The Saga continues… Stolen Painting Returned!!!

Hello concerned and intrigued members of the public (as well a curious onlookers),

Jennifer Mercede’s Painting, “Sleeping with Santiago” was returned to Launch Pad via the U.S. Postal Service. The painting, which was stolen at the opening of the “Secrets” show on September 7th (read the whole story here) was postmarked September 24th, but wasn’t opened until the very last day of the show at the Artist meet’n'greet coffee and donuts extravaganza, at which point, all present were shocked, very glad, and creeped out all at once. The painting was returned undamaged and accompanied by an anonymous type-written note, the contents of which I won’t glorify by posting here.

Thank you to everyone who personally supported me and stood by the gallery during a really trying and upsetting time, and to everyone who forwarded on the alert via Craigslist, Myspace, Tribe, the t.v. news and the newspapers; I don’t know if it made a difference regarding the return of the work, but having your support sure made a difference to the gallery and to me.

I am not sure what to say other than I’m glad that the work was returned and that I hope that no one steals from Launch Pad ever again for any reason. If you know anything about the theft of the work, please tell the person that their actions took a lot of the fun out of running Launch Pad, caused a lot of worry and unhappiness, and made me seriously question whether to continue having art shows. That the work was safely returned is certainly better that the alternative, but in no way erases the feelings of violation, discouragement and broken trust. Next time, please think of different way to participate.

Many thanks to all of the fabulous artists and volunteers who helped make the show a success!

Sincerely,
ben pink