A set of googly eyes has been placed on a public art sculpture in Bend, Oregon. AP Photo
In the central Oregon city of Bend, a quirky trend has emerged that has both delighted locals and sparked widespread attention. Googly eyes have been appearing on various sculptures around town, causing a viral sensation. The art installations, which are part of Bend’s “Roundabout Art Route,” have become an unexpected canvas for these playful additions. Photos shared by the city show googly eyes attached to sculptures, including a pair of deer and a spherical structure in one of the city's roundabouts. The identity of the person behind these additions remains a mystery.
While the city acknowledges the humor behind the googly eyes, it also points out that removing them can be costly and requires care to avoid damaging the artwork. Bend’s social media posts explain that while the eyes may offer a good laugh, removing them involves a significant effort, and that adhesive materials used to attach them can be harmful to the sculptures.
The city’s post on Facebook received hundreds of comments, many from residents expressing their enjoyment of the googly eyes. One comment shared how a mother and daughter had passed by the "Phoenix Rising" sculpture, affectionately called the "flaming chicken," and shared a hearty laugh. The user remarked that the googly eyes were a refreshing change in a town that could sometimes feel too serious. Another commenter specifically praised the eyes on the deer sculpture, suggesting they should stay as part of the artwork permanently.
Despite the positive reactions, some users voiced concerns about the time and money the city was spending to remove the eyes. They argued that the city should focus on more pressing issues, such as homelessness, instead of removing a harmless decoration. Bend has a history of adding seasonal decorations to its sculptures, such as Santa hats, wreaths, and leis, and these have typically been left in place without issue. However, the googly eyes have raised concerns because of the adhesive used to attach them.
Googly eyes added to a public art sculpture in Bend, Oregon, have caught the attention of locals. AP Photo
Rene Mitchell, Bend’s communications director, explained that while the city encourages creativity and community engagement with the public art, the adhesives used in the googly eyes could damage the sculptures. The city’s goal is to protect these pieces of art and preserve them for future generations, which is why the eyes need to be removed carefully. Mitchell further clarified that there was no intention to be harsh in the city’s response, and the posts were meant to raise awareness about the potential damage adhesives can cause.
As of now, Bend has spent about $1,500 to remove googly eyes from seven of the eight sculptures that have been affected. The “Phoenix Rising” sculpture may need to be repainted entirely due to the damage caused by the eyes. Despite the effort required to remove the googly eyes, some residents still see them as a welcome source of fun. One social media commenter expressed excitement about seeing the creativity behind the decorations during the holidays, saying that the silliness brought a smile to everyone’s face.
