DETROIT - Sale signs were seen hanging from the necks of the statues of former Detroit politicians Hazen S. Pingree and William C. Maybury at Grand Circus Park. The signs, which were spotted on Wednesday, Aug. 13, were large and neon green. On each was a phrase, reading, “Motor City Going Out of Business Sale!”
Social media accounts reported spotting similar signs in other parts of the City.
Artist Jerry Peterson, known as Jerry Vile, who had previously posted sale ads for Detroit landmarks in the Metro Times, told the alternative weekly that he was the one responsible for the signs.
The signs come after Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr hired New York-based international auction house Christie’s Appraisals to assess the value of the City’s art collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Pingree and Maybury both served as mayors of Detroit in the late 1800’s. Pingree, who was known for fighting monopolies, later became the governor of Michigan.
Leave a Reply