1 week ago
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What started as a casual search through the bargain bins at her local Goodwill turned into an extraordinary discovery for Sarah Parry from Keller, Texas, when she stumbled on an oil painting with an amazing detail.
While looking through the secondhand goods, Parry stumbled on an $8 oil painting. But when she looked closer, she noticed the artist's name—Echohawk.
Brummett Echohawk was a celebrated Pawnee artist, author, World War II hero and a member of the Pawnee Indian tribe. At auction, his paintings have sold for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.
"I studied a bit of Cherokee in college, so when I saw the artist's name, I immediately recognized it as Indigenous," Parry told Newsweek. "I quickly Googled his name and learned he was not only an artist but also a published author and a war hero. I bought it for $8 and was thrilled when I got home to do more research."
The painting itself features a red pickup truck driving through a blanket of snow. On the back, a piece of tape reads: "Santa drives a red and white pick up."
The painting has yet to be appraised, and Parry is currently taking steps to clean and preserve it as it has some mold on the back.
After making the find and bringing it home, Parry shared it on TikTok where her video has been viewed over 500,000 times. Here she asked what she should do with it next, and in the comments people shared their thoughts and advice.
"Get it valued, donate it, get a receipt from the museum, and write off the value on your taxes," said viewer Aleafa.
TikToker Bianca wrote: "You found a treasure."
"Keep it and sell it in like 50 years when the values up," suggested Zach.
Despite the painting's potential value, Parry said she wants to keep the piece for now. "I shared the find on TikTok because I felt like I had found a treasure. I wanted to see if anyone could confirm its authenticity or offer advice. This is the first painting I've ever bought from a Goodwill, and I'm so glad I did."
Echohawk, who lived between 1922–2006, led an extraordinary life. A soldier in World War II, he sketched battlefield scenes during the Italian Campaign of 1943–1944. After being wounded in combat, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and went on to become a prominent illustrator, painter and historian.
Echohawk is known for works including both vibrant landscapes of Oklahoma and powerful portraits of Pawnee leaders and historical figures, inspired by early photographs and Indigenous history.
Since his death in 2006, his paintings and legacy have become increasingly celebrated. The "Echohawk Project," a multiyear initiative honoring his life and work, recently featured an exhibition titled Nations at War! Field Sketches of a Pawnee Warrior at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma.
Parry added: "It feels like owning a piece of history. Brummett Echohawk's story is one of resilience and artistry, and I'm so proud to have found this painting."
This isn't the first time a thrift store find has proven valuable. Last year a man in Canada stumbled on a vase priced at just $7.99 that turned out to be worth thousands.
A 4 year old proved her thrifting skills when she picked up a piece of stoneware so valuable that is displayed in the Smithsonian.
