Over the weekend, a thief or thieves stole the bronze sculpture of a girl that had welcomed visitors to the Auburn Community and Event Center with open arms for the last five years.

According to Daryl Faber, director of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation, a Parks Maintenance Employee made the unhappy discovery on Sunday.

“I am both saddened and angry by this crime,” Faber said Monday afternoon. “This beautiful sculpture of an energetic girl welcomed everyone to our community and teen center. This act is despicable.”

Seattle Artist David Varnaud’s artwork, Joie de Vivre, was installed in 2017. It is valued at about $10,000.