Vernon gallery has James Dean painting stolen in brazen daytime robbery

A Vernon artist has had one of his paintings stolen in a brazen daytime theft at Gallery Vertigo.

Artist Dylan Johnston said it appears the thief waited until a staff member nipped into the back for a moment, before quickly entering the gallery and swiping his painting.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP confirmed the theft took place at roughly 3:45 p.m. Aug. 11.

The painting is a mixed media portrait of James Dean using stencils and spray paint.

Johnston said the painting was for sale for $1,500.

However, the emerging artist isn't really sure what the person that stole will do with it.

"I don't know who would have taken it, I don't think it would be worth a whole lot trying to sell it on the street," he said. "I don't think I have enough name recognition that you can go around and just sell it."

After dabbling with art at university and following a decade-long break, Johnston got back into the art scene a couple of years ago.

His exhibit at Gallery Vertigo, Mild, Mild West is his first public show.

Not to diminish the seriousness of the theft, but Johnston said he's a "little bit" flattered his work was stolen.

"It would be more flattering if it was a complicated art heist," he joked.

Ultimately, he'd just really like the painting back.

Johnston said it was the first painting that inspired his Mild, Mild West exhibit.

The exhibit looks at Hollywood's idealized version of the old west through a satirical lens.

The remaining 14 pieces of Johnston's art remain on display at the gallery until Aug. 27.

For more information about the gallery go here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.