banksybee Graffiti, the colorful, coarse and often vexing form of vandalism, becomes artwork to some when bold artists take daring risks to paint stunning and occasionally thought-provoking pieces on everything from billboards and office buildings to stop signs and freeway overpasses.

One of the most notorious of these artists is the mysterious, British street artist Banksy, who since the early 90s has garnered both praise and disdain for secretly painting his distinctive stencil artwork in cities around the world.

Although Banksy typically targets notable venues and large metropolitan areas, three unique art pieces in elusive locations around the city have residents speculating whether the famed artist ever brought his popular graffiti art to the streets of Downey.

Unlike some street art, the Downey pieces are subtle and all appear on vacant properties around the city. According to the city’s Public Works department, the stencil artwork, which showcases three separate scenes featuring kids and bumble bees, emerged nearly four years ago.

CONTINUE READING CHRISTIAN BROWN’S STORY IN THE DOWNEY PATRIOT