In Bend, Oregon, a quirky trend has caught the city’s attention as residents have been playfully adding googly eyes to public art.
The city, known for its vibrant art scene, suddenly found itself in the spotlight when statues and murals became the unsuspecting hosts of these comical additions. This viral sensation brought laughter to many, with social media buzzing over the googly transformations. One Facebook user humorously suggested that leaving the googly eyes on would cost nothing, sparking debate among locals.
Among the amused residents was a mother who shared a light-hearted moment with her daughter, describing their encounter with the ‘Phoenix Rising’ sculpture, affectionately referred to as the ‘flaming chicken.’ She expressed her delight at the googly eyes, lamenting that the town was becoming too serious and calling for a bit more fun.
Another resident chimed in, specifically praising the googly eyes on a deer statue, suggesting they added character to the artwork. Yet, not everyone was in on the joke, as some pointed out that the city might prioritize more pressing issues, such as homelessness.
The city’s governance, however, found the situation a bit sticky, quite literally. Due to the adhesive used, the googly eyes posed a risk to the artwork’s integrity. Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell, explained the challenge of removing the adhesive without damaging the sculptures. The city decided to act, spending $1,500 on removing googly eyes from seven of the impacted sculptures.
Rene Mitchell further emphasized the city’s intent, clarifying there was no desire to be overbearing. The city simply aimed to protect its public art collection from unintended harm. Ms. Mitchell reminded the community that while engagement with art is encouraged, adhesives can cause damage.
Intriguingly, while the googly eyes were removed to safeguard the art, seasonal decorations like Santa hats and wreaths were left untouched by the city council, showcasing a peculiar distinction in what art enhancements are deemed acceptable.
The cost of this cleanup was not trivial, and certain sculptures, like ‘Phoenix Rising,’ might require costly repainting due to the glue’s impact on its metal surface.
It’s clear that Bend, Oregon, faces a unique challenge in balancing playful community engagement with the preservation of its public art. While googly eyes might bring a smile, the city remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its sculptures, ensuring art can be both fun and protected.
Source: News.sky
