Seven works of art stolen from an Edmonton hospital are now back in the hands of local artists.

Jeanette Spencer and Barbara Mitchell received their paintings from police on Monday, a month after they were stolen from Gray Nuns State Hospital.

“It was like absolute bliss,” Mitchell told CBC News. “It was like getting your kids back.”

Police and security identified the suspect from the hospital’s security footage. A woman surrendered the artifact voluntarily and was not charged, police said, adding that the suspect suffered from mental illness.

“It pulls on your heartstrings,” Spencer said. “I’m so grateful to the hospital and the police for taking the time to get them back.”

The hospital regularly exhibits works by local artists and 20 percent of sales go to charity.

Five of Mitchell’s geode-style works were stolen using wire cutters from a hall near the entrance to the hospital entrance.

Spencer’s medium-sized paintings of a fox and a prairie scene were stolen from the cafeteria.

“Covenant Health is pleased to have these works of art returned, thanks to the diligent work of Protective Services,” the department that oversees the hospital said in a statement. he said.

“Our security systems have since been reviewed and will be adjusted.”

Both women praised the work of Edmonton police Const. Christine Von Beiker, who worked on the file.

“He just went for it,” Mitchell said. “They contacted me by text, email and phone. First they identified the suspect and then they got the pictures back. So I think the police have been very positive about it, they’ve been extremely helpful.”

Mitchell’s works are still in good condition, but Spencer says he is working to repair damage to the edges of his paintings and remove the smell of cigarette smoke.

Both plan to continue exhibiting their work at Gray Nuns, and Spencer has already completed its missing pieces.

“I love these paintings,” Spencer said. “You don’t realize how much you love them until they’re lost or taken away from you. So it’s pretty exciting to get them back and we’ll see what happens to them in the future.”