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I Want My Art Back More Than My Van, Theft Victim Says

By Alisa Hauser | August 9, 2016 9:47am | Updated on August 9, 2016 10:38am
"Rope Trick" by Victoria Fuller.
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Victoria Fuller

BUCKTOWN — A Bucktown woman's minivan was stolen from her garage — but she's more concerned about the one-of-a-kind sculpture that was taken along with it. 

Police are asking for help tracking down both the minivan and the sculpture, titled "Rope Trick," which was inside the car at the time of the theft, according to an alert.

Created by Chicago-based sculptor Victoria Fuller, "Rope Trick" is made of resin, epoxy clay and acrylic. The sculpture measures 24" x 24" x 11."
 
Fuller's work of art, which resembles a coiled snake, was taken in a burglary from a garage in the vicinity of the 1700 block of North Damen Avenue, near Wabansia Avenue, between July 31 and Aug. 2, police said. 

The block is located on a strip that both Wicker Park and Bucktown boosters lay claim.

The car, a blue 2005 Chrysler Town and Country minivan was parked in Fuller's garage. "Rope Trick" was inside of the van.

Reached by phone, Fuller said it took her three months to make the sculpture.

It was "lovingly crafted and painted," Fuller said, adding that the snake is a carving and not real, nor is the rope, which is actually resin painted to resemble rope.

Last exhibited in the now closed Packer Schopf gallery, "Rope Trick" had a price tag of $4,500.

Fuller said she was offering a $500 reward for the safe return of the sculpture. As for her minivan, she said it was 10 years old and dented. She bought the van in 2012 because it was small enough to park in the city but spacious enough to hold her art, too.

Anyone who sees a car matching the description of the stolen minivan or the rope sculpture is encouraged to call 911 and provide a detailed description of the occupant (s), including the vehicle description and license plate information, police said.

Call Area North detectives at 312-744-8263 with any information. Reference case HZ375220.

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