“We’re heartbroken. And we’re pissed,” the shop wrote in a social media post following the theft. “Whoever took them came prepared.”
The 15th Ave E center that has made a multi-year run holding down the old QFC until a redevelopment of the block moves forward, commissioned local artist Ian Wheelock to create a 12-panel collection of hand-painted, sealed wooden character cutouts to brighten the sidewalk. Because the building’s textured anti-graffiti exterior prevents direct mural painting, the individual panels were bolted securely to the wall, requiring thieves to bring tools to remove them, according to co-owner Todd Hewitt.
Eight of the dozen one-of-a-kind pieces were taken.
Hewitt said the shop’s goal is to recover the work and return it to public view, offering no-questions-asked if the panels are brought back.
Anyone with information or who spots the artwork in the neighborhood is asked to contact the Punk Rock Flea Market and Quality Flea Center directly.
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