The Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico, will soon reunite with two paintings stolen from its walls 40 years ago. Victor Higgins' 'Aspens' and Joseph Henry Sharp's 'Oklahoma Cheyenne' will be unveiled to the public on June 6, 2025, marking the end of a decades-long art theft mystery.
The paintings, both created by influential Taos Society of Artists members, disappeared from the museum on March 20, 1985, when the Harwood was primarily a public library. The breakthrough in the case came after an investigative reporter, Lou Schachter, contacted the museum's executive director, Juniper Leherissey, with evidence connecting the theft to a well-known art heist involving the Alter couple.
The FBI's Santa Fe office took on the cold case in April 2024, leading to the recovery of the paintings. Both artworks were discovered to have been sold at a Scottsdale auction house in 2018 under altered titles. The recovery represents more than just the return of two paintings; it symbolizes the resilience of art and the enduring cultural significance of the Taos art community.
FBI Special Agent Susan Garst, who led the investigation, described the return as gratifying. The museum will celebrate the paintings' homecoming with a special First Friday event, featuring a screening of 'The Thief Collector' documentary and a panel discussion with key figures involved in the art recovery.
The return of these paintings highlights the importance of persistent investigation and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect cultural heritage. For the Harwood Museum and the Taos community, this moment represents a significant restoration of artistic and historical memory.
