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Reward Offered in Case of Paintings Stolen from Springfield Art Museum

The director of the Springfield Art Museum likens the recent theft of seven Andy Warhol screen prints to the loss of a loved one.

In a brief address to the media Tuesday, Nick Nelson said the museum is working with authorities in hopes of retrieving the items, part of Warhol’s famous Campbell’s Soup collection.

“The theft of these iconic Warhol prints the museum has had in its permanent collection for 30 years feels like the loss of a family member.”

Set number 31 of the Campbell’s Soup I collection is valued at approximately $500,000. 

Captain Vance Holland with the Springfield Police Department said the museum was burglarized during the early morning hours of April 7.

Art Museum Director Nick Nelson (L) alongside Capt. Vance Holland during Tuesday's press conference.
Credit Randy Stewart / KSMU
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KSMU
Art Museum Director Nick Nelson (L) alongside Capt. Vance Holland during Tuesday's press conference.

The FBI is leading the investigation, and offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen artwork. According to the FBI, each painting in the screen print collection measures 37 inches high by 24.5 inches wide and is in a white picture frame. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI Springfield office at 417-882-3303 or the Springfield Police Department TIPS line at 417-869-TIPS.  Individuals may also contact their local law enforcement agency.

The FBI has a specialized Art Crime Team of special agents supported by special trail attorneys to recover stolen items and prosecute art and cultural property crime.  The team investigates theft, fraud, looting and trafficking across state and international lines, according to the FBI.  The agency also runs the National Stolen Art File, a computerized index of stolen art and cultural properties that is used as a reference by law enforcement agencies worldwide.

KSMU's Randy Stewart contributed to this report.

 

Copyright 2020 KSMU. To see more, visit .

Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Vegetable Soup
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Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Vegetable Soup

Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Tomato Soup
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Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Tomato Soup

Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Onion Soup
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Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Onion Soup

Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Green Pea Soup
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Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Green Pea Soup

Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup
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Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup

Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Black Bean Soup
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Stolen Warhol Painting Campbell's Black Bean Soup

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.
Scott Harvey
Scott joined KSMU in November 2012. He had previously served five years as news director for KETR-FM, the public radio station in Commerce, Texas. A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Scott enjoys producing human-interest stories, among other pieces that educate and engage the community. When not at work, he’s often taking part in outdoor activities, exploring new areas and restaurants, or staying up-to-date with the latest news and information. Scott was born and raised in Shenandoah, Iowa.
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