Homer Watson painting reproduction part of pop-up gallery stolen

A reproduction of a painting by artist Homer Watson,on display in front of the Waterloo Public Library's main branch,has been replaced after someone stole it earlier this week.

The painting is Ice Break on the Grand River and is part of the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) pop-up gallery series, which is happening at various locations.

The large painting was in a frame on two metal posts on the side lawn, but someone removed it from the frame, KWAG said on Wednesday.

KWAG replaced the reproduction Wednesday and asked people to "take a picture" rather than taking the reproduction itself.

They also tweeted the hashtag #FindHomer in an attempt to find the original reproduction.

"We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the act, or know of anyone trying to sell a Homer Watson reproduction or have it in their homes to contact the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery," the gallery said on Facebook. "This project was produced solely for public enjoyment and it is a shame to see this happen to a project meant to engage and inspire."

Watson, who was born in Doon, Waterloo County in 1855, enjoyed painting strong, natural forces that he viewed as being characteristically Canadian. He was also fond of landscapes he became familiar with during his childhood, KWAG said in an information flyer about the painting.

The pop-up gallery series is part of KWAG's 60th anniversary celebrations. The art pieces part of the series will be display until the end of July.