The "Art Theif" feature was conceived by Philadelphia Daily News special-sections editor Becky Batcha for inclusion in an expanded, tween-friendly Saturday entertainment section. It is written and drawn by Amy Raudenbush and several were field-tested by Daily News copy editor, Elizabeth Slocum. Its name is explained in the underline, "Kids, steal these tips from a pro." In addition to a how-to-draw lesson, each page introduces a secondary art-related topic, such as anatomy, ciaruscuro or foreshortening.

    When the Daily News was sold in the summer of 2010, the Art Thief project was put on permanent hold. There are eleven unpublished Art Thief pages.