Autumn de Forest Recreates Painting for Theft Victims
“Midnight Moon” by Autumn de Forest
When artist Autumn de Forest learned that two of her collectors lost irreplaceable artwork in a robbery, she knew what she had to do.
While enjoying a cruise in 2014, Ralph Minnicozzi noticed his wife, Venita, admiring an artwork by Autumn. He realized he had found the perfect gift for his wife’s upcoming birthday and commissioned Autumn to paint “Midnight Moon,” a variant of her “Goodnight Moon” series, and gave it to Venita.
This past June, Minnicozzi was moving his possessions from New Hampshire to Arizona to join Venita in their new home. He stopped for the night at a hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The next morning, Minnicozzi discovered that thieves had stolen his truck and the attached U-Haul trailer.
Deputies located Minnicozzi’s truck and trailer, but all of his belongings were missing. Above all his stolen possessions, what pained him the most was the loss of artwork he and his wife had collected, including works by Joan Miró, Alfred Gockel, and Autumn’s “Midnight Moon.”
“There’s nothing these guys are going to be able to do with it,” Minnicozzi told the Albuquerque Journal. “It’s stuff we had an emotional attachment to that you can’t replace.”
Autumn said she was heartbroken when she heard about the tragedy, and worked with Park West Gallery to reach out to the Minnicozzis and deliver a special message.
“Out of appreciation to you investing in me as an artist and believing in me as an artist, I would love to repaint the painting that was stolen from you,” Autumn told Ralph.
Autumn recreated “Midnight Moon” for the Minnicozzis. The couple expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the young artist for her act of kindness during such trying times.
“You are really a beautiful person to create this magnificent piece of art to replace our stolen treasured Autumn de Forest,” the couple said in a letter to Autumn. “You are an incredible talent, and your work continues to surprise and impress.”
“Goodnight Moon” (2014), Autumn de Forest
The “Midnight Moon” painting is inspired by the “Goodnight Moon” series Autumn began at the age of 8. In it, Autumn depicts an old house at night with one window illuminated. The light symbolizes a grandmother who passed away, and the birds sitting on wires represent the grandmother’s children and grandchildren who used to play at the house.
To take home your own work of art by Autumn de Forest, contact our gallery consultants during business hours at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com after hours.
Words can’t express my gratitude – I am so thankful. We fully intend to continue to support your work – THANK-YOU so much !!
We love Autumn’s works and have several and would be just as devastated if any of ours were ever stolen. She is a great young lady!!! We would love to see her again on that cruise in Nov.
Autumn De Forest lives the Beatitudes! Her works are inspirational! The World needs people like Autumn to restore humanity.
I’m so sorry for your losses. I’m also grateful to hear that Autumn was able to give back a piece of what was lost.
What a sweet and kind gesture from this awesome young woman Autumn de Forest. NOW that would restore anyone’s faith in humanity. She will portend well as she shares her gifts and talents freely with those who have been collector’s of her fantastic artwork!!!!! It is a kindness repaying a kindness!!!! :)
Well said, Richard!
What a beautiful and touching story. I’m so pleased for you that Autumn painted you Midnight Moon. We have Goodnight Moon on our wall (along with two other of Autumn’s art works) and it brings such happiness to our household! Enjoy!
Just another reason that I’m glad my wife and I invest in Autumn’s work. I hope others continue to invest in her and other positive artists/people like her.
My applause to Autumn. I saw her work on a cruise this past June and was in awe of her talent. Then I learned that she was a child whose work was just amazing. I am a retired teacher and appreciate young talent. Bravo!! (I purchased some pieces four of which I bid on until my boyfriend stopped me after my fourth purchase). Someday I will own one of Autumn’s work.