In May 2010, artists from Detroit’s 555 Gallery took a street art painting from one of Detroit’s most famous industrial ruins, the blighted Packard auto-plant site, to protect the painting, wall and all from scavengers or demolition.  They have kept it hidden ever since.  The image, shows a boy holding a can and a paintbrush, and alongside him the words, “I remember when all this was trees.”

The image is believed to be the work of the elusive street artist Banksy, and on this Friday, the piece will be publicly displayed at a former Southwest Detroit police station that is being converted into an art gallery and studio. The Packard site’s owner in 2010 sued the gallery to recover the artwork, which is estimated to be valued at more than $100,000.  Director of 555, Carl Goines stated that the two parties had settled the case for $2,500, which was paid by gallery supporters.

The artists who kept the Banksy piece in hiding, say they have no regrets about the paintings’ removal or the legal fight that ensued. “But there a couple of things I’d do differently now,” Mr. Goines said:

“I think I’d call a lawyer first.”

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