In Bend, Oregon, googly eyes have mysteriously appeared on public sculptures, turning the city’s art installations into a lighthearted viral phenomenon. Social media buzz, local delight, and even coverage on a late-night TV show have propelled the quirky additions into the spotlight.
Bend’s “Roundabout Art Route” became the focus when city officials shared photos of the googly-eyed sculptures. Among the images, a sculpture of two deer and a spherical installation sported the playful eyes, igniting widespread amusement. While the identity of the prankster remains a mystery, the whimsical decorations have sparked both laughter and debate among locals.
The city acknowledged the humor but pointed out the practical concerns. “The googly eyes might make people laugh, but removing them without damaging the sculptures comes at a cost,” city officials wrote on social media.
Hundreds of comments poured in, with many expressing support for the creative prank. One Facebook user described how they and their daughter laughed at the sight of the googly-eyed “Phoenix Rising” sculpture, nicknamed the “flaming chicken.” Another suggested the googly eyes on the deer sculpture should become a permanent feature.
However, not everyone was on board. Some argued the city should prioritize more pressing issues, like addressing homelessness, over spending resources on removing googly eyes.
Bend’s sculptures have seen seasonal decorations like Santa hats and wreaths in the past, but the city draws a distinction between those items and googly eyes due to the adhesive used, explained Rene Mitchell, Bend’s communications director.
“We love when the community engages with art and has fun, but it’s important to ensure the sculptures remain unharmed,” Mitchell said.
Despite its lighthearted intent, the city’s initial post sparked some backlash, as Mitchell acknowledged: “We didn’t mean to come across as heavy-handed, but we felt it was necessary to inform the public that adhesives can damage the art.”
So far, the city has spent $1,500 carefully removing googly eyes from seven sculptures, with one still untouched. The damage assessment for “Phoenix Rising” suggests it might even require a full repaint.
For many, however, the googly eyes are a source of seasonal joy. One commenter shared their appreciation for whoever regularly decorates the roundabouts during holidays, saying, “These little surprises bring smiles and silliness to everyone.”
While the googly eyes may be gone, the playful prank has left its mark on Bend, both literally and figuratively, as locals continue to debate the line between creativity and preservation.
Source: AP News
