Uncovering a dumpster full of art worth millions

In 2017 a barn cleanout in Connecticut revealed a treasure trove of artworks, by an obscure artist who'd died the year before. Now, experts say the dumpster art could be worth millions. Correspondent David Pogue delves into the intriguing tale of how a skateboarding mechanic became a detective in order to uncover the identity of Francis Hines, an expressionist who experimented with wrapping buildings, objects and paintings.
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.
Subscribe to the "CBS Sunday Morning" KZbin channel: bit.ly/20gXwJT
Get more of "CBS Sunday Morning": cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Instagram: bit.ly/23XunIh
Like "CBS Sunday Morning" on Facebook: bit.ly/3sRgLPG
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Twitter: bit.ly/1RquoQb
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@markharrisllb]

"I’m an uneducated skateboarding mechanics." He listed two things I can’t do and look up to people who can. He knew enough to do his research and well done him.

[@utubefreshie]

He's just a humble, a bit self-deprecating guy but he recognized art when he saw it! And good on him! He deserves every fortune that will come to him for rescuing these works. Also love how he consulted "Mr. Google" first like any of us regular schmoes would do! Haha

[@donnawoodford6641]

And the Shine's family is letting him keep the proceeds.

[@grittykitty50]

Just because someone isn't "educated" doesn't mean they aren't smart.

[@TheChunder3]

Yep - me either

[@gossamerglenn6714]

Art is part of skateboarding as much as any of it

[@JerryFisher]

In a world that seems to be spinning out of control, little stories like these are sorely needed. I love that all this art was rescued. Who knows how much art has been lost in the past, and likely will be in the future because it isn't lucky enough to be found and appreciated? I regret that I myself can't see or understand the attraction or value of the art. Undoubtedly it involves a lot of abstraction, which I'm not good at, at least not in the artistic sense. I hope this art finds homes in museums and galleries everywhere. If there is one thing I can sense and understand about it is that a lot of thought, work, and passion went into it.

[@earthangel8730]

When was the the world spinning out of control as far as the human species is concerned? When? Take all the time you need. Spoiler alert! We suck as a species.

[@JerryFisher]

@@earthangel8730 it's a pity that you've lost faith. We do have the capability to improve. We have evolved. Sadly we sometimes slide backwards. If it is perfection you are alluding to, then you'll be sorely disappointed with all of existence.

[@pattykelly6621]

@@earthangel8730 2016...and it continues

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

What amazing work. Thank goodness for skateboarding, undereducated mechanics! Good eye. 👍🏻💯👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤗

[@UandMeGod]

Wow! What a great story! I am so glad this skateboarding mechanic dude cared enough to spend countless hours researching who this artist was and what his back story is! Then he cared enough to delve into the mind and heart of the artist F. Hines! Great job dude!

[@jaredwhipple3319]

Thank you!! Been a crazy journey this last 4 1/2 years and a complete Labor of love. I’m just beyond thrilled that the work itself is being accepted as I always thought it would be.

[@brucekuehn4031]

Art is another area that “the elites” think they own. Art should be for the people - the common man (or woman).

[@brucelee4996]

@@jaredwhipple3319I see a Mega-ramp in your future. 🛹

[@dee_dee_place]

@@jaredwhipple3319 Thank you for seeing what I can only hope Mr. Hines hoped we would see in his artwork... & now, all of us can. Kudos to you, Dear Sir. BTW- I have a watercolor painting hanging in my home for which no one seems to know who is the artist; it is signed. After your extensive research to find Mr. Hines, do you have any suggestions of where I can look for information? Thanks.

[@jaredwhipple3319]

@@dee_dee_place I would dig through google for endless hours and unfortunately learn who friends and family were through certain obituaries, even track them down on social media, old land lines or any other way possible. I even knocked on a bunch of wrong doors throughout the years. Haha. I have fun with it though

[@daisyy99]

A fascinating story. Talented artist, ahead of his time. This worker who appreciated Hines' talents and doggedly pursued information is to be commended.

[@earthangel8730]

The Heines family DID commend him! He gets all the dough! 🤑

[@dangermouse2977]

@@earthangel8730 r

[@julienielsen3746]

Talented. LOL

[@TheLochs]

This is a wonderful story, this guy would probably never have gotten so in depth with art if it weren't for this find. Now he's a fan/expert on Heinz.

[@TenTenJ]

Skateboarding is an art, mechanics is an art, just because someone is not as far along as another in his ability to articulate his notions doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the right notion.

[@QuietlyCurious]

What excites me more than genius itself is the discovery of the appreciation of genius. Lovely story.

[@buster9106]

Our "under-educated skateboarding mechanic" hero has reintroduced us to a forgotten American artist. He wasn't doing it to make a buck, he was doing it because he appreciated the art. And I'm very glad the artist's family has allowed him to own the bulk of the paintings. He deserves that. And he is certainly now well educated about the art of Francis Hines.

[@infraredthomas]

The value of these artworks was, for the artist, in creating them; for the salvager, in saving them and having the artist recognized. Whether they're worth millions remains to be seen and notably, of less importance in this story.

[@swerve361]

👏

[@dee_dee_place]

Absolutely! Art for the creation of art. I marvel at people who have the creativity to put into a tangible form what I could only possibly imagine. They might be 'done' when their piece is created but the life of the piece is a gift to us all. How Wonderful!

[@helenamcginty4920]

But it was his recognising the artistic and creative value that set him on a quest.

[@charlesbaker5001]

This story has all the requirements for an knock down drag out entertaining family Hollywood movie.

[@marcelovolcato8892]

He was smart and realized what he had found in the barn. Kudos to him!

[@coniwatson9512]

This man saved art from us losing it forever. Bravo

[@sharonmchugh7730]

Im so happy this man took the time to rediscover this artist; it is meant to be 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@henryposadas295]

Kudos for him for renewing interest into the artist's work. He deserves all the monetary rewards that falls in his way.

[@lindaweigel8572]

Fantastic discovery and resurrection of an artist's vision. How wonderful!

[@janell1963]

What a great story. It couldn’t happen to a better guy. And, what interesting work.

[@suziperret468]

Wow, it’s so important to have art work saved and categorized to preserve it for posterity.

[@oscarmax3242]

Great story! This man deserves every bit of credit and success for pursuing the mystery and resurrecting the story of Hines.

[@A.Rose.G]

There's a movie in this, I think. 96 is a long life. An artist with a touch of fame, an obsession, a barn. A nice blue collar guy, undiscovered treasure by chance, social levels, and obsession again, a touch of fame again. Then the fame the artist never fully achieved until after passing on.

[@juliao1255]

The first moment I saw the art my heart swelled, and my mind was blown, and my head said, " Oh my gosh, that is so cool!". The story is just as cool as the art itself! Life is amazing, isn't it? I am so thankful and glad for every one of you who played a part of bringing this into my life! P.S. To the Universe: I would love to have one of those hanging on my wall.

[@gailcarey3597]

It’s sad to see any art destroyed. Artists have long been undervalued for their blood, sweat and tears devoted to their craft. Watching countless sculptures vandalized and ripped off of their pediments is heartbreaking.

[@ShiningSakura]

the undervaluing is due to these auction houses and art communities insatiable desire to invest in the art rather than pay for something they love to hang in their home to enjoy. Its like housing and anything else of value.... its for resale latter and investment rather than enjoyment and use.

[@HabitualLover]

Sculptures ripped off their pediments? If the art is in the service of oppression, it barely deserves to stand. Maybe not destroy, but move it from from serving the public purpose of memorializing ongoing hatred, move it somewhere else to teach that not misusing art for memorializing oppression is a lesson humanity needs. To recognize and be honest about the effects instead of generations worth of delusion to cover up and justify harming others.

[@gailcarey3597]

@@HabitualLover As a Christian it broke my heart to see the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas by the Taliban. There is so much to learn from art and it’s history. Aushwitz still exists; not as a memorial, but a reminder.

[@funwithFred]

I have goosebumps for your find, and your search for his story. It was meant to be. So wonderful to share it with the world.....and I think he'd approve. It's going to change your life, Jarrod. What you've found has no price tag. It's priceless. You've given him his voice. Treat it as such. Well done.

[@toughflowers5088]

Love how most of his art work looks 3d,4d, he was ahead of his time. Really making me want one now

[@snakedoktor6020]

I see the 3D aspect of it, but not the 4D. Not saying that wasn't his intention. But the problem is, we wouldn't be able to see it.

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

"Maybe Francis can wrap my head around it" ... love this guy... thank you, humankind needs more beings just like you... best wishes...

[@justinw8512]

Some of them shown are just incredible. I’d love to have just one to look at just for a day.

[@TheCandiceWang]

3:18 one is breathtaking to me! I agree!

[@52063impedio]

So glad he was able to save this artwork. It is truly amazing!

[@mdsfo]

Interesting story! The sheer number of the artworks is amazing, and it is fortunate that they weren't destroyed. The news stories will help drum up interest in them, and they will no doubt sell for high prices. As an artist who in the past sold my art through galleries on the west coast, I know how this kind of thing works.

[@maxlinder5262]

Now that's Amazing ....& Great for the man who found the Art ..... Good 👍 for him.....

[@marielg9143]

Congrats I'm glad you were connected you were the right person a very deserving one.

[@IntriguedLioness]

The painting of the piano with the artist's full name intrigued me .. assumedly it might be the first. I find these paintings fascinating and it reminds me of the photographers who were rather unknown and their film is found in storage, in boxes, forgotten. I, myself, once found unprocessed films of my family and I was fascinated that it could be brought into the light once again. In art we can see the world through another person's eyes, and these say so much of an artist who sadly has passed, but his left us with his vision. Many thanks to this "blue collar" curator!!

[@jaredwhipple3319]

Thanks so much!!!! Been a complete labor of love for the last 4 1/2 years.

[@Jackjohnjay]

Most importantly, the paintings are really beautiful and were saved!

[@tvviewer4500]

There is value in creating every day. Glad it didn't get thrown out.

[@catherinereynolds9644]

Congratulations on the art find. And, congratulations on realizing what you found. Thank you for bringing this artist to the light of the art world, again.

[@gardensofthegods]

Such a mind-blowing story needs to be made into a movie ... incredible that the Hines Family is kind enough not to haggle with him and to let him keep most of the profits .

[@drewbyjustchills8631]

Could they even legally do that? The art was in the trash.

[@hanaj]

His work is amazing. So happy the world gets to see it. Hopefully several end up in museums

[@MsSherryjh]

Thank God this Art has been saved!

[@curiouslyt2123]

WOW, that’s an amazing story! The fam must be kicking themselves!

[@lanarose1111]

Beautiful story.! Bravo 👏 to this man.! And to Francis for endlessly creating and doing what brought him joy🙌

[@sandy-sagerabbitvintage2681]

That is great! I'm so happy for these guys. One for making it big and for reviving Hine's work again. I remember the arch being wrapped. I was going to the School of Visual Arts in NYC in 1980 and his work was a big deal.

[@shena1256]

These pieces are amazing! Great find.

[@peacenow4456]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this story. Please donate your art, don't dump it!!

[@shannono8397]

So glad he found the TREASURED ART! It was really nice to see the video and hear the Artist speak of his process~ Amazing works , Incredible life~

[@thesuperspoiled301]

The staues are stunning! Some of tgevpieces are very thought provoking! So glad that this young man rescued and decieded to sell and show the world the lost art!

[@pattykelly6621]

Beautiful work. Glad it has been rescued

[@pnuthead13]

Cheers to undereducated, INCREDIBLY smart, blue collar people.

[@janetpattison8474]

I absolutely love love love Hines’s Art. It’s really incredible!

[@ladenjacobsen2368]

This is amazing, that is true treasure

[@sarahporter9541]

Love it!! And ummm Mechanics Are educateded... He had great instincts..and a stick-to-it attitude. Awsome!

[@scottfortune9016]

I rescued a painting from being thrown out. It wasn't in the trash yet, but it was heading there. It wasn't appreciated. It hangs behind me every day. The artist, WEEKLY. That's all it says. I love the painting, and I don't know if it has monetary value, but I appreciate it every day.

[@jrbaskind]

This is amazing!

[@wadeguidry6675]

I don't much about modern art but I actually find his paintings very appealing.

[@franromano1986]

Just one of those unexplainable great things that happen in Life!☺

[@themagazineantiques9602]

This was an incredible story, Jared took on a great and noble task

[@carieyounginsurance]

Wow what a dream! Sad this artist didn’t get much recognition in life but now people can have a pc of him in the afterlife! Well done

[@DigitalLambchop8]

Love this story! Amazing Art! I think Frances would LOVE this, the perfect person found it!

[@45035]

Outstanding shipmate. Press on. USS Kitty Hawk CV-63. Jan 1980 to July 1983. Art lover for life.

[@crpond3699]

So happy for you!

[@djpelissey]

What a fantastic find. Good for him!

[@otoepony5813]

HAHAHAHA I can’t help but LMAO at all the sophisticated art people this guy spoke to who shut their doors in his face before he found the one guy who would listen to him. Beautiful!!!!

[@almostafarm6394]

Thank you for saving this from the landfill...

[@ciscosebanes]

The world thanks you sir.

[@sharksport01]

No they dont.

[@ecurewitz]

Good for this guy. Congrats on his find

[@dixietenbroeck8717]

Many of these works are positively _VISCERAL_ - not unlike Da Vinci's anatomical drawings! As a lifelong student of the human body, I was brought to tears, especially around 2:50-3:10. *SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!* I wish great fortune to the "skateboarding, blue collar, mechanic," as he was able to recognize there was *ART before his eyes.* 🤟👵

[@vickieevenson9309]

Absolutely amazing story. How sad that his children thought so little of his work. Shame on them.

[@lilithrogers5204]

WoW!! Great Find!! Great story! Great ART! Thanks!

[@wcube2747]

Absolutely awesome

[@ieattofu68]

I really do admire the work .

[@erik61801]

That muscle one was awesome. Nice score.

[@larrypicard8802]

Wow I can’t believe the family is not contesting ownership. That’s excellent!!

[@dannielledickinson672]

Bravo to you sir and to such a great artist as well as the Art collector who is redefining the works of 🎨 art

[@AlexAlex-gj4jd]

What a great story! The painting! are amazing and I love the size and bright colors. I was thinking Christo was the first and only building "wrapper" but Hines was ahead of his time! I'm a little surprised that the Hines' family and Jared's friend didn't want to split the future profits from the sale of the works!

[@gracedomingo9003]

I think what was said that he would keep most of the profits.

[@olivierbolton8683]

Great Discovery...so many artists have passed on their spirit after their departing. Goes to show that art, for an artist, is not about the money, even though a little can stretch a long way while he/she are still alive. I feel the tension...now attention!

[@tuc1113]

I hope these works are photographed and made into a coffee table book for us to buy and appreciate.

[@myothercarisadelorean8957]

It's wild to me how these "barn finds" are becoming popular. Almost wonder if the people are intending to this in purpose, sort of like a time capsule purpose.

[@esockell]

"Barn finds", such an interesting way of describing it. My dad was always poking around places where he might find something noteworthy or interesting but not intending on anything specific. He only found it interesting in a historical and/or beauty sense. The man who found this amazing body of art work wasn't out to "find" anything. He was cleaning out a barn and tripped over it!

[@petemavus2948]

@@esockell This is somewhat similar to the discovery of a life times work of Nanny/Photographer Vivien Maier in a storage facility locker being auctioned off for non payment. Unlike Hines she was unknown to the Art world altogether. Though an 'amateur' her prolific body of work rivals that of all the considered ' GREATS '.

[@jaredwhipple3319]

@@petemavus2948 that was an incredible story and incredible work. To me it was much more of a mystery and I’d love to talk with John Maloof one day about his journey though it all.

[@petemavus2948]

@@jaredwhipple3319 V.M. reminds me of a Marge Piercy line from one of her poems about poetry: "You have to love it better than being loved". V.M. never sought wealth or fame but gave her all to others children, humanity and photography. I'm glad you enjoy too! ✌️

[@erickane7093]

What an awesome real life story

[@adelaferreira4575]

What a cool guy !

[@jeff__w]

Even more than the art itself, Jared Whipple makes the story.

[@sharksport01]

Puke.

[@lianelindsey1407]

What a neat story!

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

I’d love to have any of those paintings…the piece with piano…my oh my.

[@colinchampollion4420]

I already have that o n e😁

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

@@colinchampollion4420 you lucky man!

[@colinchampollion4420]

@@sharonkaczorowski8690 my life has changed sooo much. i am now rebuilding my home like the Mormon temple in italy

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

@@colinchampollion4420 good for you! A temple is appropriate for Italy!

[@scottanson7524]

Great story … best of luck on a great find in the best big dumpster of all dumpster

[@PacoOtis]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing.

[@jeanetteschock4744]

Wonderful story

[@jeanmichelbasquiat4444]

As an artist myself i probably would have painted over every canvas as i do with art i find at the thrift stores lol.

[@franjaserra]

Maybe he is an uneducated skateboarding mechanic but has humility, talent and a good sense for valuable things... Excellent story..

[@thetndixie]

Outstanding!😍❤️✌️

[@goldenviolet]

Thank Gods and Goddesses for these thinking men and their gold mine of Art. Francis has touched you with everything Art!!!!

[@elmerkilred159]

I wonder how much art actually goes to the landfill without ever being discovered?

[@anniebodyhome1000]

I remember the crazy "wrapper." And that's just what I thought in 1980, that he was nuts and making a mess. But I have to say I really like the pieces of wall art. Cool.

[@lindamon5101]

Oh man score!!! Im in love! I could wrap my head around it!🥰😍🤩🤩

[@chrisfinch8637]

Once you see art that’s no longer used, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it can NOT be used to make more art. You can make old art, into fresh and new art.

[@lesleythompson6801]

Can you give more details or examples?

[@lewstone5430]

@Lesley Thompson why don’t you come up with a list of examples? I want 5 examples right now, Lesley!

[@lesleythompson6801]

I'm not sure what making new art from old has to do with this.

[@BloomByCC]

Good on YOU MAN! Well done!

[@chrisl418]

Please please please display it! New original art is rare and the world wants to view it. Please!!! -an artist and appreciator of fellow artists

[@jennifers6435]

Wow..I remember the building wraps

[@janisdeluca3028]

This art work is not my cup of tea but there's several pieces I wouldn't mind having. I enjoyed the story and hope the art makes a ton!

[@andyginterblues2961]

I am certain that I've seen a few Hines paintings on display. That style is pretty distinctive.

[@patriciarouse2801]

Fantastic!

[@petermot645]

Bravo !

[@MyPhobo]

I like how he was an artist who retired to become an artist.

[@andybaldman]

The art world will take you seriously if they believe there’s money to be made.

[@timolake5273]

That is true but sad!

[@SandyWolf-]

I like to hear miracles like this, So awesome for that young man may he prosper and stay focus be happy😁👍

[@everlastinggobstopper4569]

Great artist!

[@shondamob123]

Good for him.