New security video shows brazen art theft at Somerville gallery

New video shows the brazen theft of artwork from a Somerville gallery earlier this month.

Somerville police on Friday released video showing the suspect pulling a painting off the wall at the Somerville Open Studios on Prospect Street in the early morning hours of January 5, 2025.

Somerville Art Theft

Security camera footage shows a person dressed in all black snipping wires that a painting was hanging from in the building’s lobby. Police say the suspect then exits the building, walks down Milk Place where they hide the artwork alongside the building, and then returns with a car. Subsequently, the suspect retrieves the artwork, loads it up in the vehicle, and drives off.

“It’s kind of chilling to see how calm and how methodical this person was,” explains Adam Leveille, whose artwork is seen being stolen in the security video.

Leveille says the oil painting is worth around $2,000, and it shows Nissenbaum’s Auto Recycling Centers, a used business that no longer exists in Somerville. He isn’t sure if the person who stole his painting knew its dollar value. “I want people to have my work, but not like that.”

Leveille was among 20 artists whose paintings were part of an inaugural exhibit called “Visions of Somerville.” He says the exhibit was only open for one day before the larceny. As a result of this incident, the event was canceled out of an abundance of caution.

At this point, Leveille says it’s not just about his stolen painting, it’s about the entire show that these artists were excited to be part of, and the organizers who were excited to bring art to the community.

His request now: He just wants the suspect to put it back.

Another art exhibit is scheduled to take place on February 4th at 50 Prospect Street. Leveille will have another painting on display along with other artists, but they can only be viewed from behind glass.

If you have any information on the larceny, contact Somerville Police Detective Jonathan Thermidor at 617-625-1600 x 7231.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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