Artist's appeal after painting is stolen from Athlone exhibition

An artist has launched an appeal for help after one of her paintings was stolen from an exhibition of her work in an Athlone charity shop. 

Anna Boles is displaying a selection of her paintings in the  Vincent's charity shop on Church Street for the month of January. 

Earlier today (Thursday) it was discovered that one of her original acrylic paintings, priced €300, had been stolen.

The painting, which depicts a splashing wave, can be seen here: 

Anna said a lady working in the shop had noticed an individual lingering around the painting this morning and, when this person left, it was discovered that the artwork was gone. 

Unfortunately there is no CCTV footage from the upstairs section of the shop where the exhibition is located. 

Anna said the painting "probably doesn't mean anything much to the person who stole it, they probably just see it as something to sell and make money from, but it means a lot to me." 

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, she urged anyone who sees the painting - or is asked to purchase it - to make contact with her on 087 9154314.

Anna has been developing a great reputation for her paintings, many of which have depicted local sites such as Sean's Bar, The Strand, Athlone Castle, Ss Peter and Paul’s Church, The Greenway and Clonmacnoise.

The launch of her exhibition in the Vincent's charity shop is due to take place this Saturday, from 3-6pm.