Art Pilfered During Connoisseur’s Marketplace in Menlo Park

An unknown thief pilfered a painting on Saturday night from a booth at an art celebration in Menlo Park.

A watercolor painting of a flower was reported missing at about 10 a.m. on Sunday, according to Menlo Park Police Spokesperson, Nicole Acker. The artist who painted the piece had it on display at the booth on Saturday. It was stored in a tarp overnight in the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue, which was where the two-day art festival known as the Connoisseur’s Marketplace was taking place.

When the artist returned to the booth on Sunday morning, it was gone.  

This is the first time Acker had heard of a painting being stolen from the annual art festival, although a few years ago jewelry was stolen from a vendor, she said. This is the 27th year the art festival has taken place in Menlo Park. Acker has worked with the department for 15 years.

While details about the heist are limited, what is known is that the painting was priced at $1,155. 

The artist's identity is being withheld to protect their privacy. The person who stole the painting is still at large.