[MSN] Police Search For Stolen Satue

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Police Search For Stolen Artwork
KOTV - 4/9/2007 1:22 PM - Updated 4/9/2007 6:36 PM

There is a lead in the investigation into stolen artwork in Tulsa. A thief
made away with a statue created by a renowned Native American artist. It was
taken from a Tulsa gallery. When a thief took the $11,000 statue from Joseph
Gierek Fine Art in January, it was the first time in 25 years that Gierek
had anything stolen. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports investigators now
have a lead in the case.

"Certainly hopeful that something comes of it and we get it back," said
Gierek.

After our first report on the theft, a tipster contacted Gierek saying she
had seen the stolen bronze on Craig's List, an online classifieds site.

"She says she couldn't remember anything at all about who the artist was or
what they were asking for it, but she says there is no question that when
she saw the image on the report, that was definitely the bronze she had
seen," said Gierek.

The bronze was sculpted by world-renowned Native American artist Allan
Howser. Howser was originally from Oklahoma and is recognized as one of the
most notable artists of the 20th century. Tulsa detectives and the insurance
company investigator are following up on the lead.

"The information has been forwarded and just keeping our fingers crossed
that we can get the bronze back," said Gierek.

In the meantime, Gierek has added high-tech security cameras to keep
anything like the theft from happening again. The stolen bronze has also
been reported to an international registry for stolen artwork. A reward is
being offered for the return of the stolen statue.


For more information about Allan Houser: http://www.allanhouser.com/home.php

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