In the heart of Bend, Oregon, something quirky is afoot, and it’s turning heads—literally. It seems that somebody, or somebodies, with a playful sense of humor has been adding a dash of whimsy to the town’s public art, attaching googly eyes to sculptures like a cheeky art critic with a glue gun.
Residents and visitors to Bend have been met with the surprise of giant googly eyes hilariously embellishing sculptures around town, creating a delightful buzz that has quickly gone viral. People have taken to social media to share their amused reactions, with the googly-eyed artworks appearing on the city’s ‘Roundabout Art Route.’ Images show everything from deer to abstract sculptures humorously adorned with these cartoonish features.
However, not everyone is laughing. The City of Bend has addressed the actions, noting that while the googly eyes bring joy, they also pose a challenge. ‘While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art,’ the city said on its social media channels. Protecting the integrity of public art while keeping the fun seems to be a fine line the city is trying to walk.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from the community. One Bend resident humorously dubbed a sculpture ‘the flaming chicken’ and shared a moment of merriment with their daughter, emphasizing the need for fun in what they perceive to be an overly serious town. Others think the city should channel its resources towards pressing concerns, such as homelessness, rather than focusing on these temporary spectacles.
Meanwhile, news of Bend’s googly-eyed phenomenon has caught on nationally, even getting a humorous nod on CBS’s ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.’ City officials, however, want to ensure residents and artists understand the impact of using adhesives on the sculptures. Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell, elaborated, saying that the decorations could harm the pieces, which include materials like bronze and steel, with the potential need for full restoration—such as repainting the ‘Phoenix Rising’ sculpture.
Despite the city’s attempts to highlight the potential damage, some residents continue to enjoy the prank. Seasonal decorations are not new to Bend’s sculptures, previously being adorned with Santa hats and wreaths, but the googly eyes have certainly put a new spin on things. As the city works to clean up the minimal damage already incurred—reportedly costing $1,500—officials encourage the community to enjoy the art without causing harm.
Bend’s googly eyes may be mischievous, but they’ve undeniably added a layer of humor and conversation to the local art scene. While the city grapples with the implications of these playful enhancements, it highlights the lighter side of community interaction with public art. The discussion around this phenomenon reflects broader societal dynamics, where fun and caution intersect.
Source: Yahoo
