Video shows artwork stolen from Mellwood Art Center days before gallery opening in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thieves stole art in the middle of the night from the Mellwood Art Center just days before a popular artist's gallery opened.

For artist Jason Lois, his art is a silent expression.

"I call my artwork a motive," Lois said.

Surveillance video shows four people can be seen in the back hallway of the Mellwood Art Center grabbing two of Lois' paintings and heading out the back doors, which were not locked yet for the night.

mellwood theft — Surveillance video of the Mellwood Art Center when two pieces of artwork were stolen in Louisville, Ky.

"I don't know if I would say violated was the word," Lois said. "I was pissed off. I was mad."

The thieves were also caught on surveillance camera outside carrying the large paintings near Mellwood Avenue.

"Maybe it was meant to go free to some people that really liked my art apparently," Lois said.

The thieves took two pieces of artwork. Now, everything has been taken down as a precaution.

"I have never had anything like this happen before," Lois said.

The artist has done pieces for Kentucky Derby galas, NFL players, the Galt House Hotel and even a rare collaboration with Louis Vuitton.

Artwork taken from Mellwood Art Center.jpeg — Surveillance video of the Mellwood Art Center when two pieces of artwork were stolen in Louisville, Ky.

One of the pieces stolen last weekend was called "Greed Kills." But that piece of art was not part of the 40-piece show that opens in the Mellwood Gallery on Friday. Two days later, Lois has another show in Los Angeles.

"Those are hours and hours of putting myself onto canvas," Lois said.

Those hours are his livelihood, how he pays for bills and makes a living. The stolen paintings are valued at $6,000.

Louisville Metro Police is investigating the case.

"I don't wish any ill-will on the folks that took the pieces," Lois said. "I would like them back but if it came down to me having a successful show or having the pieces back I would rather spin this in a positive, and just say I wish them well and hopefully they like my work."

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