By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A CENTRAL Geelong gallery has lost a distincitive artwork in the gallery’s first theft, according to the owner.
Robert Avitabile said his Metropolis Gallery in Ryrie St would accept back the artwork without questions asked.
Mr Avitabile said the theft was his first in 20 years running galleries.
Selling the limited edition sculpture would be almost impossible, rendering it virtually worthless to the thief, he said.
“I’m hoping that by circulating the photo people might recognise it and make it more difficult to sell or display.”
Mr Avitabile said the sculpture, by Geelong artist Lucy McEachern and worth around $2500, went missing from the gallery earlier this month.
Titled American Kestrel, the cast bronze piece is 250mm high, 150mm wide and 110mm deep, with an inscription reading Lucy 12l25.
Mr Avitabile said anyone with information could contact Const Yvette Williams at Geelong Police on 5225 3100 or yvette.williams@police.vic.gov.au.
