Since the YWCA opened on Richards Street in 1927, a large portrait of a mother and child had hung along a stairwell in the downtown building.

Until Saturday, that is.

The painting was discovered missing when Cheryl Ka'uhane Lupenui showed up for a board retreat about 7 a.m. Saturday. Ka'uhane Lupenui, YWCA O'ahu's president and chief executive officer, believes the painting was taken sometime Friday.

The painting was in a gold frame about 3 feet by 4 feet. Ka'uhane Lupenui said she didn't know who painted the picture or what its value is, but said it had been hanging in the same spot for nearly 80 years and the YWCA would like it back.

"It was so distressing because it's been there for all these years and why would you take it?" Ka'uhane Lupenui said. "I don't know if it's valuable or not. But that really wasn't the question as much as it has so much historic value to the YWCA."

The portrait was donated by the Atherton family and was one of many art pieces given to the YWCA for its grand opening in 1927.

Ka'uhane Lupenui said the painting is in an accessible area and there are no signs that anyone broke into the building when it closed at 9 p.m. Friday.

"It could have happened while the building was still open when there are few staff members on board. There are times where nobody would be in the lobby and it could have walked out," she said.

Anyone with information about the picture is asked to call police or the YWCA at 538-7061, ext. 222.

"Or they can just put it back. No questions asked," Ka'uhane Lupenui said.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.