Painting By James W Johnson Stolen From Lubbock’s Cafe J

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James W Johnson is more than just a phenomenal Lubbock painter. He's a world-class artist whose paintings delight and inspire. He's also an incredibly awesome human being in general. I love James.

So I am angry and upset that his painting was stolen sometime around August 15th from Cafe J's "Art Bar". I am also astounded that a painting the height of an 8-year-old was able to leave the building unnoticed. A painting with a near neon background and a crisp white cat as the subject and no one saw anything? For real?

Sadly, there is no survellience footage available of the theft, as I was able to confirm with Cafe J:

Because of this, its up to the Lubbock community to find and return this painting. Tons of speculations have been made- a frat initiation/ prank, a brazen drunk, an inside job. But they are all just speculation. What we need is witnesses, or perhaps the person responsible can do the right thing and return the painting.

This painting was priced at $1500. $1500 is the dollar amount that meets the threshold for felony theft in Texas. Sentencing for felony theft is a fine up to $10,000 and 180 days to 2 years in jail. So if you or someone you know would like to avoid these consquences, I have a deal for you.

Return the painting to the radio station studios at 4413 82nd Street, Suite 300. You can leave it by our door, and I will hand deliver it to James. No questions asked, and I'll just assume you found it somewhere. A mistake can just be that- a mistake, with no consquences. Otherwise, everyone in Lubbock will be able to recognize this painting and maybe other people won't be willing to look the other way.