Willoughby sculpture stolen over the weekend

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio - Police in Willoughby are looking for the person who stole a sculpture that was on display in the city's new DiVine District.

Merchants have been gearing up for historic downtown Willoughby's ArtStock next weekend. A group of merchants banded together and decided to spruce up Vine Street with sculptures made by artists and merchants themselves. Most are still able to be seen on the sidewalks from Skiff Street to Erie Street on the Vine Street strip. But one was stolen sometime between Saturday night, October 2 and early Monday morning, October 4. 

One possible motive is for the scrap metal, instead of the love of art. The sculpture was made of copper and stainless steel valued at $30, but it may have been enough temptation for someone driving by the busy area of downtown Willoughby.

Willoughby Police Lieutenant Blaine Schweitzer said investigators aren't sure of the motive at this time and would like anyone who may have seen the theft in front of the Spray U Tan business on Vine Street to call them at 440-951-1234.

Co-Owner Sherrie Ryan just wants her sculpture back because it was made for her and her two daughters by her husband. She will pay the person for its scrap value if returned with "no questions asked."

ArtStock runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 15.