By Tiffany Maleshefski
Seems that someone waltzed into Gallery 16 over on Third Street and Bryant and lifted two works that were not for the taking. The two paintings that have gone missing are by Margaret Kilgallen and were given to the gallery’s much-respected owner Griff Williams back in the ‘90s. With not a lot of Kilgallen’s works kicking around out there, these paintings were never for sale and clearly hold a lot of personal meaning to Williams.
Staff is pleading with the public to be on the look out for a painting called "Easy," measuring roughly 7” x 12”, and an untitled work, measuring roughly 17” x 12".
Obviously, the fact that someone decided they were more worthy of Kilgallen’s pieces is pretty disappointing, but the other big bummer here is that anyone who has had the pleasure of visiting Gallery 16 can attest to the owners’ relentless hospitality. Open to the public, folks are welcome to drop by to check out current exhibitions without having to worry about getting the evil eye from a snooty staff. For the last 15 years, the gallery has done great things to support local artists and the regular opening parties the gallery hosts always equate to boatloads of free wine, beer, and cheese. Then there’s the whole congeniality and community building notion the gallery has truly fostered since the art house's founding.
Anybody with information about the stolen pieces should obviously call the police, or contact the gallery at 415- 626-7495.