A massive 8-foot-tall wooden trout sculpture weighing 250 pounds was stolen from a Helena artist's workshop over the weekend, leaving the creator heartbroken and searching for answers. Jesse Purdom, a local sculptor who has been creating art for 14 years, discovered his prized artwork missing when he arrived at his studio near Arby's on North Montana Avenue.
"A bit of disbelief, just kind of like, man, did it get pushed or blown over? I don't think anyone would have stolen my work," Purdom said, describing his initial reaction to finding the sculpture gone. The theft required significant effort and planning, as Purdom explained: "It would take a couple of strong guys for sure, two at the very minimum, and they're doing some lifting and dragging and probably throw it in the back of a truck."
The stolen sculpture holds special significance for Purdom, as it represents the beginning of his artistic journey. "It's something that I cut my teeth on doing," he said. "When I see it, it just reminds me of where I came from and the skill that I've acquired over the years, and it's just important to me." The wooden trout was the first sculpture Purdom ever carved, making its loss particularly devastating for the artist and his wife Jen.
Purdom transitioned into art after losing his job as a commercial electrician 14 years ago. He initially worked with metal before discovering his passion for wood carving, which eventually became his full-time profession. He operates out of his studio on Maple Street, and the stolen carving previously served as a distinctive marker for his workspace, helping visitors locate his workshop.
Jen Purdom expressed the couple's frustration and grief over the theft. "I was angry and disappointed to have that be gone because it's something that you can't get back, it's the one and only," she said. The unique nature of handcrafted artwork makes the sculpture irreplaceable, adding to the emotional impact of the crime on the artistic community.
The theft has surprised many in the local art scene, as such incidents are relatively rare. "Usually, artwork's pretty safe, even those that aren't in the best of intentions, usually don't mess with artwork just based upon the fact that they respect what it is, and they probably like looking at it," Purdom observed, noting the unusual nature of targeting artistic works.
The couple has taken multiple steps to recover their stolen sculpture, including filing a police report with Helena authorities, reaching out to neighbors for information, and posting about the theft on social media platforms. Despite their efforts, no leads have emerged regarding the sculpture's whereabouts or the identity of the thieves.
Purdom and his wife remain hopeful that the sculpture will be returned voluntarily. They are encouraging anyone with information about the theft to contact the Helena Police Department. Meanwhile, Purdom continues his artistic work from his Maple Street studio, though the absence of his landmark first sculpture serves as a constant reminder of the weekend's unfortunate events. Those interested in viewing more of Jesse Purdom's artwork can find additional pieces through his official channels.
