Skip to Content
Art

Van Nuys Artist Sees Work Soar in Value After LAPD Visit

UPDATE: After 70 bids, the artwork sold for $25,200. In the final twenty minutes of the auction, the price doubled as collectors battled each other to own the picture from the LA Times article.

Alex Shaefer paints pictures of banks... on fire. Last week the LA Times reported that he'd been visited by the LAPD who were concerned that he was some sort of bank-hating anarchist terrorist. The story went viral and now Alex's painting is for sale on eBay. After a starting bid of $920, the price has been climbing steadily-- the piece is currently at $10,100 and there is still about a day left for the price to go even higher as frenzied bidders attempt to snag a small piece of history.

The irony is that now the only people who can afford to buy his work are the same people who looted the financial system in the first place-- bankers. Actually, there's a second work available with a current bid at only $2,750.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

The Seven Best Tacos in Lynwood, Ranked

Consider this your compa's guide. There are the best spots for cabeza, al pastor, and asada tacos in Lynwood. Plus, some neighborhood history, including its racist past.

July 14, 2026

Norway’s Subtly Sour Waffles Have Landed in L.A., Topped With Brown Cheese and Jam

“You are just happy to be somewhere new, experiencing everything L.A. has,” Vaffel&Venn co-owner Elin Mork says. “Then the longer you stay, the more you start to yearn for the food, for the people, for the feeling of home.”

July 13, 2026

“The Dreamy Side” Dives Deep Into L.A.’s 1950’s Era Of Local Soul, Blues Music

Molina has written a deeply personal book that will delight the many fans of the music he covers and invites us all to think about the songs that make up the soundtrack of our lives.

July 12, 2026

Community Members Hold Vigil for Houston Father Killed by ICE

Close to 60 people paid tribute to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo who was killed on the early morning of July 7 while on his way to work.

July 11, 2026

Despite the 3-2 Defeat, Mexico Finally Has Reason to Believe Again

In a turn-around from previous tournaments, there’s lots of positivity surrounding the men’s national team despite their recent loss. Rafa Márquez officially stepping in to lead them into 2030's World Cup has many fans hopeful.

July 11, 2026

We Spoke With a Mother Detained In the Glass House Raids, One Year Later

"There are times in the middle of the night when I wake up thinking I’m back in that same place, because it's terrifying," the Glass House Farms worker and mother tells L.A. TACO, one year after the raids.