Sculpture known as Dave has been stolen from a Surfers Paradise art gallery

An Emmy Award-winning artist is pleading for thieves to ‘save Dave’ after the eye-catching sculpture was stolen from the heart of Surfers Paradise.

A sculpture known as Dave has been stolen from a Surfers Paradise art gallery

While the rest of Australia constantly trashes our glorious city as a cultural wasteland, last week we finally made the big time.

Our very own art heist.

It was Wednesday afternoon in Surfers Paradise when Ric Lawyer, owner of The Artists Hub gallery, was hit by thieves.

While two accomplices stood watch outside his shop, one brazen bandit casually lifted a large silicone bust and hoofed it down the streets of Surfers.

While Mr Lawyer gave chase, it was too late.

Dave, the eye-catching work of Emmy Award-winning special effects designer and local artist Chad Atkinson, was gone.

Despite public pleas to bring Dave back, it seems witnesses have turned a blind eye.

Mr Lawyer said he was absolutely gutted as Dave was on loan as a favour.

“The thieves suck but they sure have good taste,” he said.

“Watching the CCTV, the people responsible came past, saw Dave in the window and a couple stood on lookout while the other just grabbed him and ran.

“We are so disappointed, Dave was on special loan for Halloween. Chad Atkinson allowed us to display him and people just loved him.

“Every morning we would have to wipe off the fingerprints and smudges on the glass from people staring in. Unfortunately, he ended up attracting the wrong kind of attention.”

A sculpture known as Dave has been stolen from a Surfers Paradise art gallery

Artist Chad Atkinson, who relocated from LA to the Gold Coast after working on a number of films here, said while he was mildly flattered, he was more disappointed.

He said he sculpted Dave, who was named by his daughter, a decade ago and had previously refused offers to purchase him.

“I’m hoping someone has just stolen him as a prank and will return him undamaged,” he said.

“I don’t have the mould for him anymore, so it would be a real loss.

“I guess you’ve made it when you’re the subject of an art heist — it beats getting famous after you die — but I’m actually pretty annoyed.

“Dave might not be pretty but he’s been with me a long time and is well-loved.”

Indeed, as much as this tale of stolen art is a little funny, also just really sad that we seem to have so little respect for others.

On set of The Pacific which Jac Charlton and Chad Atkinson from Stingray Studios worked on, winning them an Emmy Award.

Not only is Dave a looker, he’s also worth thousands of dollars … and that’s only his financial value.

While we might have grown accustomed to our bikes and cars being stolen, and seeing signs at the local shops to leave bags outside to discourage shoplifting, these ‘small-time’ crimes leave a big impact.

Anyone who has been the victim of theft knows the feeling. It’s not just anger or helplessness, but the sense that you’ve been disrespected. That your rights have been trampled upon and your property taken.

It’s particularly galling to see this gallery targeted.

This city has come a long way in having its cultural contributions recognised, most obviously with the elevation of our arts industry through HOTA, but also through the continued grassroots efforts of businesses like The Artists Hub.

“Our gallery artists are 100 per cent local artists, we support all ages from 15 to 87. Every year we hold an exhibition for high school students. We’re for locals and by locals,” said Mr Lawyer.

“The artist who created the stainless steel sculpture opposite Miami Surf Club is one of our artists, a lot of locals with a great profile. This is not an average gallery.

“But in all my years in galleries there’s only been maybe two other times I’ve ever had anything stolen.

“It’s really disappointing and I’m hoping the community can come together to find Dave.

“I’d hate for this to be the price of success.”

So Gold Coast, keep an eye out.

Originally published as Sculpture known as Dave has been stolen from a Surfers Paradise art gallery