Thieves slammed for heartless theft from charity

A non-profit art group has left a scathing message for thieves who broke in and violated their north Brisbane “wonderland”.

Artist Shane Rodwell.

Artist in residence at Deagon-based Artrageous Arts Shane Rodwell has slammed the people who stole from the beloved charity.

Unknown people snuck into the back garden area of the beloved centre some time since Saturday to take a list of sentimental, albeit of low financial value, objects.

He said the theft was a “violation” of the 20-year-old group.

“Whoever did it are scum.. you don’t steal from a charity,” he said.

“It’s a low kind of person that does that kind of thing.”

Mr Rodwell said he found out about the heartbreaking theft last night while he was teaching a drawing class.

“Behind the Artrageous Arts building is a place of peace and sanctuary.

“It has been a source of inspiration for artists and at night, it is a magical wonderland.

“The garden has been slowly grown by Artist in Residence, Anne Gadsby and many volunteers.”

A collection of items have been stolen from community art hub Artrageous Arts at Deagon. Picture: Artrageous Arts

Mr Rodwell said Ms Gadsby was “just gutted” when she heard the news.

“She was really shell-shocked because she puts a lot of time into this space.

“It is a person of depleted moral fibre who thieves from a charity.

“Artrageous Arts is a charity that commits itself to benefiting the community through an accessible arts programme.

“It is a not-for-profit organisation that runs on the smell of an oily rag and the blood, sweat and tears of our wonderful volunteers.

“While this theft did not stop the world from turning, it does bring pain, and disbelief.

“I hope that the thief is able to sleep at night.

“I hope that this thief does not have children.

“I also hope that this thief, after some consideration, returns the stolen items.”

Mr Rodwell said police had been notified about the theft of seven items including two mannequins, a candle stick holder, a pottery pumpkin, a string of solar lights and two Egyptian figurines — the latter of which had come from Mr Rodwell’s own home.

He said the desecrated arts space had been “creatively constructed out of donated and found objects, mosaics, ceramics, collages and paintings, the garden space has become a place for solace, reflection and good times”.

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