A Lawrence, Kansas family is appealing to the public for help in recovering a cherished painting accidentally sold during an estate sale in May 2024. The artwork, depicting a Northern cardinal, holds significant sentimental value and was a treasured possession of the late Jay Alexander, a local stone carver and art collector.
Kira Alexander, his granddaughter, is leading the effort to find the painting. She hopes for a "Christmas miracle" to reunite the artwork with her family, especially her mother, for whom the painting represents a piece of her childhood.
Key Takeaways
- A Lawrence family is searching for a painting of a cardinal, accidentally sold at an estate sale.
- The artwork belonged to the late Jay Alexander, a local artist and collector.
- Artist Charlotte Hastings, a friend of Jay Alexander, created the unique piece in the 1980s.
- The family is offering to pay more than the original $20 sale price to get it back.
- Community support has been strong, with social media posts shared nearly 200 times.
The Story Behind the Lost Artwork
The painting, a small piece featuring a male Northern cardinal looking at its own reflection in a window, was a gift to Jay Alexander from his friend, artist Charlotte Hastings. Hastings, who passed away in April, lived in Lawrence for decades and was known for selling her works across the United States. The unique depiction of the cardinal is what made the painting particularly special to Jay Alexander.
"My mom said he always loved how it was the cardinal looking at itself in the reflection, because, as I have recently found, it’s hard to find any paintings that portray them that way," Kira Alexander explained. "So he loved how unique it was."
Painting Details
- Subject: Male Northern cardinal reflecting in a window.
- Artist: Charlotte Hastings.
- Original Owner: Jay Alexander, Lawrence stone carver and art collector.
- Acquisition: Gifted in the 1980s.
- Sale Location: Estate sale on Republic Road in May 2024.
- Original Sale Price: $20.
An Unfortunate Oversight During an Estate Sale
Jay Alexander died in September 2023. The estate sale, held in May 2024 on Republic Road, involved many items and numerous people. Amidst the activity, the cardinal painting was inadvertently sold. Kira Alexander believes the person who sold it did not understand its sentimental importance to the family.
The family has since realized the oversight and is now actively trying to locate the buyer. They are hopeful that someone in the community might have purchased it or knows its current whereabouts.
The Artist: Charlotte Hastings
Charlotte Hastings was a respected artist who resided in Lawrence for many years. Her work found homes across the United States, a testament to her talent. Her passing in April adds another layer of significance to the painting, making it a valuable piece of local art history and a personal memento of a friendship.
Sentimental Value Outweighs Monetary Cost
For Kira Alexander's mother, the return of the painting would be deeply meaningful. It represents a tangible connection to her father and her own upbringing. The family is not concerned about the initial sale price of the artwork.
Kira Alexander stated that the painting was originally priced at $20 during the estate sale. However, the family is prepared to pay more than that to ensure its safe return home. Their primary goal is to retrieve the piece that holds so many memories.
The emotional attachment to the painting highlights how certain objects transcend their market value, becoming irreplaceable family heirlooms. This particular artwork connects generations and represents a bond between friends and family.
Community Rallies to Help
Since Kira Alexander shared her plea on social media, the Lawrence community has responded with overwhelming support. Her post has been shared almost 200 times in just a few days, demonstrating the strong community spirit in the area.
This widespread sharing has given the family hope that their message will reach the right person. The power of social media is proving to be a critical tool in their search, connecting them with many individuals willing to assist.
"Being able to see just how much Lawrence would come together as a community was shocking to me, so that’s been a really touching moment, especially around the holidays," Alexander shared, expressing her gratitude for the local engagement.
Hope for a Holiday or Birthday Miracle
While Christmas is a time for miracles, Kira Alexander is open to any timeline for the painting's return. She mentioned that her mother's birthday is in January, making a New Year's or birthday surprise equally cherished.
The family remains optimistic that their beloved painting will eventually find its way back home. Anyone who has information about the painting or may have purchased it can contact Kira Alexander directly via email at [email protected].
This story serves as a reminder of the precious nature of personal belongings and the unexpected circumstances that can lead to their loss. The Lawrence community's efforts to help the Alexander family reflect a deep sense of empathy and connection during the holiday season.