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Tracking art thefts in the Seattle area
AJ Janavel speaks with Adam Ivan and Josh Okrent with Seattle Punk Rock Flea Market about a troubling rise in art theft in Seattle and around the Puget Sound.
SEATTLE - A local artist is asking for the public's help after a thief stole eight original, hand-painted pieces from outside a business in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood over the weekend.
The theft occurred sometime between Friday and Saturday at the Quality Flea Market, where the woodcut pieces had been displayed outdoors for about two months to brighten the surrounding community.
A planned removal of public art
The backstory:
The works were bolted directly to the exterior walls of the property, indicating the removal required advance planning and tools.
Because the creations are from a local artist and do not have an established retail market value, turning a profit by reselling them will be difficult. It remains unclear why the pieces were targeted.
Pattern of regional art thefts
Big picture view:
The artist, Atom Ivan, said his experience is part of a troubling recent pattern affecting local creatives across the region. According to Ivan, at least two of his peers have experienced similar incidents.
Hopes for safe return
What's next:
Ivan said he hopes bringing attention to the theft will highlight how much the pieces mean to the neighborhood.
He remains hopeful that sharing the story will prompt the person responsible to have a change of heart, or encourage anyone with information regarding the missing art to come forward.
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The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter AJ Janavel.