. Again, I know that’s no excuse for this tresspass, but you have to be aware of your space.

todd December 23, 2008 (1:18 am)

Geez Pete, I guess you’re not an art lover. But I tend to differentiate between a canvas someone put their time, talent and heart into and… a DVD player or a lawn ornament. I guess if someone stole your new Mercedes, your welcome mat and your child you’d say “Where’s all my stuff?!”

Anyway, I’m sorry to hear about this… you expect this kind of story from Westwood Village but not the Junction.

Bogie December 23, 2008 (6:47 am)

todd- I don’t understand your comment. Why should we expect this from WWV, but not the Junction? Why should we expect this anywhere? Is it ok to steal from a store that is in an area with less expensive real estate? Would your reaction not be the same to this story if it happened in WWV? I live in a less expensive area of WS, but decided to purchase my home here because of the WS community as a whole. I’m sorry I can’t afford a home in a more expensive area of WS, but I still don’t expect myself or neighbors to be victims of thieves.

MM December 23, 2008 (7:48 am)

The comment that you would “expect this from Westwood Village but not the junction” is ridiculous. Theft happens everywhere, Todd, many times more frequently where it is thought to be more affluent! You sound like a person who should worry about their karma and leave West Seattle – we are an economicly diverse community and don’t need people who think less of other areas. Westwood is a neighborhood full of people who care and do not tolerate anything different than any other area of caring people. I hope people like you stay out of Westwood Village as your attitude is toxic and we don’t want it. Stay in the junction where you feel safe.

WSB December 23, 2008 (8:02 am)

A reminder about an important WSB rule, which is not something you find on every news site. No insulting your fellow discussion participants. The preceding comment is very close to breaking the rule. Criticize the comment if you must, but not the commenter. Thanks – TR

Pete December 23, 2008 (11:13 am)

My point is once again that stealing is stealing….are you trying to tell me that someone that worked hard for days to earn the money to buy that DVD player is different than someone that painted a picture on a piece of canvas? What if the person that had the DVD player stolen held a very specialized profession? By saying that stealing from an artist is worse than stealing from someone that worked very hard in their office to earn money for the DVD palyer is simply wrong. Once again stealing is stealing. AND yes it is black and white to me. Stealing is wrong no matter who does it and who the victim is.

flourescent carl December 23, 2008 (1:38 pm)

If someone breaks into your home to steel a DVD player you worked hard for… thats burglary and to me worse than stealing art from a retail store because of the violation to the home owner/renter.

too me not everything is black and white.

I do get you point Pete and it feels valid!

billybob December 25, 2008 (9:35 am)

as an artist, to hear that someones work was stolen sucks, but knowing the gallery owner still has to pay the artist regardless, that hurts thier bottom line which really is worse. the artist is covered, but the gallery either has to eat the cost themselves or file an insurance claim which causes higher premiums.

oh and Pete is right, stealing is stealing, regardless, as an “artist” and a long time professional artist i can recognize that. Oh and Carl, artists dont work for free, hobbyist work for free and undervalue the artist market in every city.

flourescent carl December 26, 2008 (6:22 pm)

what makes an Artist? working full time and making your living at it? Do you think the Artists at twilight are making a full time go at it? or are they hobbyists. That is a big time gray area and if thats the way you feel than the work sold at twilight undervalues the work of the full time artist. allot people make a go at it and very few survive… They have the right to go for it and that can mean selling their work for practically nothing.

Sorry, comment time is over.