His usual warm, inviting smile was replaced Tuesday with a look of disappointment as he solemnly stared at the deep hole where his piece of art once stood. For local talent Charlie “Tin Man” Lucas, a piece of his art — and a piece of himself — is now gone.

Two of his works, which Lucas said are worth thousands of dollars, had been stolen from outside Lucas’ shop on Broad Street. The items, which were pulled out of the ground, Lucas said, would’ve been showcased in an upcoming documentary.

“It’s just heartbreaking,” Lucas said. “I think somebody got it and knows what this is. I’m asking the public to help me.”

Lucas, who went out of town for the Christmas holidays, returned Monday to find his art missing.

“I had people coming to tour the site and when we walked around (the building), I realized something was gone,” he said. “I want to be calm enough to ask people to help me out with this.“

Known for creating works of art from discarded metal and household material, Lucas’ two pieces “Old Cowboy,” about a cowboy turned farmer, and “Dis Should Get Em Rolling,” about a child and a wheel, were popular pieces.

Lucas said he’s not bitter or angry about the situation, offering anyone with information a cash reward.

“If I’m mad, I will lose my focus of where I need to be,” Lucas said. “I stay disciplined in my art because this is where God wants me to be. I’ve been trying to work hard to bring artwork to Selma — to get these children off the streets (and), all of a sudden this comes out; Whoever stole them, I do forgive them.”

After visiting many scrap yards across the city early Tuesday, Lucas remains optimistic.

“They said they would’ve noticed the pieces if they came through … I don’t think they’re (his work) at the scrap yard,” Lucas said. “I have my name welded on each piece. I think it’s cool people from scrap yards think what I do, my work, is beautiful.”

If you have any leads, contact Lucas at 872-3956 or 874-2143. When contacted for information, officials with the Selma Police Department were unable to provide any further details.

Those with information are also encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-44CRIME (442-7463).