Criss Crossing, oil, by Marin Dobson $1,800, 12 x 36

Honesty prevails making gallery life a pleasure. Let me explain. When Jos came to Crested Butte to find a means for us to make a living here, he found the gallery on the market. It seemed like a dream come true. We'd visited Crested Butte for 15 years as tourists. Now we could be the welcoming business owners rather than the curious customers.

Coming from a more densely populated area, we had gained skills for avoiding pick pockets and the like. What a pleasure to discover the honesty among art lovers. In 15 years we've received one bad check. Our clientele are a delight.

Yesterday we were flabbergasted when a customer thought other customers had stolen her wallet. The accused had left the store - never knowing about the accusation to come. The woman reported the theft at the marshall's office. Soon Ted came by to take a report and to have Jos right up a statement. Tom came to pick up the statement. Jos suggested that the woman would find her wallet when she unpacked her suitcase that evening.

Today Tom came by to let us know that Jos had analyzed the situation correctly. The woman found her wallet in her suitcase. If I'd never lived in an area where theft was a problem, I might not have understood the woman's fears. I'm glad we have such a wonderful clientele. We are sorry that we could not calm this woman's fears. We are glad all turned out well.