Betsy Viola, of WV Highlands Gallery, said their has been a new development regarding the mystery photo. Recently a large painting of two young ladies was left outside the WVHighlands Gallery in Davis. There was no note or any information attached to the painting. It was sitting outside the door when the worker arrived that morning.
“I got a call this morning from a man named Jim Mazzella. He saw the article about the painting in the Advocate. I think he lives in the Parkersburg area. The painting is of his wife and her sister. Their mother lived in Canaan and died a year ago at Cortland. The painting must have been stored in her house, he does not know how it got to our gallery.” Viola said.
Viola said he does want the painting back. “They have a friend, Sarah Schwartz, who lives in Thomas and she is going to pick up the painting and return it to the Mazzella’s.” she stated.
“Mr. Mazzella was VERY appreciative that we tried to track down who the painting might belong to. He told me he wants to make a donation to our gallery.” Viola said.