Alexi Hubbell’s elation at having her photos hung in the Safari Art Show Spectacular at the Lost Dog Bar & Lounge turned to dismay when one was stolen the night of the opening.
“We’ve had art exhibits on and off for the whole nine years we’ve been open,” Lost Dog owner Ann Morse said. “This is the first time we’ve ever had a piece stolen. We had a door guy on most of the day, until about 10:30 p.m., so it had to happen when we were winding down and cleaning up.”
The photo, part of the Lost Dog’s Snowdown-oriented activities, features Hubbell’s friend, former high fashion model Monique Flora, “on safari,” with a hunting rifle and binoculars gazing into the sunset, complete with a frame Hubbell made herself. The photo, which, framed, measures approximately 2½ feet by 1½ feet, was priced at $350.
“It was unmistakably her, and it made her uncomfortable when it was taken,” Hubbell said. “Her face is known to some people, and we’re just guessing because it’s something we all thought, that it’s someone who follows her.”
It might have been something more basic, she said.
“It was the first photo you saw when you walked in,” she said. “It may just be that it was the easiest one to take.”
Morse said the theft might be part of the craziness of Durango’s winter festival.
“It might just be Snowdown,” she said. “I don’t know what to say – maybe it’s too much to drink, easy to do in a costume.”
Both women would like the photo back.
“If someone just wants to leave it at the door, that would be great,” she said. “We don’t have cameras; there won’t be any questions asked.”
While Hubbell and Morse filed a report with the Durango Police Department, officers have no leads and no suspects at this time, Lt. Ray Shupe said.
This is the second art theft in two months in Durango. Sorrel Sky Gallery reported a gold necklace worth $4,300 stolen Dec. 11. DPD recovered the necklace from a local pawnshop the next day and arrested four suspects in the theft.
For a town with numerous galleries and venues featuring local artists, it’s a rarity to have a piece go missing.
“We hardly ever see anything like that,” said Mary Puller, the exhibits director at the Durango Arts Center. “At the last winter solstice and this most recent one, we got notes from a couple of artists who said that they didn’t get paid for a pair of earrings or a bracelet.”
She was concerned to hear about the theft not only because of the loss to Hubbell, but for what it might mean for other area artists.
“I’m really sad to hear about this,” she said. “We’re really trying to open up new venues around town where local artists can display their work. I hope this doesn’t discourage anyone from opening up their business.”
abutler@durangoherald.com
