Endangered missing St. Charles artist found safe

A local artist, known for his larger-than-life sculptures in the Fox Valley, has been found safe, according to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.

Francis Joseph Gagnepain IV, 47, of St. Charles Township, was last seen by his family around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, and was considered an endangered missing person. The sheriff’s office posted on its Facebook page that he was found safe tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Gagnepain – known for his work as Art by Joseph – had sent messages to family members, which prompted the earlier concerns for his safety, according to the sheriff’s social media post.

Detectives used a drone to search the woods near his home on West Mary Lane in St. Charles Township – but without success, Johnson had said earlier today.