An investigation is underway following the disappearance of a Juneau woman’s artwork from the Juneau Arts & Culture Center this week.

Nancy DeCherney, executive director of the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, said JACC officials notified police that an alder mask of a mountain goat was missing Monday from their downtown center. The piece by artist Sheila Dyer was part of a monthly exhibit from the University of Alaska Southeast. DeCherney called the incident “appalling” on the phone Tuesday.

“It’s pretty devastating for the artist,” DeCherney said. “(Theft of art) makes it difficult for arts groups to do what we do.”

DeCherney said the JACC does have surveillance cameras, but an issue with the memory cards prevented the camera from recording the incident. The cameras are now functioning and she said officials plan to install more cameras around the building.

The exhibit featuring Dyer’s piece began April 1. The art does not have a listed market value, but DeCherney said the unique piece is extremely valuable, especially to the artist and to the center that tries to support local artists.

Dyer could not be reached before press time. Juneau Police Department spokeswoman Erann Kalwara said police are following up on potential leads, but she did not elaborate, citing the ongoing investigation.

• Contact reporter Paula Ann Solis at 523-2272 or paula.solis@juneauempire.com.

Related stories:

Police search for shoplifter who carried out $500 worth of clothes, camping gear

Native art goes missing from Juneau elementary school

Police recover school’s stolen artwork