Thieves Steal Trailer Full Of Tulsa Mayfest Artist's Work

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- As usual, stormy weather moves into Green Country just as it's time for Mayfest, a huge art festival held each year in downtown Tulsa.

Artists come from all over, to show off their work.  One of them got a rude welcome to town though, when he brought a trailer full of his art to Tulsa a few days ago.

When Mayfest kicks off in Tulsa on Thursday, one artist will be missing most of his creations. Thieves stole Jeff Kuhns' trailer and also got his heart and soul.

Jeff Kuhns creates beautiful ceramic bowls, vases, mugs and lamps. They are hand crafted and unique.

He travels to art shows to sell his creations as a way to support his wife and children. He's been coming back to his wife's hometown since the 1980's to display his work at Tulsa's Mayfest.

After leaving a show in Edmond, he drove to his in-laws home on South Utica last weekend and parked the trailer, loaded with pieces, in their driveway and someone stole it.

"And, I know they steal trailers in Oklahoma because you don't have to have license plates, I'm usually real careful, I back it up or lock it, but they got it," Kuhns said.

In addition to the white, five-by-eight utility trailer that cost him $2,000, the thieves got thousands more of Jeff's work. Work he was counting on selling at Mayfest this week.

"I have kids. It's a living," Kuhns said. "Somebody takes that away and it's money out of your pocket, you know."

Police told Jeff trailer thefts are an epidemic, and the thieves quickly sell trailers out of town for drug money.

Jeff would love to get his work back. He marks each piece.

"I do, it's a mark at this point but not, with stolen pots, it'd be better to have a name on them," he said.

Lori Fullbright, The News On 6: "But, still, it's identifiable as yours."

Jeff Kuhns, Mayfest Artist: "Signature on the pots, it's mine. If you went to Mayfest and looked at pots, every potter is different."

He was so disappointed, he was just going to call it quits, but has decided to display the work he has left and hope for the best.

If you see any of Jeff's stolen pieces, call Crime Stoppers at 596-COPS.

When Mayfest begins Thursday, Jeff will be in booth number 69.

There will be exhibits, performances, a kids zone and great food through Sunday.

For more information on Mayfest, visit their web site.