Detroit's Emergency Manager to Have Art Value Appraised

Asks Christie's to look at city-owned collection

Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr has contracted Christie's Appraisals Inc. to appraise a portion of the city-owned arts collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

In a statement posted on its website, Christie's said it has been contracted for appraisal services and "will also assist and advise on how to realize value for the city (of Detroit) while leaving the art in the city's ownership."

The appraisal of the DIA artwork is part of a larger valuation of all of the city's assets that will be necessary for the legal system to reach a conclusion about the best long-term solution for Detroit, Christie's stated.