Painting is stolen from exhibition (From The Argus)

Painting is stolen from exhibition

12:08pm Friday 23rd May 2008

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Thieves have stolen a painting from a church that was being exhibited as part of Artists Open Houses.

The piece was part of a series called Tree of Life and was painted by Orna Schneerson.

Mrs Schneerson is one of eight artists displaying their work in St Mary's Church in St James's Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, during the festival.

Although the open house event only took place at weekends, the artists had left their work displayed in the church during the week.

Mrs Schneerson said: "I didn't notice straight away that it had gone, but when another artist tried to hang a painting in that spot I realised.

"I was really upset. I couldn't believe someone would take it.

"During the week we could have taken the paintings down but we left them there because it was a church and we thought it would be ok. Maybe we should have been more careful.

"My painting was just by the door and a lot of people really liked it, so it could have been someone who wanted it or it someone hoping to sell it."

The painting's £130 price tag was also taken. Mrs Schneerson is asking people to keep an eye out for the distinctive abstract painting, which depicts a red tree on a blue background.

It is painted with acrylic on canvas.

The artist said: "I have taken down all of my work now until the weekend. I have exhibited for 18 years in England and have never had a painting taken before.

"I'll wait a little bit and if I don't get it back I will do another one like it as a lot of people really loved the colours.

"Hopefully the painting is somewhere where people love it. I just don't want it to be in the bin."

St Mary's Church opens at various times during the week.

Ray Ballantyne, deputy churchwarden, said: "We are delighted to be housing the exhibition.

"It has been good for the church and has brought a lot of people in.

"We were genuinely upset when we heard of the loss and would ask that whoever did take it examines their conscience and hopefully does the right thing and returns it."

The exhibition will continue for its final weekend and includes art from Rachel Martin, Mahni Dare, Amanda Davidson, Hizze, Raysto, Carli Macdonald and Lou and Inabi.

It is open tomorrow from 11am until 6pm and on Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.

There is also a free organ recital taking place tomorrow from 2.30pm.

Anyone who has any information about the stolen painting should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.

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