What are the most intriguing mysteries in the art world? Which treasures have been stolen and whodunit? Are they still at large? Would you like to see them?

For an evening of entertainment, food, fun and festivities, get artsy and support the St. Tammany Art Association’s Geaux Arts Ball as they present “Great Art Thefts Throughout the Ages.”

Art will come alive and stolen art on display at the soiree planned for Jan. 24. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was stolen from the wall of the Louvre in 1911 by Vincenzo Peruggia, who simply wanted to return the artwork to Italy. Picasso’s Dora Maar, an oil on canvas of his early love, famous photographer Dora Maar, was stolen in 1999 from a Saudi yacht and is on the FBI’s National Stolen Art File, not yet recovered. Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of a Woman is embroiled in a battle between countries, since it was stolen by the Nazis during World War II and then sold. The Concert by Vermeer was stolen from the Isabella Stewart Museum in Boston in 1990 and not yet recovered. The art work is not yet recovered, and those pieces that have been located will be on display through the efforts of local arts enthusiasts dressed for the event in a “live event,” said Allison Greffenius, coordinator of the event.

The event, set from 7-11 p.m. at the Art House, 320 N. Columbia St. in downtown Covington, will be the focus to start the 2009 art season. Entertainment includes the national award-winning Fontainebleau High School Jazz Ensemble and New Orleans vocalist Sarah Quintana and her musicians. Emcees of the event include Bernie Cyrus and Sheri Campbell. There will also be a silent auction.

Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased by calling 892-8650 or online www.sttammanyartassociation.org. All proceeds will support the STAA arts education programming and community outreach.

Ticket packages at reduced rates are available.