[MSN] Sneaky Thieves Steal Valuable Artwork From Salt Lake Gallery

[MSN]

Sneaky Thieves Steal Valuable Artwork From Salt Lake Gallery
	 Reported by: Cristina Flores 


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	Thieves Make Off With $15,000 In Art

A painting titled "Garden Rendezvous" by artist James Christensen. (James
Christensen.com)
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James Christensen artwork
SALT LAKE CITY - $15,000-worth of valuable artwork was recently stolen from
a gallery in Salt Lake City, and it appears that the thieves had inside
knowledge of the facility.

Authorities said that the art was stolen from the Repartee Art Gallery in
Salt Lake City -- which is located inside of a bookstore.

Taken were works from Orem artist James Christensen, whose art is becoming
increasingly popular -- and valuable.  Repartee manager Joann Warner noticed
the theft on Monday morning, when she saw a piece of framed art missing from
the wall.

In all, 17 items were taken with a combined value of approximately $15,000.
But whoever stole the artwork apparently had detailed knowledge of the
facility.

Pieces of art were taken from the basement storage section of the gallery,
which is accessible only to Warner and managers of the bookstore.  Also,
there were no signs of a break-in or a forced entry.

Also missing were prints from a drawer in the main gallery.  Among the
pieces stolen are works called "The Rich Young Ruler," "Garden Rendezvous,"
and "Hide and Seek" -- all by Christensen.

Authorities believe the thief or thieves knew exactly what they were after,
and how to escape unnoticed.

An artwork titled "The Rich Young Ruler" by James Christensen. (James
Christensen.com)

Warner said there are two short tunnels that lead out of the building from
the basement storage section -- but only those who know the layout of the
facility know about the tunnels.

"Somebody either knew where my key was, or it was someone who had access to
the keys to get down here," Warner said.

"The value of his (Christensen's) pieces increases so much... just from the
popularity," she added.  "A lot of the pieces that were stolen were sold
out."

Warner said that most of the stolen items had already been purchased by
customers.

The Repartee gallery is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to
the capture of the thieves.

Museum Security Network / Museum Security Consultancy
toncremers at museum-security.org
http://www.museum-security.org
Handboek Veiligheidszorg Erfgoedbeheerders
http://www.handboekveiligheidszorgmusea.nl/