Stolen Natalie Hope McDonald Painting Found at John C. Anderson Apartments

The painting in question, titled “We Only Had Silence,” raised $600 for William Way Community Center.

Last week I told you about a big gay art heist in the Gayborhood. A painting artist Natalie Hope McDonald donated to the William Way Community Center’s annual Homecoming auction was hijacked. We’re happy to report today, however, that the painting has been found.

William Way Executive Director Christopher Bartlett confirms that the painting was indeed stolen, and recovered in good condition from the John C. Anderson Apartments. Apparently someone tipped him off to its whereabouts via social media. “Once we told them there would be no repercussions, they told us where it was located,” he tells me. The Center will not be pressing charges.

“We’re just thrilled that we were able to find the painting. Now we’ll be able to follow up with the buyer, and the sale will benefit the Center.”

He tells me the bidder offered $600 for the painting—no small chunk of change for our LGBT community center.

I reached out to Hope McDonald for a comment: “I’m glad the man who rightfully won the piece can have it. And that the Center can benefit.” 

Cue: sigh of relief. All is well again in our little gay art world.