A painting by a local artist has been stolen from the Phoenix Gallery, 825 Massachusetts St.

The painting, “Cherry Still Life” by Jessica Rold, was stolen off the wall of the main gallery, said the gallery’s manager, Sue Shea. The painting is relatively small, in an oval vintage frame that measures approximately 12 inches by 14 inches. Store personnel think the painting was stolen Thursday.

In the five years the gallery has been open, nothing has ever been stolen off the walls, Shea said.

“We’re heartbroken,” she said. “It’s the trust issue.”

The gallery, which has already compensated Rold for the loss of the painting, is offering a $500 reward for its return.

“It’s not about the money,” Shea said. “Each piece in there is something that’s made by hand. We are hoping someone will have a change of heart and will return it.”

Rold, an artist at SeedCo Studios, said the painting was one of her showpieces and a personal favorite.

“It was definitely one of the pieces I’m most proud of,” she said. “In every piece there is a little bit of you that goes into it.”

Anyone with information about the theft can call the Lawrence Police Department at 785-832-7509 or CrimeStoppers at 785-843-TIPS (8477). Calls made to CrimeStoppers can be made anonymously.