VIDEO: Beloved Art By Late Matt Achziger Stolen From Gallery
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - The widow of an artist hopes someone can help find her late husband's stolen artwork. It was taken off the walls of a gallery in Centennial.
"We have a lot on our plate right now, you know? For somebody to take that? They're stealing from me. They're stealing from my husband. They're stealing from my daughter. Christmas is coming up, and I don't think they understand what they took from us," said Riley Wigington, Matt's widow.
CBS4 first introduced you to Matt Achziger in February. A foundation, In Bloom, used his art to support drug rehabilitation programs in Colorado.
"Matt has always been open with his struggles and what art has done for him and his recovery, and it really gave him a reason to keep going and Matt always wanted to help other addicts," said Wigington.
Achziger, the 28-year-old artist, struggled with drug addiction for years and lost his battle on Feb. 11 in Aurora.
It was around 6:30 p.m. when the art was stolen off the walls where it was for sale, at a Centennial Vape shop. While neither the staff or Wigington recognize the man, the surveillance is clear.
"The employee goes around the corner to the back to speak to a manager, and as he's doing that, the guy quickly grabs the art off the wall and before they're up to the front, he's out the door."
Wiginton, says two of Achziger's pieces, worth $800, were stolen on Monday night. She says she hopes the video surveillance helps find the thief.
"I really hope that somebody comes forward. I'm sorry that that guy is going through times in his life where he feels he needs to do those things, but you also need to be accountable for your wrong-doings," Wigington continued. "He stole more than just a piece of art. Maybe it was just something to hang up on a wall for him but for me it's everything."
Anyone with information should call the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.