Chuck Taylo
Last November, art teacher Theresa West-Taylo was in Florida with her daughter and decided to stop by a Goodwill store in Port Charlotte. West-Taylo found a large, vibrant painting of pink flowers marked for $24.99. Being from Indiana, however, she spotted an important detail that a Floridian might overlook: the signature of celebrated Indiana artist Nancy Noël, whose paintings can sell for over $60,000.
West-Taylo did what any savvy shopper would do: she quickly scooped up the painting.
Nancy Noël (1945-2020) was born in Indianapolis and was closely connected to the city throughout her career. In addition to her Impressionist-style paintings of subjects like children, animals, and angelic figures, she was known for her charitable work and relationship with the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis.
West-Taylo had spent years teaching her students how to recognize quality artwork and encouraging them to look in places like garage sales and thrift shops so she knew what to look for. She took note of the painting’s quality and the distinctive “N.A. Noël” signature. When she consulted N.A. Noël Gallery CEO Kathy Pierle, along with Noël’s sons, Michael and Alex Noël Kosene, agreed that the painting is most likely Noël’s work. What’s more, none of them had seen it before, adding to the excitement.
The painting has not yet been appraised, but according to IndyStar, Noël’s paintings in similar sizes have sold for $60,000 to $80,000. However, West-Taylo has said she would prefer to keep it.
You may also like:
The $40 Miracle: Bargain Buy Turns Out to Be a Frans David Oerder Painting Worth Thousands
Original Bob Ross Painting for Sale for $10 Million
$4 Thrift Shop Find of N.C. Wyeth Painting Could be Worth $250,000
