A painting worth $3,800 was stolen from a Naples gallery, according to a report from Naples Police - just as the gallery was getting ready for a show featuring the painting's artist.
"At first I was just in disbelief," said Heather Roy, director and founder of the Artana Gallery on Tamiami Trail, in Naples' Design District. "I'm always optimistic, like 'oh, it will pop up,' and it hasn't. Now I'm upset and I'm looking for the community to help me find it."
Roy said a transport company delivered eight paintings by artist Teri Malo for a February show featuring the Boston artist's work, leaving them against a wall by the back door of the gallery. But when she went to hang the paintings for display two days later, only seven were left.
"The only thing I can think of is, my back door is right there, and I could have been in the salon," Roy said.
The missing painting, a 24-by-24 seascape called "Encore," is one of Roy's favorites. It's also the one she used to advertise Malo's art show in local magazines.
She believes it might end up in a consignment shop, and hopers the public will help keep and eye out for it.
"Hopefully the owners of the consignment shops will keep an eye out for this, or even people that are looking for art for their homes," Roy said.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Naples Police at 239-213-4844.
