The $2.99 Painting That Shocked Ohio
It was supposed to be a normal thrift store run. A woman in Ohio popped into her local Goodwill one afternoon, browsing through the usual odds and ends. But tucked between dusty picture frames, she spotted a small painting that somehow stood out. She bought it for $2.99 — not knowing that it would soon make headlines nationwide.
Just Another Thrift Store Find… Or So It Seemed
Like many bargain hunters, Marisa Alcorn wasn’t expecting to strike gold — just maybe find something unique for her wall. But there was something about this painting that caught her attention. The scene was calm, almost nostalgic, and the brushwork felt surprisingly detailed. She figured it was worth a few bucks, so she brought it home.
Cincinnati gallery helps woman sell $3 painting for nearly $3K, LOCAL 12
A Closer Look at the Painting
When Alcorn got home and unwrapped the frame, she noticed a small signature at the bottom: Johann Berthelsen. It didn’t ring a bell, but curiosity got the better of her. She decided to do a little online research — and that’s when the story took an unexpected turn.
Cincinnati gallery helps woman sell $3 painting for nearly $3K, LOCAL 12
Discovering a Hidden Name in Art History
A quick search revealed that Johann Berthelsen wasn’t just any artist — he was an American Impressionist painter from the early 1900s. Known for his dreamlike, snowy cityscapes, his works often sell for thousands. Suddenly, that $2.99 purchase didn’t seem so ordinary.
The Artist Behind the Masterpiece
Berthelsen was born in Denmark in 1883 and moved to the US as a child. He became famous for his ability to make winter scenes shimmer with warmth. Collectors love his work for its mood — the glow of streetlights, the hush of falling snow. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and deeply human.
The Moment of Realization
Alcorn couldn’t believe what she was seeing online. Paintings similar to hers were listed at auction for thousands of dollars. Was it possible that she had stumbled upon a real Berthelsen? There was only one way to find out — she needed an expert opinion.
Cincinnati gallery helps woman sell $3 painting for nearly $3K, LOCAL 12
The Trip to Cowan’s Auctions
Alcorn reached out to Cowan’s Auctions, a respected auction house based in Cincinnati. The team there agreed to take a look at her painting. When the experts examined it, they immediately recognized the signature style and confirmed — it was authentic.
Cincinnati gallery helps woman sell $3 painting for nearly $3K, LOCAL 12
A Thrift Store Treasure Confirmed
The painting turned out to be an original Johann Berthelsen piece, painted decades ago. It had likely been donated without anyone realizing its true value. Alcorn was stunned. Her thrift store find was now an actual piece of American art history.
$2.99 painting found at Ohio Goodwill sells for nearly $3,000 at auction, WLWT
The Auction Listing
Cowan’s Auctions decided to list the painting for sale. Based on the artist’s market value, they estimated it could fetch between $1,000 and $2,000. That alone was an incredible jump from its $2.99 price tag, but the story was only just beginning.
Bidding Begins in Cincinnati
When the auction went live, bidders from across the country started showing interest. The painting’s charm — and its “Goodwill discovery” backstory — made it even more appealing. Within minutes, the bids climbed higher than expected.
A Stunning Final Price
When the dust settled, the painting sold for an impressive $2,875. Nearly $3,000 — all from a casual thrift store purchase. The buyer was thrilled to own a genuine Berthelsen, and Alcorn could hardly believe her luck.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com, Pexels
From $2.99 to Nearly $3,000
Think about that for a second: she made almost a thousandfold profit. That’s like turning a cup of coffee money into a rent payment. The math works out to a profit margin of roughly 95,900% — one of the biggest thrift store wins you’ll ever hear about.
When News Broke, the Internet Loved It
Once local outlets like WKRC and UPI shared the story, social media went wild. People everywhere started sharing the tale, jokingly vowing to scour their local thrift stores for hidden masterpieces. It became one of those feel-good stories that everyone needed.
$2.99 painting found at Ohio Goodwill sells for nearly $3,000 at auction, WLWT
The Magic of Johann Berthelsen’s Work
Berthelsen’s art has a timeless charm that continues to captivate collectors. His snowy New York scenes feel alive, filled with warmth and nostalgia. Each painting seems to capture the quiet magic of winter — and that emotional pull is part of what makes his work so valuable today.
Why His Art Keeps Rising in Value
Collectors say Berthelsen’s paintings bridge fine art and comfort. His soft impressionist technique feels personal, almost like a memory. As his works age and become harder to find, their prices keep climbing — and this lucky Goodwill shopper benefited from that surge.
Cincinnati gallery helps woman sell $3 painting for nearly $3K, LOCAL 12
The Power of Instinct
What’s amazing is that Alcorn didn’t have any art background. She just trusted her gut. Something about that little painting spoke to her. It’s a reminder that intuition — and a good eye — can sometimes beat expertise.
Cincinnati gallery helps woman sell $3 painting for nearly $3K, LOCAL 12
The Thrill of Thrift Shopping
Thrift stores are like treasure hunts for the modern world. You never really know what you’ll find — maybe a designer coat, maybe a collector’s item, or in this case, an original work of art worth thousands. That’s what makes thrifting addictive for so many people.
Cincinnati gallery helps woman sell $3 painting for nearly $3K, LOCAL 12
The Auction House’s Reaction
The team at Cowan’s Auctions said stories like this remind them why they love their job. It’s not just about selling — it’s about rediscovering pieces of history that might have otherwise been lost. They were thrilled to help bring the painting’s story full circle.
Cincinnati gallery helps woman sell $3 painting for nearly $3K, LOCAL 12
How One Painting Changed a Week
For Alcorn, this find wasn’t just about the money — it was about the excitement of discovery. She described being “stunned” and “grateful.” In just a few weeks, she went from anonymous shopper to local celebrity with a viral good-news story.
Thrifted painting sells for thousands of dollars, 11Alive
Why These Stories Matter
In a world filled with bad headlines, tales like this one remind us that luck and beauty can still show up in the most unexpected places — even on a Goodwill shelf in Ohio. It’s a small miracle wrapped in a wooden frame.
Thrifted painting sells for thousands of dollars, 11Alive
Lessons for All Treasure Hunters
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: stay curious. Flip that frame, read that signature, and never assume something is worthless just because it’s cheap. There’s real joy in finding value where no one else sees it.
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