The Department of Cultural Affairs is now trying to find a new home for several large murals that were painted at the encampment.
The department says it's looking for an organization that would be able to take the murals, preserve them and put them on display.
But Occupy L.A. organizers argue the murals should be released to them, saying in a letter that the city "misunderstands the true purpose and value" of the murals.
"By naming them 'artifact,' you describe our once-living art as lifeless and attempt to frame our movement as such," the letter read. "We assure you that the occupation is very much alive and well."
The murals include a 24-by-16 foot panel showing a giant octopus, representing a greedy federal reserve bank, with tentacles grabbing cash and foreclosed homes. Other panels include spray painted signatures of Occupy demonstrators.
The works were painted on plywood built to protect a fountain outside of city hall, while hundreds of people camped on the lawn.
Groups interested in the murals have until 5 p.m. Monday to submit their proposal.
See photos of protesters gathered around City Hall past the eviction deadline.
City News Service contributed to this report.
