Utah County artist Stewart Anstead has learned the hard way that nothing in life is free.

Like wall space.

Like many artists, Anstead took advantage of empty wall space in the building where his studio is located to hang some of his artwork. His fellow tenants were happy with the arrangement and Anstead had an opportunity to display some of his artwork, free of charge.

But when one of his paintings was stolen this past week, Anstead began to reconsider just how “free” that wall space was. It may have cost him a painting.

Anstead is now searching Ebay to see if his painting appears for sale, and asking friends and fellow artists to keep an eye out for it.

Anstead’s studio is located on the second floor of the Broadstone Square Building, a private office building in American Fork. He has been hanging his artwork in the lobby and hallway since he moved into the space in May.

The building is open during business hours, and on Monday, October 27th, some time before 3:30 pm, his painting disappeared.

Anstead tries to remain good humored about the incident: “I don’t know whether to be flattered that someone would steal my work, or wonder what was wrong with the other pieces on display that made the thief choose not to take them instead.”

He has filed a report with the local police, who have
said that, although American Fork has not had many reports of art theft, they believe that most theft is due to the drug trade. They have advised him to monitor eBay, which is apparently the fencing method of choice these days.

Anstead’s painting has been valued at $5,000.00 It’s unique characterstic is that it was entirely finger-painted.
Anstead suggests that artists insure all artwork that hangs in an unsecure location.

“I appreciate my colleagues out there keeping an eye out for this piece,” Anstead says. “I think it makes our community of artisans that much more valuable, and this forum in particular. I would very much appreciate hearing about those of you who have experience in protecting your work, especially in a public place.”

Artists who hang artwork in non-secure locations might consider purchasing security hangers, suggests Salt Lake framer Travis Tanner. These hangers, which attach directly to the artwork, are more difficult to attach to the wall than a traditional hook, but for that very reason they make the artwork more secure.

If you would like to make a suggestion for hanging artwork in non-secure spaces, or relate a story of stolen artwork, visit our Forum Section and leave an announcement in the Collector’s Corner section.

15 Bytes

UTAH’S ART MAGAZINE SINCE 2001, 15 Bytes is published by Artists of Utah, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.