The disappearance of signs advertising their Holiday Artisan Shoppe has left the Gibson Gallery looking for answers.
Yard signs for the Holiday Artisan Shoppe, which opened last Thursday at the gallery, went missing over the course of the last couple of weeks.
The event has been running for the last 15 years in late November and into December.
“The signs went up Nov. 4. We put up about 35 in high traffic routes and tourist areas,” said David Cozens, president of the Fort Malden Guild of Arts and Crafts.
The guild is the board that oversees the operation of the Gibson Gallery.
Cozens said many of the signs were on private property or on private fences, with the owner’s permission. Others went on town right-of-ways. Signs were placed in areas ranging from Lowes Side Road to the south to Middle Side Road (County Road 10) to the north.
“Starting Nov. 5, about three to four signs started to go missing each night,” said Cozens. “It continued right up until this week and 30 signs have been stolen.”
The cost of the signs are $9 apiece. Cozens said a report has been filed with the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment and the hope is the gallery can recover the signs.
“Anyone with information or security camera coverage that can help police, please contact them,” said Cozens.
The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment confirmed the report has been filed, with Staff Sgt. Bryan Hayes stating people with information are asked to contact the detachment’s criminal investigation division at 519-736-8559. The public can also contact Crime Stoppers at 519-258-TIPS (8477) or www.catchcrooks.com.
Cozens said he checked with the Town of Amherstburg to see if a town staff member had picked them up but was told no one from the municipality had removed them.
“The Gibson Gallery is a not-for-profit group operated by dedicated volunteers,” said Cozens. “We work hard to provide art exhibits and classes for children and adults.”
The Holiday Artisan Shoppe is described as an “indoor Art by the River” and features numerous vendors trying to sell their crafts and artwork.
“It’s hard to understand why anyone would spend so much effort to sabotage our holiday sale,” said Cozens. “Not only is this financially damaging to the Gibson Gallery, but also to 40-plus artists that have work in the show for sale.”
Cozens said the public is encouraged to promote the shoppe through social media.
“We need your help,” said Cozens.
The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. in Amherstburg and is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information on the Gibson Gallery and what it offers, call 519-736-2826 or visit www.gibsongallery.org.
The Holiday Artisan Shoppe runs through Dec. 8.
By Ron Giofu
Gibson Gallery seeks return of Holiday Artisan Shoppe signage
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