Local artist needs help finding sketchbook

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A local artist needs your help after losing a precious piece of her artwork.

Judith Friebert of Shorewood lost a sketchbook after attending church services at the First Unitarian Society on Astor Street.

“It’s just a terrible sinking feeling when you’ve lost your sketchbook,” Friebert told us. It was a quick mistake that caused Friebert to lose the collection of sketches.

“I put it on the top of my car and forgot it as I drove off,” she said. Friebert believes this happened on June 2, around 12:30 in the afternoon.

Pages would scatter and later be found near Marshall Street, but the book itself remains lost.

Friebert made a Craigslist ad to help in her search. She’s offering a $100 reward for its return, but Friebert remains hopeful that it’s not just the money that matters.

“I’m very hopeful that the person that has it will come forward, noting not only that I’m offering a reward, but how much it would mean to me to have it back,” Friebert told us.

It’s not just Friebert who has an interest in the sketchbook’s return. The Wisconsin Historical Society has agreed to archive her work upon her passing.

The pieces themselves are distinctive; mostly sketch portraits. Friebert thinks that could be the key in getting the sketchbook back where it belongs.

If you or anyone you know has information about the sketchbook’s return, please e-mail us with more.