The theft of a painting, along with the young Tulsa artist's trust

The artwork that was taken may not be worth tens of thousands of dollars, but it's priceless to the young girl who created it and her future. <br/><br/>News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright has

Monday, June 21st 2004, 1:14 pm

By: News On 6

The artwork that was taken may not be worth tens of thousands of dollars, but it's priceless to the young girl who created it and her future.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright has the story of a most unusual art heist. When Baylee Hickey's art teacher encouraged her to enter something in the Five Civilized Tribes art contest, Baylee drew a self-portrait, called Heritage [pictured]. It so impressed the judges that it won best of show, then it won best of show at Metro Christian's art show where Baylee will be a senior.

She received another honor when Heritage was selected to be in John Sullivan's First Congressional District art show at OSU Tulsa. It won second place there, but then the devastating news. Debbie Hickey, Artist's mother: "She just said, I'm sorry, your daughter's picture has been stolen. That hallway, there are no cameras yet and to see all this artwork hanging there and just an empty spot where hers had been, it made me very sad."

Baylee Hickey: "She told me and I was like what? She was upset and I was just mad. I can't see the point of it; I mean what can they do with it?"

Baylee was supposed to enter Heritage in the Red Earth Art Show, but of course, could not. They did display another print, just to inform other artists of the theft. She did enter something else in that show, and it took best of show, but she wants her Heritage piece back. It likely would've won more awards, making it crucial in her portfolio as she applies to art colleges.

Portfolios must contain originals, which of course, she no longer has. Debbie Hickey: "We never expected it to be taken and now it's made her more guarded about showing other pieces because she doesn't want to lose something else she's put a lot of effort into." And, that effort can't be duplicated, even if she had the heart to try.

If you know who took Baylee's artwork or where it is, you can call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS. You don't have to say who you are and you could get up to a thousand dollar reward. The family can't imagine why someone would take the picture or what they've done with it; their biggest concern is just getting it back in one piece.