BRADENTON BEACH – In 1949, David Burliuk painted a street scene in Bradenton Beach that prominently featured the Bayside Inn, which is now the Bridge Tender Inn.

The painting has been in Hallandale Beach resident Leo Grachow's family since the early 1950s, and he now hopes to sell it to someone who will return it to the Island.

As part of these efforts, Grachow recently contacted Bridge Street Merchants' board member Amanda Escobio.

"I am interested in seeing this nostalgic view of the Bayside Inn, now the Bridge Tender Inn, returned to where it originated and owned by a collector or entity that appreciates this exceptional work of art," he said in an e-mail to Escobio.

The original oil painting is 17 1/2 inches wide, 13 1/2 inches tall and sits in the original 23 x 19 wooden frame. It is signed "Burliuk 1949 Florida."

Grachow's e-mail included a description of the artist.

"He was an American artist of Ukrainian/Russian descent, considered to be the father of Russian Futurism. Burliuk combined elements of Fauvism, expressionism and neo-primitivism to create a unique and avant-garde style

"In speaking to those knowledgeable about the artist, it appears that he and his son were very fond of this area of Florida, probably or possibly even staying at the Bayside Inn."

Grachow's e-mail noted that many art brokers and auction houses have expressed interest in the painting, but he stated another preference, "My personal connection dictates that finding an interested party for whom this painting holds meaning would be more appropriate."

According to Wikipedia, Burliuk was born in 1882 in the area now known as Ukraine. He first traveled to the United States in 1917 and he lived in Long Island, New York, for 20 years until his death in 1967.

Burliuk's work includes at least two other paintings of the Island. The WikiArt.org website references a 1948 water color listed as "Anna-Maria Island, Florida" that depicts a shoreline, skyline and coastal road with three houses facing the water. That painting is part of a private collection, as is a 1946 painting, also listed as "Anna-Maria Island, Florida," that depicts a couple walking down a coastal road with cottages and farmhouses in the background.

The March 4, 1959, edition of the St. Petersburg Times included notice that Burliuk would be among the artists participating in an art exhibit and tour of Anna Maria Island homes benefitting the Women's Auxiliary of the Church of the Annunciation.

Burliuk is often associated with the futurism movement of the early 1900s, but his Island paintings are categorized as primitivism.

"I always thought the characters looked a little cartoonish, but that's his genre, and his other characters look similar during that time period," Grachow said of the painting that has been his family for more than 60 years.

The painting resided at his parents' home in New York City until his mother passed away and he inherited it and brought it to southeast Florida about 10 years ago.

Speaking by phone recently, Grachow discussed the family heirloom.

"We've had it since 1951. It was always in the house. I'm not certain, but I think it was purchased by my parents at a fund-raiser. Burliuk lived in Connecticut and he probably gravitated into the same circle as my parents. He may have donated the painting."

Grachow once visited the Island while working in Bradenton, but he was unable to locate the building depicted in the painting because he didn't know where to look. While traveling in Wyoming, he later met a former Bradenton Beach resident to who put him in touch with someone who identified the building.

"If someone were to offer me $10,000, I would take it. The auction house feels they would start it at about $12,000, but they would be selling it nationally or internationally," Grachow said.

Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal is aware of the painting and according to manager Shannon Dunnan he offered to pay up to $1,000.

"I'm also open to displaying it in a gallery on loan rather than having it just sitting on my wall," Grachow said. "I've looked at it for over 60 years. I'd like the people from Bradenton Beach to have the opportunity to look at it. I think that's what my parents would have wanted."

Restaurant owner and businessman Ed Chiles said he would love to see the painting on display at The Studio at Gulf and Pine. Other interested parties can contact leograchow@gmail.com.