Austin-based artist Brianna Vance told KVUE her artwork was displayed at a lounge before it closed without warning.
AUSTIN, Texas — An artist has been left in the dark after she says her artwork was taken from the East Austin business it was displayed in.
When Brianna Vance was allowed to show off her art pieces inside Lucky’s ATX, it was something she couldn’t turn down.
“It is something that I’m trying to push just so I can make some income,” Vance said.
She said a woman reached out to her on social media to display some of her work at Lucky’s for its January 2023 opening. Vance said she was sold on the exposure and chance to get some of the income she needed out of her art.
But as time passed, no money came in. So when December rolled around, Vance decided it was time to get her pieces back. That’s when she was told the business had been shut down.
“I entrusted them with displaying my pieces here, and I just can’t believe somebody would do that,” Vance said. “I was in shock because she never reached out to me to tell me to come get my stuff. She never told me that the art or the business shut down.”
Vance said she still hasn’t been given a reason why Lucky’s closed or where her artwork went. She also said the woman cut off communication with her, and that the business owner of Lucky’s hasn’t responded.
“I knew that either cleaners had been in there could have thrown it out, the business owners could have taken off with it,” Vance said. “It was very hurtful because at that point I just felt like there was no hope.”
KVUE reached out to the woman in question and the business owner on Wednesday, but did not get a response back. KVUE also went to where Lucky’s was located and noticed the space had been cleared with only furniture left behind.
Vance filed a police report with the Austin Police Department but said she’s also taking legal steps to ensure no one gets into business with those she believed wronged her.
“I don’t really know that I’ll get my stuff back, to be honest,” Vance said. “I don’t know that I’ll be reimbursed, but I’m hoping to prevent any other people from working with them.”
Vance said the deal was mostly done verbally, but following the ordeal, she believes fellow artists should be more weary with who they trust with their work.
“Maybe pop into the space frequently to make sure that nothing is wrong with your pieces,” Vance said. “That everything is still accounted for. Just work with businesses that you really trust and maybe that have some stake in the city already so that they don’t just kind of open, close, and run away with your stuff.”
