Sculptures stolen from downtown gallery

Artist to make next work from piece of granite used to smash window

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police are investigating a smash-and-grab burglary early Sunday morning to the South Light Gallery on Hogan Street that cost a local artist two sculptures worth $4,400.

The front window was broken and two sculptures were stolen. Attached are pictures of the two Enzo Torcoletti sculptures that were stolen. The value of the statues stolen was $4,400.

The artist, Enzo Torcoletti says the loss represents more than money.

"I can never make another one like it because they're all different," Toroletti said. "It's a piece of stone. You can't make an exact copy."

Torcoletti says someone used a piece of granite to smash through the front window of the gallery to gain entry.

"I'm grateful that they really liked my stuff, but there are other ways to acquire it," Torcoletti said. "They could talk to me about it. You know, if they really wanted them that badly, maybe I could've given a discount or something."

Pam Zambetti, who works at the gallery where artists rent space and show their work, wonders if it was more than a random crime.

"I can't help but wonder if they came in and did their homework and saw that his work was high-value and targeted him specifically," Zambetti said.  "What a blow I mean burglary is bad enough but picking on local artists that's my heart."

Torceletti is being a good sport about the burglary, saying, "What can you do?  Keep making more."

As for the stone used to break the window, Torceletti plans to make his next statue from it.

"Maybe that fella that took it contributed to a piece of art. I hope I can do it justice," he said. "Yeah, I'm an optimist."

Anyone who has any information about this burglary or knows the location of the sculptures is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000 contact Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.